Problem? Or Solution?

Mention the word "feedlot" to most people, and they'll immediately think of a smelly nusiance. Animal rights groups will tell you a feedlot is cattle torture. And enviros would have you believe that feedlots are a major culprit in global warming.

But there are a few think-outside-the-box creative types who understand that feedlots can be part of the answer to our energy problems. In fact, a forward-thinking Vermont farmer teamed up with an engineer to create a manure digester that turns cattle waste into energy. From 1,000 head of cattle, he can produce enough energy to totally power 350 homes. This technology is now being used in several large dairy states.

This man, who ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for a state Senate seat, shows that what most people view as a problem may actually be a solution. It's just a matter of perspective. And that never-say die attitude that made the U.S. a great nation.

When it comes to the environment, we should not give in to knee-jerk reactions or a follow-the-crowd mentality that could threaten our food supply and do more harm than good in the long run. Instead, we should follow the example of this farmer and turn our problems into practical solutions.