Why so soft on offshore drilling? | 52 comments (52 topical, 0 hidden)
I'm referring to (none / 0)
the whole idea of reducing our dependence on foreign oil when I talk about keeping it inside the U.S. or adding it into our reserves, etc.

by Tom Hanc on 08/03/2008 11:14:34 AM EST

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reserves (none / 0)
if it is produced on US soil it is included in US reserves.  It doesn't matter who pumps it and where it is consumed as long as the global market remains open.  There is no reason for a bill to come out and state the obvious.  Also, the only thing that matters is NET imports.  In any given day we may actually export a few barrels of oil and import a few more, but it doesn't make any important difference.

by alphasigmookie on 08/03/2008 02:36:14 PM EST

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True (none / 0)

but that is not what the Republicans are selling.

Their story is that if we open up new areas for dilling then the oil companies will of course run out and start working on them like busy beavers. To top it off they are also pimping the idea that of course all that oil will wind up being available to the US consumer exclusively making us energy independent.

Anyone with half a brain knows that is all bull shit. 

by z1p101 on 08/03/2008 03:03:37 PM EST

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Exactly (none / 0)
Most Americans believe that it's "our oil" and that every drop that's pulled out of the ground will stay in America and that it'll reduce our dependence upon foreign oil on a drop for drop basis.

by Tom Hanc on 08/03/2008 04:15:39 PM EST

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a bit off the mark (none / 0)
Actually every drop that we produce here WILL reduce our dependence on foreign oil.  read my post again. 

The problem of course is that the amount of oil in the restricted areas is small relative to demand so it will only SLIGHTY reduce our dependence on foreign oil and won't come anywhere close to ELIMINATING our dependence as some have tried to imply. 

by alphasigmookie on 08/04/2008 01:28:58 AM EST

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Let me put my point in another way (none / 0)
Saying that off-shore drilling will reduce our dependence on foreign oil is like saying that the crumbs underneath our kitchen counters will reduce our dependence on imported food (we import a lot of food).

by Tom Hanc on 08/04/2008 11:01:19 AM EST

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doesn't matter (none / 0)
From a political stanpoint it doesn't matter a single bit.  Republicans can correctly state the democrats are restricting supply.  Good luck convincing the majority of America that that is a good idea and explain how it doesn't contribute to higher prices. 

Of course the real answer is that the amount of oil is relatively small, but all that 90% of voters will see is..."prices are determined by supply and demand, Democrats are restricting supply, so they are responsible for high prices". 

This is a losing position for democrats PERIOD.  The best we can hope is what Obama has suggested is to use drilling as a bone to throw Republicans to get more comprehensive energy policy passed. 

by alphasigmookie on 08/04/2008 01:23:01 AM EST

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Or maybe (none / 0)

you should pay attention.

"The longer this drilling fight drags out, the closer it gets to the election, and the more damage is inflicted upon Democrats. If Democrats succeed at killing the bill, they lose. If Democrats concede to Republicans at the very last minute, Republicans win by looking like the people who care about gas prices. The Democrat loony base will be demoralized."

I have heard that the congressional ban on offshore drilling dies next month.

Bush has already lifted his ban so they will not have to vote on anything come September 30. It just goes away. Why do you think Republicans are jumping up and down like shaved apes again in congress?

Pay attention oil man and you may learn something.

by z1p101 on 08/04/2008 02:13:10 AM EST

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Of course (none / 0)

but I am just talking about how thoes of us who undestand these things get pissed off when we hear this kind of BS.

If we open these land for drilling, and I don't care if we do, it will be like turning a hose on the Mississippi when it comes to the global oil market. That would also depend on if the ones doing the drilling think it is worth their time and investment to do so.

Just tring to cut down the BS here. 

by z1p101 on 08/04/2008 02:56:40 AM EST

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That was then (none / 0)

This is now.

"In this post, you claimed that Republicans would get no traction on drilling."

No, in my post I claimed the Republicans were not getting any traction. How many predictions have you made based on current circumstances (cough 06 elections cough Mississippi first district cough)? Grow up.

Tell us again about the Republicans dragging out the drilling argument until election. 

by z1p101 on 08/04/2008 02:28:23 AM EST

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Oh God (none / 0)

I think Ken was actually saving this one for the right moment!

What a pathetic putz. 

by z1p101 on 08/04/2008 02:44:51 AM EST

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Latest polling (none / 0)

Who would do a better job on energy?

Obama 50%

McCain 39%

by ProfRich on 08/04/2008 11:48:12 AM EST

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Why so soft on offshore drilling? | 52 comments (52 topical, 0 hidden)