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Letters, 8/12: More drilling won't help

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Tuesday, Aug 12, 2008 - 12:34:37 am CDT

Concurrent with increasing gasoline and fuel prices at the pump, increasingly more people believe more exploration and drilling for fossil crude oil should be permitted offshore and in the nation’s refuges, forests and protected areas. People believe more drilling and pumping automatically translates into lower prices and less dependency on foreign oil.

Well, here is one fool who is foolish enough to recall only too well how the development of Alaskan North Slope fossil oil was to make the nation independent of foreign crude oil during the 1970s. It never happened.

Does anyone really understand how global free-market capitalism and enterprise really works? The last I understood, fossil crude oil was still being bartered, bought and sold on global free-market commodity exchanges, and the free market was still determining the price. And, the last I understood, those who lease and own the rights to drill, pump and sell the oil were still bargaining to maximize their profits and returns on investments. Therefore, by what twisted logic does drilling more holes in the ground automatically result in reducing prices at the pump?

Not only are the oil companies under no compelling obligation to sell the oil into the U.S. market, but the steadily increasing international demand may just as likely result in the oil being sold at a price in the world market that only increases the price at the U.S. pumps.

And what do we have but more holes in the ground and even less money in the pocket, and the potential for even greater messes to clean up?

The recent escalating prices for fossil crude oil and fuels have resulted in one of the larger collusions between those in the federal government and the oil industry majors to again mislead an economically frustrated people to abandon all cautions in the mistaken belief that we can have it again as good as we had it before.

But oil is still a non-renewable resource, and any amount burned only results in less being available to burn. It has an end point! Perhaps $5 gas would cause us to behave more prudently.

Stu Luttich, Geneva

How about soda diversity?

It was interesting to read in the Aug. 5 Journal Star about the progress being made in increasing the diversity of the University of Nebraska faculty — and then in the same paper to read that the University of Nebraska-Lincoln only has one kind of soda on campus. Thumbs up to faculty diversity! Thumbs down to no diversity in choice of soda!

Lynn Baker, Lincoln

Leave NASCAR alone

Regarding the letter concerned about NASCAR going in circles and wasting gas (LJS, Aug. 1):

First, the NASCAR cars don’t even use the same gas we do, and Indy cars have gone strictly ethanol this year.

Second, every safety feature we have on our personal cars has been tested on a racetrack first. Every time an accident does not produce a fatality, we have NASCAR to thank for making our cars safer to drive. From shocks, suspension, tract bars to tires, the list is long.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln developed the SAFER barrier walls NASCAR now uses at its tracks. That put some jingle in Nebraska’s pocket.

So enough already! Let the circle burners have their fun — in the long run they’re saving lives.

Linda L. Wilson, Lincoln


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Zoomie wrote on August 12, 2008 6:20 am:
" Stu, you are oh so right! The oil company-loving Bush Dept of Energy recently released a report detailing the fact that between 2006 and 2007 the amount of processed (in the US) oil products (gas, jet fuel) sold and shipped out of the US to foreign countries went up an incredible 31% in just that one year! Simple economics: we use 25% of all the oil burned up in any given day of the week, but all known OR SUSPECTED oil reserves on US soil (or offshore) is only 3% of the world's total! You CANNOT achieve independence from foreign oil if you have 3% but use 25%. It CANNOT be done (unless you stop using 25%...or conquer nations with at least 22%). "

 gunfighter wrote on August 12, 2008 6:39 am:
" Lynn,
The idea of diversity in the soda pop sales on campus is really a moot point, as this is determined by the amount of cash donation made to the university by the winning beverage company. It's all about MONEY!!
To think that there might be any debate or diversity on a liberal campus is just dreaming. "

 Dustin wrote on August 12, 2008 7:07 am:
" Last time I checked I'm not going to wear a firesuit, HANS device, racing helmet or see styrofoam sidewalls and more supported roll cages in my Honda civic hybrid.

And I don't run slicks on my car. So as far as the technology goes, NASCAR is way out of the realm of the common car technology and zero of the technology in the last 10 year has been used in cars today. They never even had air bags in NASCAR!!!

