There is a lot of blame to go around on the state of $4.50c gas prices in the United States. But what we are only beginning to talk about are solutions.
Clearly, there is a divide between the respective presidential candidates. Sen. Messiah Barack, the Democrat, is trotting the environmentalist lines and one that is a favorite. "You can not drill your way out of this". Hmm, actually, we can but it is no thanks to such friends as the California governor, Benedict Arnold, et al that there is a notion that we can not explore offshore and in ANWR.
Sen. John "F--- You" McCain, the Republican, has a least come to realize that the American people want some real action. So, he is doubling down the middle. Sen. "F--- You" McCain is saying yes to offshore drilling, but no to exploration in the arctic desert known as ANWR.
Had then President Clinton signed congressional authorization to explore in ANWR in 1995, we may not be importing more oil now. We could have been energy independent and exporting oil.
A statistic to keep in mind. During the Clinton years, United States oil production declined 1,349,000 barrels a day and foreign imports increased 3,574,000 barrels a day.
So, what is going to make prices come down any significant amount?
Sadly, nothing short term.
But, in the long term, more drilling is one solution. What the United States has done is taken the NIMBY-not in my back yard-approach to energy. No, we do not want the nuke plant anywhere near any city-or any "pristine" area. No, don't want to see any oil derricks on the beach. No, the windmills at sea block the "pristine" view of those who can afford to live on the coast.
As a nation, we need to get over some of these NIMBY attitudes and understand that drilling today is not like it was a while a go. It is much more environmentally friendly. We need the nuke plants that Sen. "F--- You" McCain has talked about. Even a nation like France understands that and over 80% of French electricity is nuclear powered. As far as the offshore drilling, it is really offshore, about 100 miles offshore.
The Democrat solution is pure posturing. The windfall profits tax is just a slam against "big oil". When are they going to have a windfall profits tax on some of their friends, labor unions. Or maybe the Hollywood elites? Back to the Democrat "solutions". No new refineries. No new nuke plants. But, research endlessly "alternative" energy sources. No one is against researching "alternative" energy sources. But, without a long term comprehensive approach, trust me, gas will look very cheap today. Oh, and let us not forget New York Democrat congressman Maurice Finchey's solution. Nationalize the refineries! Unbelievable!
Here it is.
Drill, more refineries, more nuke plants, and yes, more research into "alternative" energy sources. It is a comprehensive plan and needed right now.
1 comment:
I agree righty, why does it have to be an either or proposition. All ideas could contribute to some relief. Not only that, if foreign oil factories caught wind of the US actually using its own resources to a greater degree they may change their tune by way of pricing. Let's get moving! :)N
Post a Comment