While I do not think every crazy storm can be attributed to global warming, it is wrong to assume that peoples concerns over global warming and energy policies are without merit just because they are not experts in those fields. I believe that most people are intelligent enough to look at the data about global warming and make their own decisions. It does help though to be a little skeptical about the source of the data. If I am reading an article about global warming, then see that study was funded by Exxon mobile, I will be skeptical of that study. You are wrong to assume that people shouldn't be able to complain about energy companies and energy policy unless they are off the grid. I am a user of energy from energy companies, and because of that I should have the right to question their actions and be concerned about the effects of their products and the future of their supplies. The idea that we should take what they sell us without question is lunacy. Because energy companies have such an effect on our lives we should hold their asses to the fire and make them be responsible. (Just to be clear though, as far as energy companies Ameren is far from the worst. We have very low rates here and their customer service isn’t that bad. I do believe that the american energy supply systems are at capacity so who knows how much longer they will last) I would love to someday be off the grid, and when I am able to ($$$) I will begin to make that move. The black and white attitude that you are either with us or against us that you exhibit is not going to do anything to address the problems that exist in our world. The world isn't a simple place, and sometimes it requires a little thought to get through it and to ensure that we leave it a better place than how we found it.

Where are the hurricane's this year? Maybe last year was a fluke.

noaa: NOAA CONTINUES TO PREDICT ABOVE-NORMAL HURRICANE SEASON
www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2006/s2678.htm

August 8, 2006 — With the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season upon us, experts from NOAA are reiterating their prediction for an above-normal number of storms. NOAA scientists warn this year's relatively quiet start is not an indication of what the remainder of the season has in store.

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For the entire 2006 season, which ends November 30, NOAA is projecting a total of 12 to 15 named storms of which seven to nine will intensify to hurricanes, including three or four becoming major hurricanes—rated at Category 3 or higher. This forecast is slightly lower than the outlook issued in May, but remains above the seasonal average of 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.

According to Gerry Bell, Ph.D., NOAA's lead seasonal hurricane forecaster, the major climate factors expected to influence this year's activity are the ongoing multi-decadal signal, which produces wind and atmospheric pressure patterns favorable for hurricane formation, along with ongoing warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures. NOAA attributes these same factors to the current active Atlantic hurricane era that began in 1995.