We in the US have an aging energy and communications infrastructure. Instead of dropping billions a week on bludgeoning Iraq into democracy, we could be bolstering our own homeland security by redirecting those funds to updating these crucial systems. Neglecting to update these essential infrastructures to modern-day working technologies is a real threat to our national security.

Recall the blackout in the Northeast not long ago? This massive failure occurred, like falling dominoes, because of an inefficient centralized network based on dirty and dangerous fossil and nuclear fuels. We have the technology and means to create a distributed, micro-power network, the so-called energy internet, based on cleaner and cheaper renewable energy.

Doing this would reduce our dependence on foreign oil (and hence deadly and world destabilizing misadventures like invading Iraq) and put our massive numbers of unemployed citizens to work. Obviously, massive change to our existing infrastructure isn't going to happen overnight. But that's no reason to not start right away.

Despite booming cellular phone usage, our communications infrastructure is pretty much based on analog land-lines. This system has and continues to work very well, but it's slow and doesn't readily accommodate broadband data. We have to move to a digital packet-switched network, like the Internet, that will enable new working technologies like low-cost videoconferencing and on-demand video.

Only government can spur these broad initiatives with grants, subsidies, tax breaks, education, and regulation. Of course, this won't happen as long as G.W. and the Republicans are in power. They're a part of the existing centralized fossil fuel business. They're also regressive and thoroughly lacking in imagination. Be sure to vote them out in November.