Extended Reading List

I would like to provide a “links” posting for my readers so that they can form their own opinion on the issue of energy dependency.  I have three specific sets of sites to recommend.

First, I suggest staying updated on media regarding the presidential election because, quite frequently, a small section or blurb on the energy crisis is included. For this class blog, for instance, we were required to watch three weekly shows; Colbert Report or Daily Show, Bill O’Reilly or Sean Hannity on Fox News, and Rachel Maddow or Melissa Harris-Perry show on MSNBC. Watching these shows not only helped me learn how each political party forms their arguments but also how energy relates to politics and the candidates’ rhetorical strategies.

News links from all sides of the issue:

• http://www.politics1.com/news.htm (A collective of all different political news and resources)
• http://www.nytimes.com/yr/mo/day/politics/ http://uspolitics.einnews.com/
• http://votesmart.org/

Secondly, I recommend that readers become well informed on the topic of energy dependency before delving into the political side of the issue. Here are a few sites that I believe provide a wealth of information: Also, make sure to look at each site’s hyperlinks because they usually will transfer you to other credible sites on the issue. (Even though some are government websites, they are providing facts and statistics released through the corresponding government agency.)

• http://www.americanenergyindependence.com/ https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2174rank.html
• http://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/index.cfm
• http://www.edf.org/
• http://www.epa.gov/
• http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/
• http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/
• http://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/pet_move_impcus_a2_nus_ep00_im0_mbbl_m.htm
• http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/technology/politics/
• http://www.heritage.org/issues/energy-and-environment/energy-policy

Thirdly, I advise reading each political candidate’s stance on energy dependency and how he/she plans on dealing with the issue and making a difference. (Make sure to check the environmental, economic, and social implications of their energy platform by referring back to factual science based websites.)

• http://www.thepoliticalguide.com/Profiles/Governor/Massachusetts/Mitt_Romney/Views/Energy_and_the_Environment/
• http://www.whitehouse.gov/energy/securing-american-energy
•  http://www.gop.com/2012-republican-platform_america/

Once you are familiar with all issues related to the presidential election, able to recognize various forms of political rhetoric, educated on the facts and statistics regarding energy dependency, and knowledgeable about each candidate’s stance on the issue, you should be able to form a reasoned, unbiased opinion on the issue and make educated decisions regarding voting. Energy is always evolving through emerging studies and research, so you will always be able to find out more. Continue to read sources like those I’ve recommended to stay updated on the energy issues facing our nation.