Byron Yankey's blog

The power of blogs

Like many bloggers I often wonder who is reading and does it make any difference.  For over a year I have learned many things from young people.  Many of them are bloggers or people who rely on blogs for information, dialog, and entertainment.

Not many of my peers read blogs. Many have negative opinions about them.  They often say blogs are filled with faulty information; unsubstantiated falsehoods. They point to comments that can be made on blogs as hurtful, vulgar and tasteless. (I point out that some people have the same perspectives about newspapers and magazines.)

Blogs have become part of my life and I believe I am better for that.  They have expanded my thinking. They have challenged my perspectives. And, they have caused me to see bigger pictures.  Yes, I have read some blogs I thought were inappropriate, but the value of all the others far out weighs any reactionary decision to stop reading blogs entirely.

Without standing too high on the free speech soapbox, I will say blogs have the greatest potential to shape public policy and hold those responsible for decisions accountable.(I also believe Ben Franklin and John Adams would have been the first bloggers had the technology existed then.) I applaud the major movement towards openness of the Obama administration.  I hope some how, some day Idaho will catch up.

Follow these links and you will see what I mean.
1) "The IPC grid, and the blow back" from the Ridenbaugh Press
2)"the powerful" Stop Idaho Power blog
3)Protect Canyon County
4)Move Idaho Power
5)Protect Parma

My opinion is we need an expanded power grid, one that will allow the full usage of alternative energy sources such as wind and geothermal power. That grid needs to be expanded by using public lands as much as practical.  See what you think.

Alternative Energy Perspective

The development and use of alternative energy sources such as solar, geothermal and wind power needs to prosper in the next decade.  Idaho's public utilities need both incentives and requirements to move this focus forward.  One requirement could be a mandate to purchase excess electric energy generated by all sources, to foster development and expansion.  The Northwest Power Grid is operating currently at 97% capacity, that means the grid must be expanded to accommodate any increase in energy generation.  Part of this solution could come from Idaho's colleges and universities, who have a unique opportunity to become research facilities  enhancing energy technologies.  Business could use these developments to create needed equipment and products made in Idaho by Idaho workers.  All of this will take comprehensive initiative and planning. I believe the Idaho legislature needs to lead this charge.