Our First Anniversary

On September 1, 1973, we published our first issue. We were alarmed that the US had become vulnerable to political blackmail and we offered bumperstickers Make Amenca an Arab Sheikdom! Join the Sierra Club. Seven weeks later, the Arab oil embargo was on. One year later, the Sierra Club is still in the forefront of those who obstruct the construction of badly needed energy facilities by legalistic sabotage.

A year ago, we warned that the welfare budget of New York State alone was bigger than the entire budget of NASA. Today, every third inhabitant of New York City is either a government employee or on welfare; and NASA is fading into oblivion.

A year ago, we pledged to be fiercely independent and beholden to nobody. We pledged to accept no advertising, no contributions, no subsidies, no charity. We would stand or fold with your subscriptions. A year later, we have more than 800 subscribers from all over the US and Canada. We are in the black and proud of it; for we do not consider profit a dirty word.

But the past is gone and only the future matters. It doesn't look rosy, and it won't until people wake up. Not only does America remain vulnerable to political blackmail for 20% of its energy, but its life lines are now threatened by the feverishly expanding Soviet navy, already more numerous and equipped with more modern ships than the US Navy, whose allocations are under continued attack by vote-pleasing rabble-rousers. The development of domestic resources, particularly coal and nuclear power, remains stunted by environmentalist superstitions and ever tighter shackles on industry. Project Independence is mired in the swamp of government bureaucracy. Anti-scientific sentiment is rampant, and a government-controlled economy is subtly, but systematically promoted by the mass media.

The energy industry is the key to all other industries. That is why the nationalizers and technophobes are trying to stab it first. That is also why it is crucial for all thinking Americans to be informed on all aspects of energy. The energy crisis did not start or finish with Arab blackmail, which just temporarily laid it bare for all to see. For most people, it is out of sight and out of mind again. But the energy crisis continues amidst potentially limitless resources; it is the most tangible facet of a deeper crisis the widespread cop-out to degenerate ideologies.

We shall continue to provide the facts showing that the path to security and prosperity leads through science, not superstition; through technology, not the stunting of growth; through free enterprise, not nationalization.

Our most pressing message on our first anniversary is a hearty ';Thank you!" to you, our subscribers, for your support. And our most fervent hope is your continued support in the future.