Speaking Coal to Power

Ya know, Stevie, Barack Obama understands that the Magic Buggy Whip industry owns Kentucky politicians. He knows the importance of pleasing the people who bankroll your campaign. He even realizes that breaking the coal habit in Kentucky is going to be harder than getting an addict off oxycontin.

But when you waste your precious few minutes with our very intelligent, very well-informed President of the United States to tell him obvious and blatant lies, he just thinks you're fucking stupid.

In a meeting with President Barack Obama today, Governor Steve Beshear told the President that coal is a critical component in the nation’s energy policy, and warned that abrupt changes in coal regulations would balloon energy costs and cripple manufacturing industries. Gov. Beshear joined other governors in Washington, D.C. to discuss energy policy with the President.

“The current focus on coal is not just a Kentucky issue, it’s not just a coal-state issue, it is a national issue,” said Gov. Beshear. “The future of our nation’s energy security and economic development depends on our ability to continue using our coal resources, our most abundant, reliable, and low-cost energy source.”

Obama met with the governors three days after presenting his budget proposal to Congress, which includes $6 billion for clean energy technology research and development.

Gov. Beshear submitted a letter to the President, outlining Kentucky’s significant contribution to the nation’s energy supply and its unique position to grow and develop new energy sources.

“We have to be realistic about our baseload energy needs, and therefore, the importance of coal production and electricity generation must not be unduly hampered,” Gov. Beshear wrote. “At the same time, we have to strategically plan for meeting the nation’s energy needs through a newer, cleaner energy paradigm. I intend to make Kentucky a leader in this area.”

Thank you, you cowardly waste of oxygen, for once again embarassing the entire state on a national stage, and ensuring that mention of the name "Kentucky" engenders nothing from the White House but hysterical laughter.