And though they don't use the same level of octane gas it does come from the same oil. But it just takes more % oil to produce it! Plus... who would want Goodyear tires on their car that are good for only 28 miles (Indy 500 had mandated cautions every 11 laps to change tires that were worn to the steal core) before you have to replace them!

Again... what a waste of great engineers and mechanical minds for some horsepower hungry hillbillys in the stands. "

 Thinking wrote on August 12, 2008 7:13 am:
" Obviously someone does not understand simple supply and demand economics. Increasing the supply of oil through more domestic drilling while we are developing alternative energy sources will decrease or at least stabilize oil prices. And when we drill and have our own oil resource we are no longer dependant on world markets. These bravo sierra time estimates all over the grid on availability mean little since the actual intent is to state to OPEC that we are willing to break our dependance on foriegn oil, and foriegn oil markets. President Bush announces that domestic drilling will increase, and for some "mysterious" reason the OPEC countries and the speculators see something that they were not expecting to see, competition. When OPEC is no longer the only supplier prices will be more flexable since now that there is a market alternative. And after we announce an increase in domestic drilling, guess what per barrel prices are going down. There is no instant solution to the energy needs of our country and the developing nations. China's oil use has increased ten fold in a few years, so of course simple supply and demand economics comes into play. Nuclear energy power plants would solve a lot of our oil and coal energy problems, but there are those who see only wind and solar as answer. Niether will provide the volumn of energy needed that nuclear power plants can provide easily. Electric vehicles are in the infant stage, steam powered vehicles were viable in the early 1900's, with new technology who knows. Diesel electric class 8 semi trucks are now viable, but the EPA says no to a large truck that will get @20mph over the current 5-6mpg. Why? My alternative wood stove to assist in my heating energy needs in the winter is also considered a no-go by many. We can not have it both ways, we either provide domestic oil to lower price making more funds available for research in alternativs, or keep watching OPEC raise the prices and keep buying up NYC real estate with thier profits. "

 Motorhead wrote on August 12, 2008 7:37 am:
" Without auto racing developing engine technology, ie more horsepower from smaller displacement, and higher mph along with that we still would be running gas hog 15mpg big block V-8's as the norm. Power increasing exhaust systems, turbo and fuel injection technology, Impact resistant passenger area designs, impact absorbing seat designs, more aerodynamic design research for greater fuel economy, ground effect technology for greater fuel economy, tire technology for longer tread life, fuel economy and better traction in all conditions, composite body technology, the list goes on. It is amazing how much the educated elite learn from a few North Carolina "hillbillies" and thier basic science applications to go faster and further for less, and a lot safer. "

 Thinking isnt thinking wrote on August 12, 2008 7:38 am:
" What's this "we"? Oil companies are not "we". They are global enterprises operating in a world-wide market. Domestic drilling doesn't do jack for America, when the company that drills and processes the oil sells it to China instead of the U.S.. Honestly, people, don't be fooled by the illusion that there is any loyalty to American interests by ANY worldwide corporation. Your jobs have already been exported to China. Why would you believe that "your" oil would not follow? "

 Not really thinking wrote on August 12, 2008 7:54 am:
" So Thinking, you are saying that out of the goodness of their heart big oil will exclusivly sell domestically drilled oil to the American people? When the world market will give them more money? And that somehow OPEC is threatened by and estimated 3%? A 3% that won't hit the markte for 10 years? How about instead of paying the CEO of Exxon 100 million a year he takes a 75% pay cut and they can add that to the research budget? I know it will be hard to live on 25 million a year, but i think he can manage.

Sounds like your thinking comes from billorushohannity, turn off the AM, and do your own thinking for a while. "

 RadioParrott wrote on August 12, 2008 8:18 am:
" Stu is right. Those international oil giants have been doing deals with everybody, everywhere. If we want domestic oil security, nationalize those firms. They have been selling the Alaska crude to Japan for the last twenty years. "

 Gary wrote on August 12, 2008 8:18 am:
" If we drill for oil here: Yes its not going to magically fix things but it will drop the price due to more supply, its a simple supply vs demand, if there is more supply price will drop! and we dont depend on foregn markets. This was taught in 4 grade! "

