Offshore Drilling Ban to be Lifted by Bush

[Gemini Cricket]

Just saw that on a Breaking News banner on CNN.com.

Oy.

[scaeagles]

Why oy? This is great news. With huge public support, I might add. And great need.

There are legit reasons to disagree with it, but I have to laugh with the "none will be available for years" argument. How many alternative techs that are being developed will be widely available in 2009? Yes, develop those other techs, but don't ignore the natural resources we have at our disposal now. China is making deals with Cuba to drill off their coast. Russia is looking at drilling in the arctic. We keep begging OPEC to increase production. So it seems as if it is OK for everyone else to try to solve their energy problems through existing tech, but not the US. I just don't understand it.

To ease your mind, though, GC, it matters nothing unless Congress acts as well. This is a political move by Bush to put the ball in Congress' court.

[Gemini Cricket]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

Why oy?

Oh, I'm sure you could guess : lovely otter staining Exxon Valdez-style oil spills, beautiful oil platforms highlighted in your favorite beach sunset photos, dependence on oil when we should be focusing on other environmentally friendly alternatives, all those sorts of reasons.

The move is largely symbolic because there is also a federal law banning offshore oil drilling.
Bush has been pushing Congress to repeal the law passed in 1981.
"There is no excuse for delay," the president said in a Rose Garden statement last month.
"In the short run, the American economy will continue to rely largely on oil, and that means we need to increase supply here at home," Bush said, adding that there is no more pressing issue for many Americans than gas prices.
Bush's father, President George H.W. Bush, signed the executive order in 1990 banning offshore drilling.

Source

[JWBear]

Yes Leo... and when an alcoholic keeps drinking to the point he can't afford the booze anymore, lets all just give him more so he can keep drinking!

[scaeagles]

I don't really see that as a good analogy. More like when a starving kid needs food lets give him something we have rather than waiting for the latest in perfect nutrition to come out.

[BarTopDancer]

I'm more concerned about the environmental factors then the aesthetics.

If they can do this without harming the environment then I'm really not opposed to it.

We have oil. Not a lot, but some. Why are we to good to drill for our own supplies but have no problem letting other countries drill for theirs.

[Betty]

I've heard that they've made advances in drilling which make it safer - or perhaps - less likely to cause environmental issues. Now - how much of that talk is just talk? I have no idea. But it made me feel better.

I need to get to work and back. About 30 miles each way - same for my husband in the other direction. Can't move closer as that will put the other farther. There is NO public transportation available that will do that.

I need gas to make it there - and it needs to cost me less then what I make that day at work so... something's got to give. I hope it's not me.

[Tref]

Thank God it is almost over ... both Bush and the Conservative movement are in the death throes, but these final months are key -- they will scratch and claw and do whatever they can to rain hell upon us. Off shore drilling will benefit no one but the Oilmen -- don't be conned by Conservative talking heads, they lie and deceive and act only for their own self interests. Off shore drilling will not lower the cost of gas and if it does it will be by pennies, but the cost of construction, the cost to the environment and the cost to our future can not be so easily measured. With all respect to Scaeagles, whom I personally have nothing against, what political movement would dare turn the word "Hope" into "Nope" and then use it as a positive? It spins my head around to think any group could so willfully work to destroy the Constitution, pollute the earth and spout venom and hate against the people it supposedly works to protect. Thank God it is almost over. When Obama takes power I think the whole world is going to breathe a sigh a relief and dance in the streets. I know I will scream at the top of my lungs, so loud it will be heard across the city, Its over, thank God its over.

[scaeagles]

Obama and McCain are currently tied in the polls. I wouldn't count your chickens yet, Tref.

I think changing "hope" to "nope" is hysterical. I find no hope in Obama at all. To the contrary - I think it is the height of arrogance to put "hope" under your picture as if you are some sort of messiah.

[Tref]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

Obama and McCain are currently tied in the polls. I wouldn't count your chickens yet, Tref.

I think changing "hope" to "nope" is hysterical. I find no hope in Obama at all. To the contrary - I think it is the height of arrogance to put "hope" under your picture as if you are some sort of messiah.

Its not even Autumn, yet, Scaeagles, and across the country Conservatives are dropping like dead leaves off a tree, even in old Republican strongholds. People are tired of being lied to, they're angry and disgusted by what they see and it is beautiful thing. I wonder what word I would put under a photo of Bush ... perhaps ... "Dope"?

No, I don't need to -- too obvious. I prefer, simply, "Finished."