  A simple transformation of field variables eliminates Coulomb forces from the
theory of quantum electrodynamics. This suggests that Coulomb forces may be an
emergent phenomenon rather than being fundamental. This possibility is
investigated in the context of reducible quantum electrodynamics. It is shown
that states exist which bind free photon and free electron fields. The binding
energy peaks in the long-wavelength limit. This makes it plausible that Coulomb
forces result from the interaction of the electron/positron field with
long-wavelength transversely polarized photons.
