The Big Idea (Hal Cohen)

   By Hal Cohen -- World News Trust

   Feb. 11, 2007 -- In the past, you might have heard someone say, “What’s the big idea?” Usually it was said with an air of annoyance about what was happening. Nobody was displaying any curiosity as to what a big idea actually was. I would like to change that. However, I’m not asking the question. I intend to answer it.

  In these perilous times, the entire world faces grave threats from terrorism to global warming. In the United States we are facing a national health care crisis as well. Fourty-seven million Americans currently don’t have health insurance, and health care costs are skyrocketing at a rate well beyond that of inflation, even as median income doesn’t keep up.

  The Apollo Alliance is a proposal that has been floating around recently that attempts to address energy independence and global warming. A byproduct of this would also aid in the war against terrorism. A significant drop in the price of oil would crimp nations such as Iran’s and Saudi Arabia’s ability to fund terrorist organizations.

  Republicans argue that adopting the Apollo Alliance’s recommendations would harm the economy. They also make the same argument about the Kyoto Protocols. It is a very cynical and shortsighted vision. What happened to the “Can do” America into which I was born? Americans have always responded to bold initiatives. They are eager to sacrifice for their country and take on the biggest of challenges.

  This brings me to my big idea. I propose to take on energy independence, global warming, terrorism, and the health care crisis all at once. It begins with the notion that the biggest problems in health care in America currently find the root cause in the large number of Americans who are, well, large.

  As we reduce the size of American people, we reduce number of adverse health effects that result. Healthier Americans should lead to lower health care costs. Additionally, the economy should continue to grow as a result of greater productivity, as sick days are reduced. The question you may be asking now is how we do this, and what it has to do with the other problems we face.

  The answer is stationary bicycles. The back wheel of the stationary bicycle turns like a windmill and can be used to generate electricity. We ask all Americans who are capable to ride these bicycles three hours a week. Similar machines can be rigged that are hand turned for those who require it. Tax credits could be earned for those who generate more than a certain number of kilowatts. Families can earn more tax credits for their kids pedaling. Obese people would have to start at a pace that would not be too dangerous.

  There are 300 million people in America, if even two-thirds are able to contribute, that would be 600 million man hours of generating clean energy per week. Before you know it, Americans will be more fit, breathing cleaner air, reducing carbon emissions. Add to these more plug-in Hybrid vehicles and you’ve got a staggering reduction in, if not elimination of, dependence on foreign fuel.

  How much money will President Ahmadenijad be sending to Hezbollah when oil is back down in the $30-$40 dollar range?