Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less

As is frequently the case, I marvel at the simplicity and elegance of Newt Gingrich’s positions.  If common sense had anything to do with being President of the United States, Newt would be the guy.  But it does not seem to be a factor, so we have other choices.

The response to calls for exploration of our own oil resources by Senator Obama and the left is astounding to me.  “We can’t drill our way out of our energy problem” – the American resources would be inconsequential – it would take too long.  Horsepuckey !

I do not suggest that drilling a new well is the only step necessary to solve the problem.  I have supported nuclear power for decades and have lived in the shadow of nuclear plants in Minnesota and South Florida for years.  I favor development of alternative energy sources, particularly new vehicle technologies.

But the first and most important step is to be sure that we send the message to the oil markets that America is in the game and will utilize its own resources to partially fill our own demand for product. 

Senator McCain, who has responded with his customary partial step needs to rethink his position on ANWR.  It is NOT the case that protecting ANWR wildlife precludes energy exploration.  ANWR is the size of Great Britain to include Scotland and Wales.  The proposed drilling areas would impact an area the size of the Dallas/Ft Worth airport.  Do not let political rhetoric get in the way of common sense.

Paul Driessen, writing for Townhall.com, has an excellent article yesterday which points out the President Clinton vetoed legislation authorizing drilling in ANWR (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) in 1995.  Paul’s statistics on production potential do not agree with the left’s claims that ANWR potential would be inconsequential to the problem.  And he reminds us that utilizing our own resources has other favorable impacts on our economy in terms of wages, taxes and individual and corporate spending in the economy.  < link to Paul’s Article >

I am not recklessly disregarding environmental concerns – but I have a slightly different set of priorities from Senator Obama.  We have an energy problem and we have an economic problem – both of which require immediate and bold actions by our government.  First, legal impediments to resource exploration within our own country and our coastal areas must be removed.  Second, restrictions on environmental law suits must be placed so that this exploration which is in the national interest can move forward as quickly as possible. 

Polling data is suggesting that Americans no longer believe that the oil crisis is cause by the oil companies as suggested by the left.  Americans are realizing that the blame belongs where it usually belongs – with the politicians and the lawyers. 

Wake up America !  and take what you know to be true to the voting both with you in less than 130 days.  If your Senator or Representative doesn’t know where we are and what needs to be done to solve our problems – then find someone else to vote for.