but this topic just kills me. I cannot for the life of me think that what Tom suggests as "doing his part" has anything to do with patriotism - I tell you his comments really hit a nerve.

Employing people - come on - it's all about money. I have run my own business for 20 years and when I hire someone, sure I want them to learn, but I also want them to produce - wtf does this have to do with patriotism? What - they pay taxes? Give me a fucking break - really! You want to be patriotic - hire a vet.

What's worse, imho, is exploiting people under the cloak of patriotism, and no matter how benign, and that this might be equated with freedom and equality and "making things better" - I don't get it - and the fact that what appear to be otherwise thoughtful people don't think for a minute about this kinda amazes me, although it probably should not - I mean I sneak into Walmart to buy a Chinese battery, when all indicators are that this is exactly what is killing the environment and America. We live in a consumption society - if you ain't got the do-re-me -

GDP is about consumption not about conservation - if you ain't consuming you ain't doing your part. That attitude bothers me - the fact that people don't even think about this or see the connection bothers me more and truly makes me think there is no hope. It's easy to be smug and reflective - rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

Back to sailing - the oceans are dead - and we are still debating whaling? Arrogance. Jesus Fucking Christ!

Where my boat is moored is a cesspool - I am as guilty/more guilty as anyone so I am not on a high horse here. I drive to my boat every day and pollute the commons. But I have no illusions that I am making things better by adding more jobs to an economy that has gotten so far off a moral compass. I truly do think the only thing you can do is to act locally or at least individually. I mean, times are tough, they ain't gonna get any better, and it's getting harder to breathe.

Saying you are a patriot because you create jobs is asinine. Saying you are a patriot because you decide to consume 50% less carbon in 2013 - now there is someone I could vote for.

Apologies for the rant - I am as guilty as the next guy, more so in that I am part of the 2% that consumes 35% of the world's energy. Maybe ignorance is bliss Tom. Your governor sounds like a true and dangerous lunatic and does not represent the Mainiacs I have met.