Tea Party or Democarcy--the Choice is Obvious: We must support President Obama

What if Congress could protect thousands of American jobs just by passing a bill that has widespread support from across the nation and across the political spectrum? Seems like a no-brainer, right?

But right now, a bill to protect American jobs in the growing wind industry isn't going anywhere, because Speaker of the House John Boehner -- who sets the calendar for the House of Representatives -- doesn't want to schedule it for an up-or-down vote.

Under fierce pressure from the obstructionist Tea Party to let the wind industry wither and die, Boehner and the House leaders are playing a game of chicken with the economy and with thousands of Americans' livelihoods. Congress will keep heading toward disaster until we've put as much pressure on Boehner as the Tea Party has.

Rather than stand up for American workers and their families, Boehner is running out the clock on the wind industry. It's our job to make sure he understands that America knows exactly what's going on, and that we know who's responsible for keeping the Production Tax Credit bottled up in the House.

The wind industry employs 75,000 Americans in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. These are good-paying jobs for skilled workers, and they're helping the country move beyond the wasteful and outdated energy technologies of the 19th century. And they're disappearing while Boehner delays action. What's he waiting for?

Layoffs have already begun as manufacturing and installation jobs are put on hold. According to news reports, more than 2,000 jobs have already been lost this year.1

The Production Tax Credit needs to be renewed, and it needs to happen now. The longer John Boehner waits to take action, the more jobs will be lost. It's that simple.

Thanks for all you do to protect the environment,

Mary Anne Hitt

Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign Director