Chris Berry On The Net

While grandstanding politicians and the mainstream media continue to fan the flames of populist rage over the AIG bonus scandal, little attention is being paid to other critical issues taking place in Washington. Even though GM and Chrysler have yet to submit their viability plans due on March 30th, the Obama administration has already announced [...]

I’ve never considered myself to be an environmentalist in the traditional sense of the word, but I do believe that we have a collective obligation to be responsible stewards of the Earth and its resources. For the sake of future generations, it is imperative that we consider the long-term consequences of our impact on the [...]

Negotiators in the House and Senate worked through the weekend to cobble together a temporary bailout plan that would tide the embattled Detroit automakers over until they are able to secure a more generous deal under the Obama administration. The plan would provide $15 billion in loans to keep the companies afloat through March. It [...]

The heads of the Big 3 automakers are heading back to Washington this week for another round of congressional hearings on a proposed bailout package. There is little question that the Democrats in the House and Senate will eventually pass a relief package, but what remains in doubt is where the money will come from. [...]

In 1979, the federal government provided $1.2 billion in loan guarantees to help the ailing Chrysler Corporation fend off bankruptcy. The company was teetering on the brink of failure because it produced poorly designed and poorly built vehicles that consumers rejected in favor of Japanese and European brands. They were failing because they were unable [...]

After sitting on their hands for the last 35 years, American politicians have finally taken up the call for energy independence. Sadly, it was not a recognition of the true national security significance of the issue, but a short-term spike in the price of gasoline during an election year that finally spurred them to action. [...]

Over the past couple of weeks, oil prices have been falling as rapidly as they climbed just a few months back. As I write this, oil is trading below $120.00 per barrel for the first time since early May, down nearly $30.00 from the all time high just a month ago. While we may all [...]

I’m not a scientist by any stretch of the imagination, but with all of the concerns about fossil fuels and climate change, I’ve been wondering about the possible unintended consequences of different forms of alternative energy. Is it not possible that by substituting wind or hydrogen for fossil fuels, we might create an entirely new [...]

The July 14th issue of Time magazine contains an article titled “10 Things You Can Like About $4.00 Gas”. The author touches on a variety of beneficial side effects, ranging from reduced obesity to lower insurance rates, but the most interesting idea put forth is that high oil prices will bring manufacturing jobs back to [...]

In the 35 years since the Arab oil embargo of 1973, we as a nation have had ample opportunity to adjust to the reality of a world where efficient use of our natural resources is no longer optional, but instead of taking advantage of this opportunity, we have done virtually nothing. In addition to making [...]