Posted on 07/16/2008 9:25:01 AM PDT by Maelstorm
It’s the pain everyone feels from coast to coast: sky high gas prices. This week, President Bush moved to lower those prices by calling for lifting the ban on offshore oil drilling.
It’s a move that could have long term impacts, but Bush admits it won’t produce any oil in the short term. So, what’s he up to?
“Talk is action in Washington,” said WSLS Political Analyst Dr. Bob Denton.
Denton says by stepping up to the mic, the president shows he gets it.
“It reinforces the image that I am a leader. I am listening. And, I am doing.”
That’s exactly what Republican Senate candidate Jim Gilmore was up to last week, when he stopped in Radford and Roanoke County to pump gas at local stations. While he was there, Gilmore promised if elected he’d fight to increase domestic oil production, eagerly taking on the federal government.
WARREN: “GOVERNOR, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SAID THAT IF YOU INCREASE DOMESTIC OIL PRODUCTION IT WON’T REALLY IMPACT PRICES OR THE AMOUNT PRODUCED UNTIL THE YEAR 2030.”
GILMORE: “Bologney.”
WARREN: “THAT’S THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.”
GILMORE: “I don’t care what the federal government says. We know that that’s not right. The fact is we can bring in the oil quicker than that.”
Even President Bush doesn’t necessarily agree with that.
“I readily concede, that, you know, it’s not gonna produce a barrel of oil tomorrow,” Bush said.
Fast relief or not, the push to drill offshore sends a clear message.
“It’s among the most visible actions one could take,” Dr. Denton said.
So much so, the Democrat’s Senate candidate, Mark Warner, says he’s for *exploring* offshore drilling. He even highlights his support in a new television ad released today.
Politicians from the left to the right seem to be moving in the same direction on this issue.
Dr. Denton says the reason is simple.
“It makes us feel very good and for the average voter that’s what they want more than anything else.”
Jim Gilmore provided the largest tax cut in Virginian's history as governor of Virginia and is running against liberal Mark Warner who squandered a billion dollar surplus and raised taxes by another billion and opposed the Virginia Marriage Amendment. Far left liberal organizations have been funneling money into Warner's campaign. Let's help turn the tide.
Help support Jim Gilmore, A Proven Conservative.
The voters have their energy future in their own hands. They must understand that it is not just how their particular politician votes, but that he/she is part of a dem majority and as long as there is a dem majority, there can be no energy future.
That’s why I don’t exercise. You see, it takes years to achieve any benefits, and I want to be buff now. So I do nothing instead.
Dr. Denton says the reason is simple.
“It makes us feel very good and for the average voter that’s what they want more than anything else.”
No Doc, people want to BE good and then the feelings will take care of themselves.
IMHO...The good thing is the netroots are cuting their own throat by showing their true colors...I hope they all fall into a tar pit and drown!
Agreed. Just declaring that we are going to drill will lower prices. If other countries think we are actually serious it will lower prices dramatically. And that is before we even see a drop of new oil.
As far as actually getting oil I've seen industry people say 18 months to 2 years till the first barrel and full projected production at the 10+ years that people are quoting.
“It makes us feel very good and for the average voter that’s what they want more than anything else.””
What a bunch of hooey! We want a more secure supply, larger quantities and lower prices paid to US suppliers, not Chavez, Sheiks & Company. Drilling now means that we will actually be doing something to get more of our own oil. As Confucius said, “The journey of a thousand miles starts with one small step.” (or something like that) Yes, it will make us feel good, calm speculators and notify OPEC that we might actually play hardball with oil production & pricing. And it will begin the process of PRODUCING our own oil.
The dear Dr. Denton must be a political science prof and looks at everything through the lens of Talk, Talk, Talk.
At the same time that Pelosi was preparing her apologetic for the House doing nothing, the price of a barrel of oil dropped $9 in one day, apparently reacting to the President's speech. So, Pelosi was shown to be a fool who was not paying attention to the real world. Again.
Congressman Billybob
First three in the series, "American Government: The Owner's Manual" are here, and also on FR
"That’s why I don’t exercise. You see, it takes years to achieve any benefits, and I want to be buff now. So I do nothing instead."W is sending the word to the markets that supplies are going to rise, and prices will come down. this is the kind of self-fulfilling prophecy that can really do some good.
Depends on how you define 'short term'. Oil drilling experts I've heard interviewed say we could have it in 3 - 5 years.
That is why, for instance, that total idiot Pelosi rejects and refuses to read mail from anyone not in her district!
She pretends not to understand that as a congresscritter, she and all obstructionists, whatever their reason, affect all Americans, often for generations.
Now, if "the hysterical, insecure, ignorant, sheeplike masses, a/k/a “the American people”, as once described by Florence King don't understand that (or may be becoming only dimly aware of it now), might be understandable; but a multi-session representative has no such excuse. None.
I am just amazed that more people nationwide don't bother to ask Pelosi and friends to respond to the following facts anyone can confirm:
Congressman Roy Blunt put together these data to highlight the differences between House Republicans and House Democrats on energy policy (June, 2008):
Coal-to-Liquid
House Republicans: 97% Supported
House Democrats: 78% Opposed
Oil Shale Exploration
House Republicans: 90% Supported
House Democrats: 86% Opposed
Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Exploration
House Republicans: 81% Supported
House Democrats: 83% Opposed
Refinery Increased Capacity
House Republicans: 97% Supported
House Democrats: 96% Opposed
How is that Bush's fault?
Let’s just make sure American oil has to be sold to America, NOT exported.
Even if it takes 10 years it will be 20 years sooner than wind power, or fuel cells or solar. First of all wind and solar aren't going to be replacing oil anyway. At least not until we figure out how to do a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on top of our cars with windmills or solar panels. "I am just amazed that more people nationwide don't bother to ask Pelosi and friends to respond to the following facts anyone can confirm:"Bingo.
"Let’s just make sure American oil has to be sold to America, NOT exported."So this is not about securing America’s oil independence? Then stop touting that as the reason for increased drilling. Because I bet if you told people they might not actually get that oil, they’d have a very different opinion on taking on the risks of drilling off their shores.
It's also why I don't save any money. Takes too long to accumulate.
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