SPDR S&P 500 (SPY)

[leftyg]

So, I believe a proposal has been floated here that the bulk, if not all, of the sugar cane growth and processing take place outside of the U.S., and that we lower ethanol tariffs and import the product from producing countries.

I muse at the impact that necessary level of growth and processing might have on the global community, or upon the environment of Brazil or similar countries. Surely there must be careful studies, and real science, before such investments could be made. I fear that, if things are done in the usual way..that after 10 years of financial commitment, a snail-darter, acid rain, or similar cause dear to the heart of the eco-terrorists would stop the production.

Brazil seems to be a friendly nation now..but if they were the nexus of a new OPEC, and could wield economic power over the US..and a Hugo Chavez type leader emerged..well, we can all guess the rest.

It appears that corn is not the ethanol answer. I agree that long-term, fossil fuels are not the answer either. My personal preference for the energy source that provides the best ratio of return/risk is nuclear.......but the eco's go nuclear when that is discussed.