Senator John McCain took a step away from the philosophy of President Bush and Veep Dick Cheney yesterday in a speech to Big Oil representatives, according to Reuters saying: "In the face of climate change and other serious challenges, energy conservation is no longer just a moral luxury or a personal virtue. Conservation serves a critical national goal."

Awhile back, I wrote to Senator Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John McCain, and posted a copy of that letter here. And Senator Obama replied. Here is what he had to say.

"Thank you for writing to me with your concern over our nation’s energy independence. I appreciate hearing from you.

The Federal Reserve Bank is set next week to further reduce interest rates for banks – the very banks that are looking to continue tightening the reins on granting credit. The Federal Reserve by all current wisdom would seem to be powerless to do anything but effect interest rates – but that is not the case.

We as a nation desperately need to focus our efforts on renewable energy sources. Sources that do not rely on the combustion of any substance, whether it be oil, alcohol, or radioactive substances. You talk of change - it is time for a total paradigm shift when it comes to energy policy.

Now THIS is an energy technology that makes sense. Almost no moving parts, works off the sun AND runs even after the sun goes down, relying on built up heat to continue generating electricity. I wonder when the home-based models will be available?

Strange how the world works. The University of Illinois announced that it has developed a new and improved solar cell technology that boosts the power coming from the cells by as much as 67% by doping the surface of the cell with 2.85 nanometer silicon balls.