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St. J legislator’s defense of voting record shows his climate ‘savior mentality’
by Alison Despathy
St. Johnsbury Rep. Scott Campbell’s recent letter, Climate Costs published in the Caledonian Record, attempted to justify his voting record and call out those who raise legitimate concerns. It was filled with too much rhetoric to ignore. This is not personal, Scott Campbell is a kind man but he is politically insane and this brings harm. There is no place for zealotry in the statehouse, representatives represent and seek balance, they should not punish, penalize and sacrifice Vermonters and the environment.
Despite holding good intentions, the fact that Campbell believes he has the answer for everyone and that his industry sponsored, expensive version of a renewable energy ‘utopia” should be forced on all Vermonters epitomizes his megalomania and extremism. This ‘savior’ omniscient mentality is indicative of a social engineer, not a representative. It brings risk and destruction to Vermont. Bobby Farlice Rubio also falls into this category as reflected by his voting record.
Experimenting with people’s livelihoods, financial situations, and personal choices is not the intention of government. Massive intrusion into people’s homes, bank accounts and the economy and energy sector by the legislature is a step too far. Allowing industry free reign to push the limits, make the laws and experiment on Vermonters is even worse. With massive inflation, the decreasing value of the dollar due to rampant printing of new money and surging costs for living expenses, the last thing Vermonters need is increased financial burden for basic necessities implemented by their own elected officials.
Not sure if Campbell actually read Annette Smith’s recent commentary but it was specifically about environmental impacts and land use NOT costs. Annette Smith, Executive Director of Vermonters for a Clean Environment, has dedicated her life to the health of Vermonters and our environment. Smith clearly pointed out the problem with Vermont’s supermajority obsession with carbon while our state’s environment and natural resources are increasingly ignored and set to be preyed upon by developers and industry.
Millions of gallons of raw sewage regularly dump into our waters. Dealing with these issues is high priority yet this is ignored because the supermajority favors the renewable energy lobbyists’ wishes and carbon obsession, while the actual Vermont environment is neglected and placed in harms’ way. Supermajority laws set up the carbon markets and demand carbon taxes are put in place to serve corporate interests that have positioned themselves as the answer.
Climate change has claimed all the attention while water quality, biodiversity, and healthy ecosystems are compromised in the name of ‘saving the earth’. This demented irony is sadly lost on many legislators with tunnel vision who choose their favored industries and agendas over the people in Vermont who are working to live lightly and create healthy sustainable relationships with their environment.
Vermont will literally pay the price. But Vermonters are told it is just ‘a little bit.’ A little bit more for heating fuel and electricity, just a little bit from your paycheck, a bit more for DMV and health insurance costs, and utter upheaval for the energy sector which intersects with the entire economy.
Oh and a lot more for property taxes because the supermajority refuses to place cost containment in the education spending. And wait until next year with carbon taxes on gas and diesel and underhanded coercion to electric vehicles which many cannot afford, cannot use due to where they live or their work, the insurance costs are through the roof and we don’t have the grid capacity or infrastructure to support this. But you will pay more anyway. More intrusion and overreach by legislators acting as overlords instead of representatives.
Don’t forget the collateral damage of increased costs for all services and products due to these carbon taxes placed on businesses. Add it all together and you have a nightmare, created by our public servants. Yes, some may afford all of this just fine but most will struggle regardless of how hard they work. People should not be forced to move or seek assistance because of over-taxation, intrusive government, and poor, impulsive decisions made by our elected officials.
Smith’s commentary also sheds light on the reality of fear mongering employed by Campbell and those who “know best” and ignore any research that questions the trajectory in order to justify their ‘at all costs’ mentality. “Crush Vermonters, who cares about the economic and environmental impacts or the global South and mass exploitation of people and resources to decarbonize Vermont, the country, the world. Ignore it, accept it, We will deal with that later. We must act, we must do this now, no matter the repercussions.” Impulsive, frenzied legislation is destructive for all involved. How much environmental, social and economic damage will accrue with this approach? A lot is the answer.