 Really thinking wrote on August 12, 2008 8:25 am:
" They are not drilling now where they could. You could open up the entire ocean and I doubt they will drill there until they need to. Drilling in the ocean is very expensive and will bring the price of oil down. I'm sure big oil has a big heart. Right? "

 thinking again wrote on August 12, 2008 8:30 am:
" The statement "when we drill and have our own oil resource we are no longer dependant on world markets." Is naive regarding the "we" part. Last I heard the oil companies were multinational, meaning they are not beholden to any particular country. So you think these companies are going to jack up their inventory of oil and somehow out of the goodness of their hearts lower the price for little ol US of A? If they were going to do that they already would have without the drilling of our Oceans. They are in business to make a profit. "

 Hank wrote on August 12, 2008 8:46 am:
" The Pepsi monopoly on campus is a shameful hidden tuition increase. Pepsi makes a huge payment to the University, it is granted a monopoly on campus, it can then charge more for its unhealthy food and drink, and students in effect end up paying Pepsi instead of the University directly through a tuition hike. Just don't consume Pepsi products, and you'll effectively get a tuition cut! There are still water fountains on campus, and you can pack in much healthier food and drink than Pepsi supplies. In fact, one way to let UNL and Pepsi know how you feel about this little scheme to bilk students, don't buy Pepsi products when you are off campus either. "

 Donald wrote on August 12, 2008 9:04 am:
" I’m going to be very blunt and honest here. Environmentalism is the new home for socialism. The bottom line is Mr. Luttich just needs to come out and say that he is in favor of a socialist agenda. Let me tell you something, you and your cult followers of Algore’s hoax and his message that we need to be off oil in 10 years ain’t gonna happen. Fossil fuels are going to be around well past our lifetimes as the primary fuel for our great economy. There is nothing even close on the horizon to replace it, so get over it! And until we do find an energy solution that is as efficient as fossil fuels, there is no need to self impose a restriction on our ability to go get those resources (unless of course you are a socialist who want to see our US economy hurting and shrinking). We have been subsidizing wind and solar energy for decades and still they account for less than 1% of our energy supply – they are not the answer!

And what school of economics are you referring to Mr. Luttich? During my undergrad and MBA studies in economics, the simple laws of supply and demand were taught. No matter what the market, be it local, national, or global, more supply will have an influence on price (no rocket science involved here). Oil is sold on a “global market” – what we produce here goes into the global supply of oil and does not necessarily stay here in the US. With demand increasing, doing nothing on the supply side will cause prices to rise at a greater pace. This obviously is what Mr. Luttich wants to have happen in order to fit his socialist agenda. Good luck with that! "

 Whatever wrote on August 12, 2008 9:09 am:
" When will some of you get past the liberal talking point of "10 years until we get the oil"? We don't need to reinvent the wheel to get the oil, it will take 2-5 years, according to the actual oil workers who do that for their living. To those who mock "billorushohannity", do you or have you ever listened to them, or do you just stick to your NPR, Air America, NBC, and far left blogs? You may want to try a mix of both, and figure out the truth yourselves. By the way, if you're such experts, then run for office and become policy makers. "

 Come on give it a rest wrote on August 12, 2008 9:15 am:
" It would also be an exercise of critical thinking if those who believe that domestic drilling will do nothing stop letting thier prefered news sources (with agendas) stop feeding them the information they want to hear, truth not withstanding. The media is filled with all sorts of information pro and con, yet the real truth is not to be found in "radio nowhere" or the agenda driven media, for both sides. I do not believe NPR or CBS/NBC/ABD/MSNBC/CNN or Fox are giving us the truth, only what thier targeted audience wants to hear. And I challenge any left leaning bussiness owner to only limit thier "profit" on thier bussiness to the amount that they require to survive with basic needs and give away the rest to taxes, once that happens I will begin to believe their rhetoric on "big oil" profits and thier CEO's. Buffet did not get rich by giving away his excess "profits", yet is more than willing to challenge anyone who approaches his level of success as being greedy. Also I do not see the more left leaning Hollywood elite who provide little overall but a good infotainment adultary story or who's baby is it network lead story, to the American people giving away thier massive "profits" on thier work, but are more than willing to lecture us on the ills of big corperation greed. This demonization of success, by those who are the more elite, or feel they are more deserving just by being conditioned to be dependant on government is going to be the death of this nation. The left aristocracy is just a guilty as the right, to believe otherwise is pure ignorance. "

