Democracy Now!

Joseph Abdul

3/16/2014

Democracy Now!: Week 7

            Democrat senators are advocating for renewable energy and against the Keystone pipeline. Republicans on the other hand disagree with the democrats and labeling them as “alarmists”. Consumers advocate Ralph Nader claims that protests, marches, picketing, etc., are not effective until congress is unified on the issue. The Keystone pipeline is already in progress; when completed, it will be a step backwards from the effort of converting the national source of energy to renewables. Many are still concerned with the rising politician interest in nuclear energy. It is an efficient but dangerous source of electricity due to the radioactive materials involved.

            On another note this week, GM may have ignored crucial defects in their compact cars since 2003. The problem with the ignition switches, which have contributed to at least 13 deaths, was treated as a consumer satisfaction issue. The cars would suddenly turn off leaving the driver with no power, no steering, no brakes, and no airbags. Federal regulators may have also failed to take action. For over 11 years or consumer complaints, the National Highway Safety Administration still ignored the problem, claiming that there is not enough evidence. Layers of bureaucracy prevent such serious issues from being heard by the CEO’s, according to Nader. It seems to me that GM works hand in hand with the NHSA to keep costs low. Given that there are 1.6 million vehicles with this defect, of it costs 20 dollars to fix each; GM would be looking at over $30 million. It makes sense to avoid the recall from an economic standpoint to the company. Corporate gains shouldn’t be a factor when it comes to human lives. 

Links to videos:

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/12/nader_on_senates_climate_stance_insanity

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/12/a_culture_of_timidity_ralph_nader