The $6 billion-a-year ethanol subsidy really will expire in a matter of days. But that may not spell the end of ethanol-based tax credits. Specifically, the $1.01-a-gallon production tax credit for cellulosic ethanol – made from switchgrass or wood chips or corn husks – is a priority for the renewable fuels industry. That production tax credit does not expire until next year, and the industry wants a five-year extension.

To prevent the U.S. government from behaving like a king, the drafters of the U.S. Constitution empowered an elected legislature to write every law, to declare every war, and to remove its executive from office. To further prevent the abuse of individuals’ rights, those authors wrote into the Constitution, even prior to the Bill of Rights, the right to habeas corpus and the right never to be punished for treason unless convicted in an open court on the testimony of at least two witnesses to an overt act of war or assistance of an enemy.

Happy New Year, everyone. Nothing like kicking off 2012 by bringing you this example of “small government” Republican legislation, delivered by Indiana State Senator Vaneta Becker (R-Evansville), She apparently has considered all of the problems in the state solved, all potholes taken care of, all needs addressed in the state budget, etc., because anyone with synapses firing wouldn’t waste taxpayer time for such a mind-numbingly stupid effort: “Sen. Vaneta Becker, R-Evansville, has introduced a bill that would set specific “performance standards” for singing and playing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at any event sponsored by public schools and state universities.”

On New Year’s Eve, Brian and I delivered the 7 food/party platters we purchased from Shaws to OccupyBoston. We called Eric, one of OccupyBoston’s excellent logistics coordinators to whom we had previously delivered warm clothes from Occupy Supply, to meet us at the Shaw’s supermarket. He was there along with two volunteers that he brought with him. FDL’s Occupy Supply holiday meals gift card helped to defray the costs.

Today, Jan 1 2012, Tim Tebow will single-handedly take on the Chiefs led by Kyle Orton who, you may remember, was cast out of Denver because the Bronco’s defense hadn’t jelled yet which was totally Orton’s fault. It will be a Battle of Destiny; God’s desire that the Broncos make it to the playoffs vs. Romeo Crennel’s desire to become the permanent head coach of the Chiefs.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) responded with brute force in the first hours of the New Year to Occupy Wall Street’s attempt to re-take Zuccotti Park. The police went after live streamers, others with cameras and even bystanders and a National Lawyers Guild (NLG) observer.

Many thanks to everyone who has donated to Occupy Supply and kept the supply pipeline flowing. I know the supplies you’ve donated have kept more than one occupation going when the forces urging them to shut down were otherwise overwhelming. What a great way to start the New Year.