Mark Twain once joked that Wagner’s music was much better than it sounded.

Washington wants us to think the same thing about cap-and-trade. Even though it’s obviously going to mean higher costs for consumers, we’re supposed to believe it’s going to be better than that.

It’s not. And now, even Democrats are beginning to realize it:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/cap-and-trade-faces-uphill-climb-in-senate

As the article notes, some Senate Democrats are already warning that the bill must be fixed. Here is how Senator Claire McCaskill tweeted about it:

“I hope we can fix cap and trade so it doesn’t unfairly punish businesses and families in coal dependent states like Missouri.”

But cap-and-trade can’t be fixed because it inevitably means raising prices for consumers. That’s how the whole thing works.

A better solution would be to invest in renewable energy. That’s a plan that doesn’t rob working people; in fact, it helps them and it helps the entire country.

This week we learn that the price of oil has begun to slip:

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20090602/D98IG75O0.html

As I’ve previously written on this blog, I think oil is overpriced and will eventually come down.  This is a small example.  What’s interesting is why the price is down: investors fear that inflation is on the horizon.  And they may be right.  The projected Obama budget during the next few years is expected to add more to the national debt than all the other presidents combined from Washington to Bush.  Now, I’m not a mathematician.  But that sounds like a lot of money.

Inflation is another good reason why we need to invest in renewable energy.  Energy sources like biomass are affordable and effective…and can help get us off our oil addiction.

Check out my website for more information on how our new Advanced Trailer for Biomass is changing the energy industry.

Our oldest daughter, Miranda, is in 5th grade at Clyde Intermediate School.  This sign represents two years of fundraising projects that the students worked on.  When we talk about “school pride” and teaching our children the values of hard work and saving money, what better way can you express school pride than to see what we were able to witness on Friday at the unveiling ceremony.  Friday just also happened to be my birthday so I appreciate the fun note on the sign.

This is something special.  The kids at Clyde Intermediate worked hard for two years to raise the money for a new school sign.  All those kids got to experience the benefits that come from hard work and setting goals … and reaching those goals.  We at APT Advanced Trailer were blessed to be involved with this project in a small way as well.  But make no mistake – this sign was the result of some hard work by these kids and a great way they could give back to their school.

I also feel fortunate that Miranda was able to learn something from this experience as well.  Its something that I saw my Dad do over and over again – giving!

- Randy Hill, Texas Entrepreneur