 Chris wrote on August 12, 2008 9:55 am:
" I'm really sick and tired of the whole oil man schtick with respect to some when commenting on the Bush administration's energy policy. Particularly because these critiques never seem to expose House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for the do nothing luddite mentality towards energy policy that they have. I couldn't agree more with the sentiment that drilling is not the solution, but niether is sitting on your hands. If Democrats want a plan with alternative energy as a large componet, from a pragmatic stand point they will have to compromise with those who want more energy exploration for fossil fuels, which will allow a smoother transition to alternative energy. Democrats too need to stop ignoring the marked benefits of nuclear power as well. "

 Pepsi lover wrote on August 12, 2008 10:03 am:
" Lynn, The last time I checked there was not a wall around the U keeping the students hostage. When students go off campus they can purchase their soda of choice and bring it back to their rooms. They can probably save a few bucks over what's charged on campus. Big money gets the contracts-that's the business world. At the end of this contract if Coke coughs up the big bucks all the Pepsi drinkers will be mad. Go with the flow-there's a lot bigger issues at the U that are costing this state wasted tax money. "

 Josh wrote on August 12, 2008 10:32 am:
" It would be an even further excercise in critical thinking if we could just get off this "must have drilling, must have drilling" mentality. And until the oil companies start drilling in their current leases, there is no reason to open even more land. "

 Nope Whatever wrote on August 12, 2008 10:51 am:
" I have listened to Billorushohannity and laugh at the logic they use to justify their views.

Your so-called oil experts who say it will take only 2-5 years are the same people who are selling our oil overseas. All oil experts agree that it will take 10 years to get the oil to market if we open up more land.

In case you haven't heard, 2 years ago Chevron struck one of the largest reverves of oil of over 300 MILLION BARRELS in the Gulf of Mexico where they currently have a lease and they can drill. They are in the process of drilling more wells in that area and will soon be pumping out of there. Let the oil companies explore and drill in the millions of acres in the gulf where they have leases before opening up more. I imagine Billorushohannity have conveniently forgotten to mention that. "

 Ok Whatever wrote on August 12, 2008 11:00 am:
" I listen to Limbaugh for about 20 min a day, when I can. If you like one side of the story he is fine. If you don't mind probably the most hypocritical person on the air, that's fine. Rush makes a big living telling people what they want to hear. What's funny is when he criticizes someone for taking something out of context, or criticizes someone for spinning an issue, which he does for a living. He puts down drug addicts even after his addictions. He is the biggest hypocrite on the air. Hannity? He just shouts down people. An unintelligent imbicle. "

 Simple Economics wrote on August 12, 2008 11:04 am:
" Those of you who continue to refer to the laws of supply and demand to support additional drilling also continue to neglect one sticky little fact: the amount of oil we produce and the amount that additional drilling would get us if we were to open up drilling in additional areas. More supply = lower price makes sense, but we can't get enough additional supply to influence the global market. The irony is Bush/McCain know this (I presume they are relying on their experts' analyses of the situation), have stated it in public (a simple google search will prove it to you) and yet continue to push this ineffective agenda. Wait that's not irony, incompetence? dishonesty? collusion with the oil industry? take your pick. Knowing the more complicated facts, but continuing to rely on simple economic laws of supply and demand is, well, simple. "

 Hey whatever wrote on August 12, 2008 11:39 am:
" That's not a "liberal" talking point, that was Bush/McCain's point. Why they continue to push this scam and how people can buy it, will be a mystery for the ages. "Here buy my car it doesn't run but it looks good. You'll be independent and can drive it all over the country." Wouldn't you be inclined to ask, "Didn't you just tell me it doesn't run? How will I be able to drive it all over the country if it doesn't run?" "

 josh wrote on August 12, 2008 12:05 pm:
" There are currently 68 million acres in the lower 48 states currently open to drilling which are either not being used or have very little explorarion. Also John McCain wasn't even in Congress the last session to vote on energy bills to give tax credit for wind, solar and other renewable resources, and another about hybrid cars. So don't give us the Reid-Pelosi won't do anything malarkey. Finally, I love the way gunfighter was able to insert "liberal campus" into a comment about Pepsi vs. Coke at UNL. Some folks are toooo much. "

 OK Chris wrote on August 12, 2008 12:15 pm:
" You say Pelosi and Reid are the reason nothing is being done in congress but did you ever think about the filbustering republicans might be the real reason why nothing gets done?

