Commentaries

June 01, 2009

 Commentaries is where Minnesota Public Radio welcomes your thoughtful opinion about current events and issues. Commentaries are like letters to the editor. To be considered for publication, your commentary should be issue-related, clearly written, and follow our Terms of Use. New insights into ongoing topics are especially welcome. Not all commentaries received are published. For topical interaction with others, visit the discussion groups.

Submit your commentary!


Efficiency challenge: Electricity vs. natural gas

The statement was made on Midmorning that the efficiency of electric appliances is higher than those that burn natural gas. [MPR Midmorning: Incentives to improve your home]

This is only true if you look at the energy source after it got to the house. Electrical energy delivered to the house represents only about 1/3 of the energy of the original fuel source (often coal) the rest is lost at the power plant and bringing the electricity into the house. If you start at the actual energy source then natural gas is more efficient.

This is particularly important for anyone who cares about global warming. A lot more carbon dioxide is generated to deliver the same amount of energy in the home (unless it's from nuclear power) as comes from using natural gas.

Christopher Plum
Minnetonka, Minn.


The American Dream is dead

If the American Dream means our kids having a better life than we baby boomers, then the Dream is Dead. [MPR Midday: Is the recession killing the American Dream?]

An honest look at all of the IOU's coming due in the next 30 years... ecological collapse, unfunded liabilities of many and sundry types (e.g. social security and health care for the baby boomers retiring), and the very real potential of global warfare with radical Islam reveals an inevitable and crushing burden on the next several generations.

We must stop the magical thinking that has this society in denial about these brute facts!

Mark Toogood
St. Paul, Minn.


My life as a non-sports fan

The host asked about the lives on non-sports fans. [MPR Midmorning: The nature of being a sports fan]

While the fans are watching sports as a way to fortify their egos (as if anything about pro-sports has the least bit to do with them), I am at the gym or outside being sports and fitness.

Kirk D. Van Dorn
Mahnomen, Minn.


MPR News
Radio

Listen Now

On Air

Morning Edition®

Schedule

Shortcuts
Hourly Newscast
Hosts
Station Map

Other Radio Streams from MPR

Classical MPR
Radio Heartland

Services

Become a Sponsor

In The Spotlight

  • Sound Learning

    Looking for ways to ensure your students are doing quality research from credible sources? Sound Learning is a launching point to Minnesota Public Radio's content on the Web.

  • The Current Music Blog

    Your daily note for good music, news and pop culture. With attempted jokes.