Windbags

After a battle over plans to build the world's largest offshore wind-power farm within view of some of the wealthiest communities in Massachusetts' Cape Cod resort region, a new proposal for a rival project in view of more working-class areas is drawing stronger support.

Boston construction contractor Jay Cashman Inc. on Tuesday submitted formal plans to build a $750 million offshore wind turbine project in Buzzards Bay near Cape Cod that could generate up to 300 megawatts.

It is gathering tentative support from those who oppose a $900 million "Cape Wind" wind farm that would be visible from wealthy Nantucket Island and affluent Cape Cod towns such as Hyannisport, home to Democratic Sen. Ted Kennedy's family compound.

I find it interesting the Ted Kennedys of the world can join the call of "no blood for oil" over war in the Middle East, then jet around the country in private aircraft and SUVs while vehemently opposing projects that might actually lessen our dependence on the single most contentious commodity on earth: fossil fuels. So much for leadership by example. At least the working-class people quoted in the article seem to realize the importance of seeking alternative power. After all, it's harder for them to pay $3 a gallon for gas, and most of their travel isn't on jetskis at Hyannisport or Martha's Vineyard.

This long-running battle of the hypocrites gives a whole new meaning to the term NIMBY: Not In My Back Yard. But you have to wonder what the fuss is all about. I think the photo above is much more appealing than one of, say, a nuclear power plant or oil refinery. Guess beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.