Historically empire is obvious, today it is well branded and cloaked in propaganda to manipulate people. When those in positions of power fall prey to this messaging and choose industry and party agendas over people and the environment, then we have a problem, a major problem. Campbell, Farlice Rubio and the supermajority have fallen and Vermont will continue to struggle until we move away from partisan politics and work together to support each other and our environment.
John McClaughry and Rob Roper are two highly experienced policy analysts. Their work to prevent government overreach is valuable and demands consideration, not disregard. Their arguments are valid, respecting their opinions is crucial for the future of Vermont and creating sound policy.
The supermajority legislators voting for increased costs and carbon taxes continue to ignore the limitations and risk of the electrification of Vermont. Renewable energy is intermittent and supplemental. It is weather dependent, a variable that is innately unreliable, it is exposed to the elements which immediately entails risk.
We must be realistic and cost conscious when determining the energy future of Vermont. ISO, New England, a not-for-profit independent system operator working to, ”Harness the power of competition and advanced technologies to reliably plan and operate the grid as the region transitions to clean energy.” offers helpful data on total grid loads, and solar and wind output.
For example, between January 23-January 28, there was practically zero solar and wind output due to no sun and no wind. It does not matter how much solar and wind comes on line, there will be many stretches like this especially in Vermont when it is common to have a small handful of sunny days through the winter. Careful attention to baseload power is a top priority
Widespread distribution of storage batteries holds cost projections ranging from billions to trillions of dollars. Batteries offer approximately 10 hours of backup and require minerals extracted through the exploitation of environments and people in order for wealthier countries to reach their ‘net zero’ goals. They often require apps to use thus more technology, more minerals, more power.
Follow the life cycle analysis of any renewable energy technology and you easily find the ‘net zero’ claim is completely false. These technologies are not only dependent on fossil fuel for their existence but also destroy ecosystems and human health as biofuels, minerals and resource demands increase and wind turbines and industrial solar arrays disrupt and invade precious natural spaces.
Mapping out a realistic plan and providing access is one thing, forcing ‘clean energy’ on Vermonters, especially when the tech and infrastructure are still in development is an abuse of government. We must have common sense when approaching energy policy and how renewable energy is incorporated into Vermont. This is a mere glimpse into the complexities of this conversation.
History repeats itself and most understand that corporate influence and predation on governments, media and minds in order to secure favorable laws and funding is commonplace, business as usual. Industries and investors spend tremendous money on public relations to influence opinion and shape behaviors. Books are written, documentaries paid for, a flood of ads funded and nonprofits put in place to push agendas.
So here we are again contending with mass abuse of people and earth in order for ‘progress and technology’ to save us. Same story, different technology and time This is not partisan, all parties, industries and ideologies take part in this approach. It is up to the people and our legislators to recognize the pattern in order to navigate a clear path.
My hope is that Scott Campbell, Bobby Farlice Rubio, and the supermajority wake up to the reality of their votes and stop falling for the lobbyist agendas that compromise Vermonters. Please stop spewing more rhetoric and false talking points. Vermonters deserve the truth and real representation.
On another note, many thanks to local Representatives Beck, Williams, Quimby, and Pearl and all of the Republican Representatives for their votes to uphold the Governor’s vetoes. Thank you for seeing through the clouds of industry propaganda and voting for the people and environment of Vermont. Thank you for looking out for Vermonters, not experimenting on us and helping to ensure that we continue to have options that make sense for our unique situations as we work hard to make a living and afford to live in this state we love and call home.
The author is a clinical nutritionist in St. Johnsbury.
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Categories: Commentary
Scott Campbell is one of ” many “of what’s wrong with Montpelier, agenda-driven zealots, it’s their way, the only way, as they ignore the real concerns throughout the world………………… where do we get these people, bid egos and small minds !!
If you follow these people, and bring your wallet …………….as that’s all you are good for, your concerns won’t matter, as we have the ” stupid majority” calling the shots, as the
Governor means nothing to them as the state………………. pretty pathetic !!
Wake up people.
I think you’re describing fascism… which has no respect for natural systems, God’s laws, or personal choice and freedom.
Perfectly described of course… I’m grateful for your writing ability to put this in clear perspective for us y’umons who just want to live simply simply to live… and enjoy what God gave us as His blessings and His mercies… NOT to see who has the most things, tyrannized enough people, and did it ‘their way’.
