Power for the privileged

This isn't about Al Gore's ridiculous appetite (for utility power) or rich megalomaniacs amassing political power.

It's a beef. My natural gas bills for both December and January were through the roof-- some of the highest we've ever had. Mind you, the McClouds are not energy hogs. We keep the thermostat around 70 and have recently installed a more efficient central heating unit. In years past we've kept the temp higher with lower bills, so this isn't about increased usage. You'll have to trust me on that, but I've done the comparison.

"Yes, but what were the temperatures?" Glad you asked. We've not felt much global warming round these parts since early January, but even so the average temp for Memphis in both December and January were above normal, by a fairly hefty margin. Nice try, though.

But not everybody in Memphis has fared so poorly. See, we've apparently got a special plan where special city leaders or other special people can get special treatment when they fall behind on their bills. Like, even 16,000 dollars behind. Shut off notice? Just call the special number, you special person! What? McCloud? Pay up, sucka.. Maybe it's the new customer service initiative--we service special people with free utilities and nobody goes to jail.

So we're being hit by all sides. While Gore and his green hypocrites are lecturing us to use less energy and buy old-fashioned push lawnmowers they're off racking up massive bills, explained away by phony-baloney carbon offsets or 'green power'. Meanwhile I'm helping some special person in city government save up for that new Harley or Lexus.

It's an outrage a day anymore, I tell ya. No wonder people dive into mindless TV shows or stories to drown their troubles. I found myself watching Big Break VII on the Golf Channel last night, for example. Gripping golf drama!

But seriously, this is a good example of what happens when the rule of law is not enforced across the board. The result is chaos and resentment. It's the same principle with illegal immigrants, who themselves are also being immunized from certain societal responsibilities because they're doing the jobs nobody wants to do. It's sorta like a slow motion train wreck.

MORE 3/1/07

"An array of evil" is how city mayor Willie Herenton described those who called for the resignation of the president of the Memphis power utility company, who admitted providing free power to influential customers.

Gee, wonder where the director of corporate communications, Gale Jones Carson, is? Maybe she was headed to the mall to visit Banana Republic and take in a dip at Baskin Robbins. A double.