.
Take energy policy. Generally, Republicans want to drill in Alaska and off shore and Democrats want to be sure we don't. They want to move to wind and solar power. Republicans wants to hand out cash to oil companies. Republicans, as you know, hate animals and all living things. Democrats, as you know, love animals and all living things except people. See - the arguements are framed to fit a partisan debate - not framed to arrive at a solution.
.
It's kind of like when you send a work document around to reviewers - and everyone has something crappy to say about it. No one does the work (because they might have to take blame) but it is easy to throw stones.
.
It wasn't always like this. And it isn't good like this. Energy policy should really be a policy for the good of the all the people in the United States (and my assumption is that this would be good for the world's population - but I guess we need to prove that).
.
Maybe there is a way to drill off shore and in Alaska that is safe. Let's admit that and work forward. By the same token, drilling - no matter how safe - isn't an energy policy. There isn't enough oil for the world even if we open up everywhere in the US to drilling. Let's admit that and work forward.
.
We should still, actively pursue alternative renewable fuels. The cost of oil and the future cost of global warming make it imperative we find cleaner ways to generate energy.
.
An acquaintance of Ed's recently raised some amazing thoughts about offshore drilling. Let me start by saying I don't know if he is a Democrat or a Republican, but the issues he raises are neither. They are about US jobs, the results of offshoring our wealth to Dubai, how we contribute to international problems because we buy oil from regimes we wouldn't otherwise support... a lot of things... It was thought provoking to me.
.
As most of you know I am somewhat quiet and reserved and I do not usually voice my opinions openly. Nonetheless I feel compelled to ask to to consider signing the petition accessed via the website posted below to allow access to US energy reserves.
.
It frankly strikes me as a severe case of NIMBY that we allow the rest of the world to drill for oil and extract coal at whatever cost to their local ecologies to feed OUR thirst for oil but will not allow that activity in our back yard. I would suspect that this country, with a history of significant citizen and activist oversight, would be one of the more advanced areas in which to pursue energy exploration in an ecologically sensitive manner than most other major energy supplying areas of the globe. Therefore I believe that exploration and exploitation of energy reserves in our country to feed our thirst for energy would be in the best interests of global environmental health. Additionally, why should other localities suffer environmental risk and damage to provide energy for the US?
It frankly strikes me as a severe case of NIMBY that we allow the rest of the world to drill for oil and extract coal at whatever cost to their local ecologies to feed OUR thirst for oil but will not allow that activity in our back yard. I would suspect that this country, with a history of significant citizen and activist oversight, would be one of the more advanced areas in which to pursue energy exploration in an ecologically sensitive manner than most other major energy supplying areas of the globe. Therefore I believe that exploration and exploitation of energy reserves in our country to feed our thirst for energy would be in the best interests of global environmental health. Additionally, why should other localities suffer environmental risk and damage to provide energy for the US?
.
Many would argue that we should conserve, rather than drill. I do not see the two as mutually exclusive. We should certainly conserve for well documented ecological reasons. We should exploit the reserves of our own country to remain economically viable.
Many would argue that we should conserve, rather than drill. I do not see the two as mutually exclusive. We should certainly conserve for well documented ecological reasons. We should exploit the reserves of our own country to remain economically viable.
.
Expansion of this industry in the US would spur domestic capital investment and create sustainable jobs which would by definition by geographically anchored in the US and thus not subject to exportation to other countries. The dollars poured into our gas tanks would go to making our nation more energy independent and create an economic engine to fuel (no pun intended) a broadbased growth in our economy.
Expansion of this industry in the US would spur domestic capital investment and create sustainable jobs which would by definition by geographically anchored in the US and thus not subject to exportation to other countries. The dollars poured into our gas tanks would go to making our nation more energy independent and create an economic engine to fuel (no pun intended) a broadbased growth in our economy.
.
I recently returned from a trip to Dubai. It is mind numbing to see the frenetic pace at which our economic wealth is being transferred overseas and converted to indulgent and ostentatious development, while the US continues in a state of economic malaise, if not decline.
I recently returned from a trip to Dubai. It is mind numbing to see the frenetic pace at which our economic wealth is being transferred overseas and converted to indulgent and ostentatious development, while the US continues in a state of economic malaise, if not decline.
.
I recognize that many of us are on political issue overload. Some of us thrilled for the slate of nominees proffered to us for the presidential election, some not so thrilled. Some of us concerned about Countrywide mortgages being granted to members of congress at "VIP" terms, some not. The list could go on ad nauseum. I do not see this as a political issue, although I am sure it will be turned into one. I see this as an American issue. With every dollar we ship overseas to access energy we lose a measure of economic vitality and, importantly, engage in some degree of political malfeasance. Who gets arms, who gets beneficial trade status, who gains political stature on the world stage is related, I believe, in some fashion to who has oil.
I recognize that many of us are on political issue overload. Some of us thrilled for the slate of nominees proffered to us for the presidential election, some not so thrilled. Some of us concerned about Countrywide mortgages being granted to members of congress at "VIP" terms, some not. The list could go on ad nauseum. I do not see this as a political issue, although I am sure it will be turned into one. I see this as an American issue. With every dollar we ship overseas to access energy we lose a measure of economic vitality and, importantly, engage in some degree of political malfeasance. Who gets arms, who gets beneficial trade status, who gains political stature on the world stage is related, I believe, in some fashion to who has oil.
.
So dear family and friends, political biases and agendas aside, please read the petition and consider the value to you, your families and your country of signing it.
So dear family and friends, political biases and agendas aside, please read the petition and consider the value to you, your families and your country of signing it.