Republicans have set a new all time high in the number of filbusters in the Senate. The most the dems ever do is 56 in a 2 year period and are you ready for what the republicans did last year? 72 filibusters in one year. Talk about doing nothing, it is the republicans who block everything and not the dems. "

 Radio Nowhere wrote on August 12, 2008 12:30 pm:
" Correct me if I am wrong, did not Nancy Pelosi make her money on oil futures, so her interests in potentially lowering her "hidden" income is? I also believe Hillary is also well invested in "shadowed" oil futures. Nevada is sitting on how much oil shale, so ole Harry Reed is sitting on a serious futures investment also, after a few more land scams. And heaven forbid wind turbines appear off the Kennedy estate, will interfer with his view and his yachting. This is not just a Bush/McCain oil profit conspiriacy. And one minute of Air America, Ed Shultze, or any of the more left leaning radio/tv markets is just as audience directed as Rush or Sean, and the same sort of nuts quote and believe as gospel the views from the left spectrum and have thier agendas also. I really enjoyed the article of Al Frankens run for Congress and 1 (one) person showed up to his event, I thought he was the voice of truth on Air America? Sitting in my truck and Listening to Patriot Radio as well as Radio Left is a pure entertainment expierience, and somewhere in that morass is a smidgen of truth, but to actually find it....well that is the trick. "

 Oh Donald wrote on August 12, 2008 12:40 pm:
" What great economy? 9 trillion in debt, fewer jobs, record foreclosures, without health insurance, bailouts to Fannie Mae, Freddy Mac and IndyMac, recession, Ford and General Motors unable to make a profit in over five years, closing of stores by Starbucks etc. Not sure why socialist want to see our US economy hurting - but if they do, seems like they got their wish. Anyone happen to notice the coincidence of oil price decline beginning the exact same time the Georgian pipeline with its 150,000 barrel a day production back online after an 18 month absence? Didn't think so - too busy debating drilling in protected places while millions of other acres available yet sit untouched. Funny you can't get an MBA listening to your AM radio sources. "

 stignob wrote on August 12, 2008 12:40 pm:
" Darn oil capitalists! Glad I've got investments with them, I guess I'm guilty for colluding with the oil industry. Yes, there are other ways to share the wealth other than govt. distribution according to your needs. "

 Clarify Supply and Demand wrote on August 12, 2008 12:46 pm:
" Just to clarify for a few of you out there who are quoting the Law of Supply and Demand (which do hold true - not arguing the Law):

1) Demand does drive price up, and increasing supply does drive it down
2) The oil that is drilled is OWNED by the oil companies. Thus, allowing them to drill will not necessarily increase supply, since they control the supply and it is a VERY COMMON practice of monopolies and oligopolies to restrict supply to keep prices high.
3) Thus, increasing how much oil the oil companies own does not necessitate a drop in prices, though it MAY cause one.

What does ASSUREDLY drop prices is a lowering of demand. In the world of Supply and Demand, only the consumer controls Demand. Purchasing less is an irrefutable signal that you will not buy the product at the current price, thus the firms face a choice: lower prices, or don't sell at all.

Not arguing that Supply and Demand doesn't work, but the efficacy of that economic law relies heavily on having a high number of buyers and sellers. Currently, there are only a handful of sellers around the world.

