Allen West's (R) FL. Hummer, "It cost me $75. to fill it up."

By Steve Benen

 - 

Thu Feb 23, 2012 4:06 PM EST

Associated Press

President Obama was in South Florida this afternoon, discussing energy policy and increased oil production at the University of Miami. With rising gas prices, the president is, not surprisingly, eager to discuss his ideas about reducing energy costs.

And then there's Rep. Allen West (R) of Florida, who shared his own concerns about the same issue on his Facebook page today.

"This 'tax policy' is an example as well as today's speech on his 'energy policy' shall be. Here is the bottom line, last night it took 70 dollars to fill the tank of my 2008 H3 Hummer, what is it costing you? What does it cost the president to fill his gas tank?"

It's hard not to enjoy the realization that West doesn't see the humor in this.

The far-right lawmaker drives a monstrous, almost cartoonish, vehicle, which was discontinued several years ago, and which gets about 15 miles per gallon. What's more, I know West's congressional district well -- I was born and raised in there -- and I can say with certainty that there's no practical reason the unhinged congressman needs to drive an Urban Assault Vehicle there.

They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.

If West wants to whine about gas prices, fine; he can join the club. But he doesn't get to complain about sticker shock when he's driving a five-year-old H3.

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MY THOUGHTS:
First, The H3 is a fine bush country machine, even if its built on the Suburban platform, they improved the suspension, clearance, and many other features that out does the Suburban when off the paved and improved roads. But for urban use, it doesn't make sense, I admit I do like the tough look of the Hummers, but looks are not as important as fuel efficiency, safety, and reliability.

His statement indicates that the Republicans have no concept about depleting oil reserves and saving any for future generations. They are only interested in drilling and burning up as much as they can before they die. To hell will future generations... Give me mine now....

We must replace fossil fuel with renewable clean energy. The technology is there and improving yearly. But it needs a political will to keep the momentum going and the assist some of the struggling technologies come to market.

The Republicans point finger at some of the new technology companies that went bust. Much of that is the credit markets and investors are not there to carry them into the market and to develop the consumer base needed to sustain viability.

In other countries, mainly European, governments are subsidizing these new technologies and bringing them to market. They are starting to see the return on that investment by the government. Fossil fuel consumption is on a decline there, more and more power is being generated by wind and solar. America is so far behind these other countries in the conversion of our energy to renewable, that very soon, they will have much cheaper energy costs with will relate into much cheaper manufacturing costs, so even with wages higher, companies will move to these countries for the huge savings in their energy costs.

Wake up Republicans, we must invest in these technologies and bring them to market her in America and we need to educate our workforce so we can create the innovations that drive a healthy economy.