The attempt to pass an alternative fuel bill advocating the use of liquid coal has me thinking. Maybe there’s an energy source that we’ve overlooked. Solar, wind, geothermal, etc. are all better options, of course, but I’m talking about something that should be obvious from our childhood.

Think now… once upon a time, there was an engineer. Choo-choo Charlie was his name, we hear. He had an engine. And he sure had fun. He used Good ‘n’ Plenty candies to make his train run.

This isn’t just some crackpot we’re talking about here. It takes many years of intense academia to become an engineer. And so many people don’t like black licorice, I doubt we’d be in any sort of crisis any time soon. Besides… there’s plenty; it says so in the title.

I’m just putting it out there, legislators. It’s as well-conceived an idea as you’ve had so far.