Think about it this way: If I am the only person who sells apples, and I have five apples, I can sell them for $10 a piece. Then, I go to the apple tree and pick two more. If you are all still buying them at $10 a piece, the simple fact that I now have seven apples is not going to get me to lower my prices. "

 Lincoln Taxpayer wrote on August 12, 2008 12:48 pm:
" Since we live in a state that has no oil, it sure suprises me that we have so many oil "experts". (Ha Ha)
If any of you knew half as much about oil as you think you do, you would be running the oil companys and making all of the profit. "

 Neo-Con wrote on August 12, 2008 1:10 pm:
" Please inform us uneducated Neo-cons what the instant solution plan that Obama and the Democrats have in mind. Pipe dreams is all I am hearing, wind power and solar, how is that going to provide the amount of energy needed for our large cities. Since our residential models moved the work force to the suburbs, and kept the employment in the urban areas, how are we going to instantly fix this transportation problem? As for plans from the Democrats, I am still waiting on the details of John Kerry's detailed plan for America,from his attempt to get elected president. If energy is such a critical issue why is Nancy still on her book tour, and the rest of the Democrats in Congress on recess? I did go out and ensure my tires were inflated to the proper pressure, and got a tune up, but no real savings on my fuel costs there. Still waiting on the more efficient mass transit system here in Lincoln, StarTrans just does not cut it. And where is that high speed commuter rail line to Omaha? NY,CT,NJ,PA got it right for thier commuters to and from NYC and we can not get from Lincoln to Omaha with a simular and efficient system. Cost me $30 a month for a Metro Card and I could travel the entire MTA network, and StarTrans offers what?
This energy issue is just another electioneering ploy by the Democrats to Demonize big corperations and begin to plant the seed of nationalizing america's energy needs. If Lincolnites were truely concerned there would be a high speed 2 rail system running down the median of I-80, Lincoln to Omaha, and a truely efficient bus system here in town. But alas talk, complaining and blame is cheaper than action and responsibility. "

 MarkyMark wrote on August 12, 2008 1:16 pm:
" Watching the knee jerk responses about drilling is almost laughable. Trying to use this for a political tool is a complete joke and most people know better. Lets use these areas last and keep them like a savings acct. Drill the land you are sitting on now, Big Oil. I'm tired of these uninformed knee-jerk Neo-Cons freaking out for nothing! "

 Queen Elizabeth II wrote on August 12, 2008 2:07 pm:
" To Neo-con: Your comment made be blush. All the states that you mentioned are Democratic states, that did it right with investing heavily in mass-transit. And when did you get your metro card last? I was there this spring and it cost me 70.00 for a month pass, which is still very cheap considering the price of gas. You blame Nancy and Harry, but my question is where were the republicans in congress from 1995-2007? Where was Bush? This problem did not just pop up. Former President Ford said in his final State of the Union address in January 1977 "The United States must end its dependence on foriegn oil". From that time til now we had 3 republican preidents for a total of 20 years and 2 democratic presidents for 12 years. Was anything done on eithers watch?

You also ask why we don't have a rail line from here to Omaha? The Reoublican Legislature and Gov. Johnass would not fund the study to see if it would be a viable option. And plus to most Nebraskans want their own cars with their loaded guns in them in the first place. "

 Neo-con-right wrote on August 12, 2008 2:31 pm:
" neo-con writes wind power is a pipe dream - while McCain ad implies its the solution. Properly inflated tires are a savings, and everyone knows it, but thanks for moving on the idea. Now the reason you didn't get the detail and benefits of Kerry's plan is because instead of voting for a war hero with experience, instead you voted for a draft-dodger with failed business experience whose tax-cuts for the rich ruined the country. But don't dispair, you can right those two wrongs this November. "

 Shirley Eggleston wrote on August 12, 2008 2:38 pm:
" I keep reading that drilling won't help gas prices. What we need to be
concerned about is to become energy dependent so we don't have to
be beholden to the middle east for oil or natural gas. God has blessed
America with enough oil and natual gas that we don't have to be dependent
upon the middle east. What we need is congress to care about "We the People" and not about themselves and their power just to get nominated. "

 Some healthy searching shows... wrote on August 12, 2008 2:49 pm:
" I 've tried to post this research on here concerning GOP obstructionism on this matter about six times now to no avail. So here goes again.........Experts are in general agreement....drilling more holes will never have a significant impact on oil prices. In the short term we can tap our reserves as has been done before to reign in speculation.