Thank you for writing this Alison and thank you for all you are doing to bring about change in Vermont. Most people are ignorant about what is going on in the Vermont legislature, though I do think more and more people are waking up as they face huge tax and fee increases. I know a number of people that have had it and leaving Vermont. Also a big shoutout to Annette Smith. She is another Vermont treasure.
People like Rep Campbell have been fooling their constitutes for a very long time. Commentaries like this and the ones Annette writes, are helping to educate Vermonters about what is really going on. Maybe Rep Campbell is starting to feel the fire at his feet.
Excellent commentary and analysis Alison!
This came to my FB page today. Quite a coincidence. Thank you Alison.
https://www.facebook.com/stephen.thurston.12/posts/10231391848675584?notif_id=1720004215312999¬if_t=feedback_reaction_generic&ref=notif
You didn’t bring out the number of people who will lose their jobs when the new tax laws go into effect. Why do I say this? Because there are VT business that are currently barely hanging on due to the long lasting effects of the COVID shutdown, high inflation, higher utility bills, increasing insurances, increased leases, etc. When the new taxes hit it will be like hitting these businesses with bombs.
Alison, a brilliant piece of writing.
However, you thanked: “Republican Representatives for their votes to uphold the Governor’s vetoes.”
To clarify, it was the seven Republican Senators and three Democratic Senators who voted to sustain Governor Scott’s veto of the Clean Heat Standard.
With the 7 Republicans campaigning for re-election we need four more Republican Senators elected to sustain Governor Scott’s next veto of CHS next May.
Considering how Democratic Senators are cheering this past session’s tax increase, it should cause some of their voters to not vote or, better, vote for a Republican candidate.
Given how expensive are real estate costs, buyers, from out of state, are of the monied class. More are coming and the future for a balanced legislature is doubtful; unless Vermonters come to understand the comments of Senator MacCormack “‘Get a Blanket for Christ’s Sake’ If You Don’t Like Paying Extra for Heat!
And, Senator Dick McCormack boldly announced, in Senator Bray’s hearing including the Vermont Office of Racial Equity, “We don’t do things based on helping poor people. We do things based on saving the world.”
What more justification do Vermonters need to shore up the Senate Republican Party. Next General Assembly, Senator Bray will introduce the Vermont version of the Transportation Climate Initiative that will raise pump prices to subsidize middle and upper class Vermonters to buy electric vehicles.
Full disclosure: I am a Democrat and will vote against Senator Bray.
Steve- I cried when I read that poem. Thank you for sharing that- it is truly heartbreaking and so important.
And thank you for all your research from ISO and for sharing that information.
John- so glad to hear you are looking closely and not voting party line. Hopefully many many Vermonters are seeing the truth and really understanding what their candidate stands for and how they will vote- especially on the Clean Heat Standard next session.
If you are in Bray land – doesn’t that mean Senator Dems will be Bray, Hardy or Elder?
All incredibly dangerous. I think McKibben endorsed Elder?? Which means he is also probably in favor of the CHS?!
Hopefully you have a good Republican or Independent candidate lined up and tuned in and ready to work for the people.
Steven Heffernan is running for an Addison County Senate seat under the VT GOP – my top choice as a fiscally responsible, successful business owner, as are Lesley Bienvenue and Landel Cochran. Caleb Elder votes the party line, so we can expect him to continue to economically oppress Vermonters if he’s elected, same with Bray and Hardy.
Re: “Scott Campbell is a kind man but he is politically insane and this brings harm … [to] punish, penalize and sacrifice Vermonters and the environment… a nightmare, created by our public servants… here we are again contending with mass abuse of people and earth.”
‘A kind man’? Really?
‘Behold – a pale horse.’
