Another reason I want to interview Hillary Clinton

The nice thing about running for president is that you get to offer all these solutions during the primary season, and everyone will forget about them in the fall. The only people who really care are the junkies and the wonks. And these position statements are written by the part-time help, so you're saying words that you never thought to say.

Having said that, I just received a news release from the Hillary Clinton campaign about what she will do to cut gasoline prices. It's a long piece, and I really don't want to get into it point by point.

But let's look at her "Proposals to Reduce our Dependence on Foreign Oil Over the Long-Term."

The plans to address rising gas prices in the short term build on Hillary's bold, long-term, comprehensive plan to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and move America towards energy independence. (www.hillaryclinton.com/poweringamericasfuture.pdf). Key elements of that plan include:

· Raising fuel efficiency standards (CAFE) to 55 miles per gallon by 2030;
· A $150 billion investment in researching, developing, and deploying renewable and alternative energy;
· Cutting our foreign oil imports by two-thirds by 2030;
· Providing $1.5 billion per year for public transit, an additional $1 billion for intercity rail, and additional funds for congestion reduction, better traffic management and telecommuting;
· Providing tax credits and research and development funding for plug-in-hybrid vehicles, which can get up to 100 mpg; and
· Conserving fuel in the federal fleet. Hillary will call on all federal government agencies to suspend non-essential travel and other activities that use gasoline or diesel fuel, and encourage employees to carpool, telecommute, and use public transportation to reduce fuel use. And she will direct federal employees to reduce maximum speeds to conserve fuel, with exceptions for law enforcement and other emergency services. Under Hillary's plan, the agencies will to report to the White House once a month on their energy use and the impact of conservation efforts.

Am I the only person who thinks this plan is a bigger fantasy than a middle-aged guy like me walking into a college bar and walking out with a cheerleader on my arm?

I could go over them point by point, but why bother? My dozen or so readers could do the same as they read these fantasies.

What they show more is a plan that is not based in reality except the reality that the government can mandate this sort of thing. It can't. Real conservation will come from the market. When the price gets too high, people will alter their lifestyles so they don't consume so much. And government people will take the credit.

I want to talk to Clinton about her philosophy behind her energy plans. But I doubt I'll get the chance until Huntington becomes the key area for her to win West Virginia. She doesn't need people like me, and she has no reason to talk to me.

P.S. I really don't want to be the poor sap at the White House who has to read the detailed reports on how the Agriculture Department people in Iowa are car-pooling more.