In response to Matt's ipad posting

I believe that their record sales have been earned. Apple has been making the most reliable computers for decades. They have shown that their products are better built, faster, less susceptible to viruses and hacking, and they are much more attractive than their competition. All apple products that I have owned have lasted much longer than I would have expected a competing product to last. While Apple is more expensive than their competition, when you consider the high performance and long life, it really is worth it. I have owned 2 mac's several ipods, and about 4 PC's. The Mac's each lasted about as long as 2 PC's. I believe that Apple's stellar sales are the dividend of many many years of delivering on their promise. In times where money is tight, people look for products that they don't expect will need replacing. I am sure that their sleek modern design is helping as well. Do you think that Steve Jobs's death has had a significant impact on sales?

President Obama Soldiers on Despite Heavy Opposition to Solar Investment.

The President spoke Wednesday from the largest solar power plant in the United States. The Copper Mountain facility is one hours drive from the Las Vegas Strip. With a total of 1 million solar panels it provides energy to 17,000 homes. The President was unabashedly critical of his opposition referring to them as "Charter members of the flat earth society." “Now you’d think, given this extraordinary sight, given the fact that this is creating jobs, generating power, helping to keep our environment clean, making us more competitive globally. You’d think that everybody would be supportive of solar power, and yet, if some politicians have their way, there won’t be any more public investment in solar energy,” he said. Rep. John Fleming,R-La. is highly critical of the Presidents policies claiming that there is no benefit from subsidization of solar energy. Meanwhile some environmentalists are also against such desert installations as well. With gas prices on the rise, and resistance from both sides, our President continues to make the tough calls, and stands up for what he believes is right. Do you believe that investment in solar energy is necessary to strengthen the economy? Do you believe that protecting desert habitat is more important than reducing CO2 emissions? What impact will readily available renewable energy have on national security?