There are already complaints about the new regulation relating to the increased cost of new automobiles and the reluctance to do anything to improve global warming, since many find the science inconclusive. As for the cost, it could be substantial. New car prices may rise up to $1,000. That’s certainly nothing to sneeze at, but this extra cost will certainly pay for itself in reduced fuel costs. Besides, once the car companies begin making more fuel efficient cars on a large scale, the economies of scale will likely kick in and bring this upfront increase down.

As for those who oppose the more stringent standards based on their skepticism of global warming, I offer this advice: Put that aside for a moment. Whatever you think about global warming, there is no doubt that our nation faces a major problem: Our reliance on foreign oil. I really don’t like that we get so much of our oil from the Middle East and other hostile countries. One of America’s chief goals should be to become energy independent. The Obama administration recently stated that more drilling will be allowed off the U.S. coast. The increase isn’t as expansive as I’d like, but it’s a step in the right direction to increase our domestic supply. By also increasing our fuel efficiency standards, we will be decreasing our domestic demand. If domestic supply continues to rise while domestic demand continues to drop, then we will be heading in the right direction.

Of course, you might still disagree with me. If you do, then feel free to continue opposing these new standards while driving inefficient vehicles. I’m sure the terrorists who live in Middle Eastern countries who benefit from your decision will thank you.

The terrorist who attempted the latest attack was allowed to fly, despite being on a terrorist watch list, and he had displayed some questionable behavior. There was more than enough reason to be suspicious, but “the system” failed. The only things that saved the 300 passengers on that plane were a poorly trained terrorist and a brave passenger.

You could argue that standard procedures could have prevented the plane from coming so close to almost certain destruction, and you would probably be right. The problem is that we can’t be focused on merely doing enough. We need to do everything in our power to assure that passengers are safe, and terrorists are unable to carry out their plans. One of the best ways is to install body scanners at airports.

The scanners can give a detailed image of a passenger and check for weapons or explosives. You would think that this idea would receive unanimous support, but of course, the American Civil Liberites Union and some members of Congress are opposed. They seem to feel the scanners are an invasion of privacy. I feel thse people are buffoons.

Americans need to be protected. If passengers don’t want to have their privacy violated by having a temporary picture taken of them, then they can find another means of transportation. The United States cannot afford to risk the lives of its citizens in order to appease those who have no clue about the dangers lurking from abroad.