In a logic-defying move on a par with putting a candy counter in a diabetes ward, our president is trying to push through humongous tax breaks to encourage small businesses to buy more of the largest possible SUVs and trucks. When I read that in the paper, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of bizarro alternate universe we've slipped into when our government uses my tax dollars to make it cheaper for doctors, shopkeepers, and other small business owners to buy a 10-mpg Hummer or Lincoln Navigator than a Camry or Taurus that gets two or three times the mileage?

Mind you, millions of people honestly need heavy-duty vehicles to haul their roofing supplies, cattle, welding equip-ment and field hands out to the job site, or to haul themselves and their families to remote camping spots. These folks are certainly entitled to own and operate the machines they need to do their jobs, but I don't see any need to underwrite them with my tax dollars-especially when much better solutions are close at hand.

A case in point is the diesel-electric hybrid Ford Explorer prototype I drove at the FutureTruck Competition last week. It's one of 15 vehicles participating in an event, co-sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of Energy, Ford Motors, and National Instruments, that challenges teams of engineering students to modify a production SUV to deliver better mileage without sacrificing drivability, utility, or safety.

The rig I drove was a work in progress, with a cute little 2.5L diesel engine shoehorned under the hood and a bunch of boxes donated by National Instruments to stand in for the system control ASICs that a production vehicle would use. Nevertheless, the results were impressive. Even with the software in rough shape, the car was a hoot to drive-and a tad quicker than a production Explorer. All this, and 30 mpg.

Much of what is being learned here will be put to use when Ford launches its new hybrid-powered Escape next year. And if our government's misguided policies don't discourage other manufacturers, we can expect to see many more innovative high-mpg trucks and cars on the road by 2005 or so. The huge amounts of electronics that go into every one of these cars could create many more jobs in our industry, while dramatically reducing CO2 emissions and cutting the flow of oil money that leaks from our borders every day.

If you feel that our tax dollars would be better served developing a greener future for both the environment and the economy, please contact your elected officials today. If you feel I have not gotten my share of hate mail, send your questions, and suggestions for better topics to: lgoldberg@green-electronics.com.