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The Debate on Clean Energy

While Michael Grunwald's article on the emerging ethanol industry was both chilling and truthful, it's damaging to demonize the global effort to develop clean fuels as "myth," "scam" and "hype" [April 7]. It is no myth that thousands of scientists and their teams are working feverishly to create biofuels such as ethanol, biodiesel and biobutanol from nonfood plants grown on land unsuitable for food production. We could not have landed on the moon without first launching at Kitty Hawk. We're getting better at this every day. Mark Beyer, DETROIT

Your cover story provides a distorted, inaccurate picture of biofuels. The overwhelming body of data demonstrates the carbon benefits of biofuels. For every unit of energy it takes to make domestic biodiesel, 3.5 units are gained, giving biodiesel the highest energy balance of any liquid fuel. It also has a 78% life-cycle carbon dioxide reduction. In 2007 alone, biodiesel's contribution to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions was the equivalent of removing 700,000 passenger vehicles from America's roadways. The U.S. biodiesel industry strongly opposes rain-forest destruction and nonsustainable agricultural practices. It is implementing a major initiative to enhance the overall sustainability of biodiesel production. Biodiesel increases our renewable-energy supply, adds well-paying, green jobs to the economy and reduces carbons and other emissions. I am proud to work in an industry that addresses these critical issues facing our nation and world. Joe Jobe, CEO, National Biodiesel Board JEFFERSON CITY, MO.

I knew it! thank you for the in-depth reporting on the ethanol and biofuel rip-off. Are we as a nation so inept? Can't we figure out why prices for eggs and other groceries have gone up 30% in the past year? Please keep on top of this issue. David Jennings, SPRINGFIELD, ILL.

Face it: there's no one fuel Panacea, and in the final analysis, humans will have to scale back their numbers in order to live within a finite fossil- (or even renewable-) fuel world. And good luck with that. William L. Seavey, AMBRIA, CALIF.

Why doesn't our government tell the tobacco growers to replace 10% of their crops with corn or soybeans? If they did this for 10 years, we could lower the rate of the nation's No. 1 preventable cause of death--smoking--while providing more sources for biofuel. Of course, politicians from tobacco-growing states would never allow this. Gary Dillingham, HOMER, N.Y.

So It Goes

Dick Cheney's monosyllabic response of "So?" when he was asked about the two-thirds of Americans who oppose the Iraq war suggests he is more committed to forcing democracy on Iraq than to practicing it in this country [April 7]. Roy Hartzler, NEW PARIS, IND.

Gore-Obama

Joe Klein's article provides a refreshing alternative to the dismal prospects facing Democrats in the current campaign. Al Gore has proven himself on a global playing field. Can the ordinary citizen be so strong as to bypass the delegates' nominee and write in Gore on the ballot in November? Barbara Sturman, LEXINGTON, KY.

Klein states that the African Americans who support Barack Obama will sulk and stay home if Hillary Clinton is nominated [April 7]. What does he think we women feel? Although millions of us are angry that Obama couldn't wait four more years, we are not unwise enough to sulk, stay home or vote for John McCain. Cecilie K. Bodnar, CANANDAIGUA, N.Y.

Media Circus

I am a loyal Fox news viewer because it is the only station that offers two viewpoints [April 7]. That's more than I can say about any other news network. Cheryl Conroy, LEESBURG, IND.

You folks still don't get it: Fox news is not about George W. Bush. It's about an alternative for independent moderates and conservatives to the overwhelmingly liberal media. Snow Taylor, RICHMOND, VA.

To Quit or Not to Quit

I'm glad Clinton comes from a family in which quitting is not an option [April 7], but forging ahead without integrity is simply wrong. Many people believe they are the best person for any job. But to subvert the mandate of the voters and try to influence delegates directly will do irreparable harm to the country, the Democratic Party and the integrity of the process. Adam Signore, MEDWAY, MASS.

I share Senator Clinton's dismay over Democratic officials' putting aside their own judgment in favor of their children's enthusiastic support for Obama. Young people are enthusiastic about fast cars and loud music too, but that is no reason to embrace them. Ann Gardner, DOVER, DEL.

The Buzz on Starbucks

If Starbucks wants to get its company back on track, it must first realize who purchases its addictive creations [April 7]. I am one of the company's slipping middle-class customers who have felt the nation's recent economic downturn in their wallet. I must justify which is more important, a latte or a gallon of gas? William R. Traxler, PINCONNING, MICH.

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