BUT:

On July 24th, 2008

H. Res. 6578, the Consumer Energy Supply Act of 2008 was rushed before congress seeking to provide quick relief at the pump, something that drilling absolutely CANNOT do. The measure received strong majority support in a House vote of 268 to 157, but failed to receive the two-thirds necessary to pass under suspension of house rules. All Democrats present voted for the measure, while 157 Representatives voted against it. The measure would direct the release of a small amount of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, bringing down gas prices and sending a strong message to energy speculators.

The American people have paid for more than 700 million barrels of oil to be held in this government stockpile. At significant taxpayer expense, the SPR is currently 97 percent full - its highest level EVER!!

You can see the names of the 157 representatives who voted for BIG oil interests over yours with this link. And guess what.....you''ll NEVER believe it!....

ALL 157 are members of the Gas, Oil & Petroleum party.. Stunned?
Furthermore, give ya one guess who ALL THREE reps from Nebraska sided with.
Ding! You got it! Smith, Terry and Fortenberry all sided with Arab oil interests over yours and mine.

See who the 157 are here and contribute to their opponents soon and often!

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/vote.xpd?vote=h2008-527&sort=vote "

 MarkyMark wrote on August 12, 2008 3:13 pm:
" "God has blessed America with enough oil and natual gas that we don't have to be dependent upon the middle east." Sure would like your source on that statement, Shirley. Everyone else including the experts and oil companies say the exact opposite, for the oil anyway. Was this some type of political tv commercial? If so, maybe God could help his loyal subjects by helping deliver all that oil and gas to us. "

 JB wrote on August 12, 2008 3:32 pm:
" Just a ploy for big oil to make some quick money. Can't wait until we gir rid of "Big Oil" Chaney. "

 To healthy searching wrote on August 12, 2008 3:50 pm:
" Excellent. This is the kind of stuff we need to read to be informed. It's work yes, but it beats dancing to the spin. "

 Supply side wrote on August 12, 2008 4:12 pm:
" According to the Energy Information Administration, the US currently uses 20.7 million barrels per day while producing 5.1 million. For those who advocate drilling in ANWR, the EIA reports that "additional oil production resulting from the opening of ANWR reaches 780,000 barrels per day in 2027 and then declines to 710,000 barrels per day in 2030." And for those who want to drill offshore (oil derricks do not affect the ocean view from Nebraska and our beaches are safe from any spills), the EIA reports that "access to the Pacific, Atlantic, and eastern Gulf regions would not have a significant impact on domestic crude oil production or prices before 2030," and that when fully developed new offshore sites will produce 200,000 barrels per day.

So those who share the belief of Thinking that the McCain "plan" will result in energy independence, the simple arithmetic puts US supply at 30% of US consumption IF ALL domestic supply goes to domestic use AND demand does not increase between now and 2030.

And to Donald and his MBA studies in economics, the EIA projects that "any impact on average wellhead prices is expected to be insignificant."

Too bad that neither FAUX "News", RushSeanO'Really, nor the good old Straight Talk Express cares to share that information with their audience. "

 Just a few thoughts wrote on August 12, 2008 7:07 pm:
" The sky is falling, the sky is falling, according to the Democrats on the state of the country. It has been said so often the country is beginning to get the idea that a lot of thier rhetoric is less than accurate. Where is the short term energy plan for the nation, except no new domestic energy resources, must stay dependant on foriegn oil till we dream up a useable alternative energy source. How about a long term plan, Nuclear, to many green nuts say no to that, wind turbines on every yard, only till the enviornmental whacks sue based on endangering bird migration routes. Solar panels, too weather and seasonal dependant, electric cars, only till the disposal of the used battery lead an chemicals costs become greater than the cost of the original vehicle. Energy efficient light bulbs that require a hazmat cleanup team if one is broken in the home. So far we are batting .000 for good ideas.
Right now we are dependant on petrochemicals for too much in our society, there is no instant or quick fix on the near horizon, no matter what the Democrats say. More oil drilling even if one gallon, lowers our dependance on world markets, and may even lower the price, and just maybe we can tell the world to go pound salt, no more American dollars, if we can become self sufficient. Just an added note, when we cripple the oil companies with excessive taxation and profit confiscation, make sure you check you 401K portfolio, and kiss most of it goodbye, since many 401K's are interlocked with oil corperation profits and speculation. "

