[Rhodes22-list] Corny energy source

[Kroposki]

Ron, Rummy,
	If you use current dollars and expense this out, yes it cost
more to produce energy from corn, or other organics.  But, ad in the
what ifs and future costs and reliability factors, then it becomes a
concern of national interest.  
	If you have a rudimentary system in place to provide alternative
energy in the event of a problem, then you do not have to start from
zero.  So nationally, it is an appropriate investment for research.  You
develop the knowledge base and skills to deal with a problem.
	History has shown that 'pure' research often filters down into
practical applications.  While the present costs are higher, who is to
say that Roger's idea, research, and applying the results, might not be
the thing that makes it cost effective?  Once the cost are about equal
then the economies of scale might kick in.  
	An important factor is jobs and opportunity.  Under the current
system the United States is using (wasting) economic wealth.  Anyway you
look at it, the money spent buying oil or any manufactured item overseas
is wealth in their pocket.  Even if they reinvest their wealth in
American stocks, bonds, etc, the wealth belongs to them, not us.  
	The current Republican argument is for free trade.  But this is
really transferring an important part of wealth away from us.  While
free trade may provide a cheaper product, the income of that item that
created the wealth is transferred to someone else.
	This analogy can now be applied to General Boats.  Initially,
Stan made many of the elements of the Rhodes22.  He added other items
and manufactured a new item thereby creating a thing of new value, a new
wealth creation.  Now, Elton will use the market and skills learned with
the Rhodes 22 to sell the Seaward 26.  This no longer has the wealth
creation aspect (except to Hake Yachts).  It reselling may make money
for the intermediary, but no intrinsic wealth creation to the country.  
		Ed K

To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
I just saw an article on this.  A Cornell prof. who analysed ethanol
Production initially claimed that 70% more energy is used to produce
ethanol than it contains.  After some back and forth with industry
consultants he revised the number to 29%.  It's a high stakes political
game, as the recent energy bill showed.
A bill with many provisions distasteful to the Democrats was supported
by
the Democratic representatives from the farm states.

Ron
----- Original Message -----
From: <R22RumRunner at aol.com>
To: <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>

> Roger,
> Question? Is alcohol made from corn a viable energy source? It seems
to me
> that it takes more energy to produce the stuff than is realized from
it's
> production. Figuring in the costs of the farmer in energy to plant and
harvest (not
> to mention the gov't subsidies to plant it) and dry and store and then
turn it
> into alcohol, it seems like a losing battle.
>
> Rummy