Beating Around the Bush

In the 18th Century well-heeled huntsman would employ young men to walk in front of the hunting party to scare up the game from their hiding places. Commonly they would use sticks to beat the bushes to more effectively flush-out the hunted to run or fly into sight/site.

A few of these game rousters were scared to stumbled across a wild boar or similar ill-tempered beast. Less than enthusiastically these timid gamesmen would "Beat Around the Bush",...a term that describes those that really don't want to flush out the beast.

It seems too ironic that this 18th century phrase has extraordinary relevance today. Our President has told the press today that we need to search out alternatives to our dependence on forgeign oil (see link below).

http://adelphia.net/news/read.php?id=13063856&ps=1014&lang=en&_LT=HOME_BUNWC01L1_UNEWS

Of course, I humbly offer Mr. Bush is "Beating Around the Bush". The very real and serious matter of energy dependence requires a much more inspiring and engaged Presidential message/action. In the early 60's JFK stood at the inanagural podium and informed us that we would send a man to the moon and back within the decade. The technology to do so did not exist when JFK said it. Yet, after the President provided the inspiration, the Congress followed with funding and the genius of the American people provided the rest.

We don't need a JFK type push, but a geniune GWB full court press. The current technology for alternatives is further along than Willy Braun's rockets were in the early 60's. We don't need Federal funding (so the do nothing Congress can relax), but we do need the Big Oil protectionist to quit sending tax-funded research dollars to those that have no stake in the solution. Asking Exxon to find the viable alternative to their business model inspires another addage/phrase..."the fox watching the hen house"!

Mr. President, quick beating around the Big Oil Bush and inspire the nation to resolve this strategic, economic and environmental threat to our childrens future!