Stephen Weinstein's blog

Stephen Views the News 8/9/08

http://stephenviewsthenews.blogspot.com/

* Another note to Senator Obama - Your changing of positions is becoming vexatious! In last week's blog I spent considerable energy pointing out the disingenuous claims made by proponents of off-shore drilling. No sooner had I posted the blog than I read that you are considering backing limited off-shore drilling saying, "if that's what it takes to enact a comprehensive policy to foster fuel-efficient autos and develop alternate energy sources." I understand that politics and legislation are reliant on compromise. However, if in fact the drilling off our coasts will result in virtually no reduction in the price of gasoline AND presents a threat to coastal communities, you are being compromised, not compromising. U.S. oil companies already have rights to a great deal of potential on-shore oil fields. They have not used their vast profits to explore these areas or to develop alternative energy capabilities. By lining the pockets of many of our elected officials oil companies are allowed to ignore the interests of this country and its citizens. Intelligent energy legislation has been lacking in this country for over 3 decades. Will waiting 6 more months make much of a difference? In January of 2009 you may be in the White House and supported by an increasing majority of Democrats in congress. That would be the time to draft an intelligent energy policy. What is to be gained by pushing for legislation now that in order to get by Republican obstructionism and past the oil companies' man in the White House would be the quality of sludge? A short-term political solution in place of a substantive long-term energy policy is not "hope that we can believe in."

* No Mr. Fix-it ~ me or John McCain - I do not have an affinity to repair things around the house or to use power tools to make a dining room table. I therefore do not subscribe to Popular Mechanics. Perhaps I should. John Aravosis at Americablog.com noted a recent article from this publication. It appears that Barack Obama's comment about drivers who have properly inflated tires will save considerable energy had merit - contrary to John McCain and Republican spokespeople mocking the idea. "Underinflated tires on cars in fact waste a good amount of energy. How much? Exactly the amount the energy industry thinks we could get from increased offshore drilling." The Popular Mechanics article can be read at this link.