 Dj wrote on August 13, 2008 6:01 am:
" Looks to me the "no drillers at any price" should soon be happy. I know I shouldn't mention Natural gas prices are going to be up 22 percent this winter compared to last, or LES just got a rate increase. (Those Evil Corporations are at it again) If we can just keep that kind of information out of the discussion, then really nobody knows about it, and we don't have to do Anything. "

 CS wrote on August 13, 2008 8:33 am:
" "Why don't oil companies drill on the leases they already have?" Thats like saying, why do you want to drill for oil in Texas, you have permission to drill in Nebraska, drill there. "

 Just a few wrong wrote on August 13, 2008 8:56 am:
" Writer 'just a few thoughts' couldn't be more wrong. LED lighting presents no enviromental hazards. Even the BP website tells about their diversity into solar. It isn't the dems who say the sky is falling but your negativity seems like you are. And your logic is bad too. With record oil profits the last two years, my 401k returns have never been worse. Imagine if you were right - but thankfully you're not. "

 inmybackyard wrote on August 13, 2008 10:30 am:
" i love the apples analogy. to put a spin on it, if i have 10 apples and sell them for $10 a piece and get two more, of course its not going to bring the price down, but when another individual has the same amount of apples, but sells them for $9 dollars, thats called capitalism and thats why our economy works when its not "nationalized." Can you imagine if our government had the control over our oil industry? They can't run our social security administration, why should we let them run our oil industry? It's time to stop moving towards socialism, and start moving back to capitalism, it works. When it doesn't work is when the liberals step in the way. Last time I checked, McCarthyism did not work out so well, why do we keep trying to repeat that? "

 Backyard wrote on August 13, 2008 12:07 pm:
" As the ecomony was imploding under complete republican control 2000-2007, what part of the failure can liberals be blamed for? And just in case you care to become more educated, McCarthy was a republican. "

 Spoon fed wrote on August 13, 2008 1:09 pm:
" I cringe when people compare Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity & Bill O’Reilly to news sources such as NBC, CNN or even Fox News. Limbaugh, Hannity & O’Reilly are editorialists. By definition they are giving their OPINION. They are entertainers not journalists. They are not experts or educated (just check into their backgrounds), beyond knowing how to shoot their mouths off. They can make highly biased and outrageous statements, which are not supported by anything, and there is no consequence to them. They are not lying or misleading, they are just giving their opinion.

I wouldn’t encourage anyone to listen to Limbaugh, Hannity or O’Reilly; but if you must, remember that they are entertainers. To rely on them as a news or information source is doing your self a disservice. Watch or listen to a variety of real news programs and make up your own mind.

But then again it’s much easier to just be spoon fed your opinions, isn’t it? "

 Clarify Supply and Demand pt. wrote on August 13, 2008 2:04 pm:
" I'm not sure if inmybackyard was saying I was wrong or not, but let me put a challenge to his spin, since people may say "Well if BP and Exxon both exist, why aren't prices lower?"

Yes, if you and I are the only people with apples, and you are selling lower than me, than I will need to lower my price to sell my apples (assuming they are of similar quality). HOWEVER, what we would more likely do (and what you observe in oligopolies) is collude to keep prices higher. In other words, if I know that by dropping prices I enter us into a price war, I will just keep mine high, and you will do the same thing, and we will both make more money this way. If you try and undercut me, I will undercut you and essentially penalize you for such an action.

"Isn't this illegal?" you say. Only if they talk about it. If it is an implied agreement that is reached by communicating via prices, then it is legal. "

 YOU think wrote on August 17, 2008 8:16 pm:
" Funny how all of these left-wing enviro-wackos blame any thought they disagree (which is pretty much any sane thought) on AM radio and people not able to think for themselves...LEFT-wing radio/tv/newspaper has been spewing baloney for years...now that some outlets offer a differnet point of view, you go off the wall. WOW that's the party of tolerence...the party of unity...the party of peace? How about the party of SOCIALISM!!! "

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