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ChangingThePresent

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Interesting approach to "green entrepreneurship": From Africa to NOLA to Rural US

The below is taken from an email exchange with Project HOPE:

"How do we link low-wage workers to "green entrepreneurship"?

Build homes, like The Millennium House in OK (http://www.pathnet.org/sp.asp?id=12535) but using enough, effective and applicable renewable energy to produce surplus electricity into the utility grid or, say in Africa, to use for entrepreneurial ventures. This is much of what Light for Africa does by electrifying rural homes with solar panels and some internal wiring to provide lighting and electricity with solar power!

Take Eldon Hathaway's Light for Africa concept one step forward and look at his approved and funded venture in New Orleans to replace one, destroyed school and the surrounding community, i.e. making it productive with green energy!
Suddenly, home owners have investment and direct interest in the energy market AND in renewable energy technology. You know what else?! The elementary school has access to renewable energy technology training, on-site! That is employment opportunity in a burgeoning market!

Thanks to a forward, thinking Prime Minister Nehru, India today has used this concept, i.e. getting their populace into the technology market, with the computer technology wave, lifting up millions in their poverty-stricken land to reach for dignity and opportunity along with self-determination!

Low wage workers can become entrepreneurs and use the ongoing, monthly payments for surplus electricity to re-vitalize their rural communities or expand their family's capabilities. All of this is done, while living in a safe, truly affordable home, with zero energy cost, the potential to produce a monthly income from surplus electricity sales, AND homes can withstand an F3 tornado, are immune to termites, won't mold, PLUS have a safe breathing environment, as Styrofoam and concrete put out no toxic fumes. Roof them with stainless steel AND solar shingles produced in Michigan, and the homes also have nearly permanent roofs, etc."

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Social Security and Drug Addicts

http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/GOVPUBS/gao/gao20.htm

Government memo on social security, disability, and substance abuse as these topics relate to the payee system.