I believe that renewables will NEVER be more than a hard cushion to supplement our energy consumption in the future, with all these heat pumps, EV’s, and infrastructure upgrades to accommodate the increase in electricity demands, these massive solar arrays destroying our views, we should never call them solar farms, they’re not a pretty scene here, wind mills clipping endangered birds aren’t an effective solution either, spot on Alison, thought you might enjoy this WSJ op-ed article:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-green-energy-transition-that-wasnt-subsidized-renewables-dont-work-397c783d?st=0qc2p3mwo4ld9oa&reflink=article_copyURL_share
Excellent insight, Allison.. I am glad you pointed out Scott Campbell’s involvement in the business of energy efficiency. His input on the matter should be heard, but not accepted at face value.
We should always be aware of legislators who push agendas that may serve to enhance their own business interests.
Renee McGuinness
I live in Bristol and supporting Steven Heffernan every way that I can. Perhaps we can collaborate
John McCormick
jmccormick@imtd.org
Jay- sorry for delay. Happy Independence Day!! I have learned so much from you through our talks as well as here at VDC. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom.
As usual- your input and critique are spot on and I will say I struggled with the piece of the commentary that you brought out. In the end I decided it was true in my opinion and experience because Campbell, Farlice Rubio (who I have known for many years) and many within the supermajority at this time are actually kind and want the best for people. But unfortunately they have been fully indoctrinated and propagandized by media, possibly their ‘education’, and definitely their statehouse echo chamber. Not that I am justifying their actions and I hope that they can see through to reality. But mix falling for the lies and being programmed to think a certain way with their warped and distorted idea of what government is and does and in my opinion we have the problem with the Vermont statehouse. Add to this arrogance and an ‘I know best for you’ savior mentality even a god complex in some cases and thus the nightmare.
But I think they are ultimately good people, —just led astray— and sadly unwilling to engage in real conversation. How do you offer a much needed civics course to a closed mind or one who has no desire to speak with you simply because you disagree? Bobby Farlice Rubio and I have been friends for many years and he won’t even speak to me. I have asked him to coffee multiple times to talk. We both know we are good people who want the best but alas no response. That is the real problem we face. The division and polarization. If only people could get to the top/bottom mentality versus right left divide and all the other conquer and divide tactics pushed on the people? Maybe I am naive or overly optimistic but I do hope and have faith.
Campbell- along with Becca White, Laura Sibilia, Amy Sheldon and so many others truly all believe they are saving the world and that is the problem. Plus this gets fed by lobbyists and nonprofits like VPIRG and their demented reality gets forced on all of us.
This song by one of my favorites sums it up pretty great. Just hoping and praying more Vermonters wake up sooner versus later so Balance can be restored to VT and the people and environment respected. 🙏
https://youtu.be/P_GUXT9_jvI?si=HXi0_hhZfC2bpkFH
Re: “How do you offer a much-needed civics course to a closed mind or one who has no desire to speak with you simply because you disagree?”
I know it’s impolite to answer a question with a question. But if these people are thriving on their oppressive tyranny toward others, why do you expect them to speak with you at all, Alison? It would be out of character for them to do so.
Could your generous assessment of these people as merely being ‘led astray’ prove to be irresponsible? Read about Stanley Milgram’s 1963 experimental evaluation of otherwise ‘ultimately good people’ to explain acts of genocide during WWII. Our failure, at that time, to recognize this great flaw in our human nature sooner than we did, resulted in the deaths of millions of people.
Keep in mind that ‘Campbell – along with Becca White, Laura Sibilia, Amy Sheldon and so many others’ assess your actions the same way you assess them.
My only advice, today, is to stay out of their way as best you can. Converse only if it serves your purpose. Vote against them and their policies when you can. Convince other more reasonable people to do likewise.
Finally, as with all tyrants, understand that they will, ultimately, turn on each other. And, in the final analysis, turn inward on themselves. After all, for those who thrive on tyranny, what better end can there be for them than to experience it firsthand?
“Can tyrants but by tyrants conquered be – -” Lord Byron
Tis all true Jay. A solid reality check. Tyrants indeed. I am hopelessly optimistic and do believe that truth will rise up over lies and good over evil. Hopefully more Vermonters are seeing the problem with these ‘representatives’ so we can get real representatives who actually know what is going on voted in there.
I remember when I first heard about the Milgram experiment years ago- unbelievable truly grotesque but sadly it plays out again and again historically.
Thanks as always Jay.