Posted on 04/29/2008 8:56:27 AM PDT by Bobkk47
Here's what the leaders of the congressional Democrats told the American people two years ago to persuade voters to bring them to power:
— "Democrats have a common-sense plan to help bring down skyrocketing gas prices." (Nancy Pelosi, now speaker of the House).
— "Democrats believe that we can do more for the American people who are struggling to deal with high gas prices." (Steny Hoyer, now House majority leader).
— "House Democrats have a plan to help curb rising gas prices." (Jim Clyburn, now House majority whip).
When Pelosi was sworn in as speaker, the national average price for a gallon of regular gas was $2.29. As of Monday, the national average price for a gallon of gas was $3.60 — a record high. In California — where you, I and Speaker Pelosi live — a gallon of regular gas hit an average of $4 a gallon in San Francisco on Sunday, with the rest of the state not far behind.
So much for the Democrats' plan.
Gasoline prices are not, and shouldn't be, a partisan issue. They affect all Americans equally. That's because 98 percent of American transportation is fueled by oil. As transportation costs rise, so do costs for food, furniture, medicines, household supplies, clothing — anything that has to be shipped from one point to another.
Together, Democrats and Republicans need to cut our reliance on foreign oil, through conservation, alternative fuels and tapping domestic sources. The U.S. currently imports more than 56 percent of its oil from foreign countries, such as the volatile Middle East and Venezuela. At the current rate of importation and consumption, the U.S. will rely on the rest of the world for 64 percent of its oil needs in 12 years.
Conservation has an immediate impact, but is only part of the solution. Alternative fuels will take time and even then may not fully replace oil for all our energy needs. Therefore, if we are to reduce our reliance on foreign supplies, we must produce more domestic oil.
Flash back 28 years, when President Carter — a proud Democrat — set aside a small portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for "exploration and development" of oil and natural gas resources. An estimated 10.4 billion barrels of recoverable oil lies beneath its frozen tundra.
It's important to note that ANWR is not the California coast. There is no tourism industry in ANWR, which lies entirely north of the Arctic Circle. Except for the 220 natives living at Kaktovik, who support oil production, ANWR is desolate. That's important to note from a states' rights perspective. If we are to continue the moratorium on oil extraction off the California coast because it's opposed by most Californians, then we should equally take into consideration the views of Alaskans, who overwhelmingly support oil extraction in their state.
We should also note that the 19 million-acre refuge is more than three times the size of Massachusetts, yet fewer than 2,000 acres of the Coastal Plain would be impacted by oil production.
Note, too, that moving oil from Alaska is less risky than shipping it halfway around the world in a rusty Panamanian tanker.
A small impact on a barren piece of Alaska where the people support oil production would have a large impact on our nation's energy supply. Yet, nearly 30 years after a Democratic president opened the area, congressional Democrats are blocking it.
Opening ANWR needs to become part of the energy plan if America is to realize any relief.
In the meantime, another short-term solution would be for California to lower the sales tax on gasoline.
The 6 percent California sales tax on a gallon of gas when Pelosi became House speaker yielded the state about 13 cents per gallon. Today, the state receives more than 21 cents in sales taxes per gallon, a 62 percent windfall in 15 months. I should note that the sales tax is based on the cost of gasoline, plus the added federal and state excise taxes. Basically, the sales tax includes taxes on taxes. Furthermore, Elizabeth Hill, California's legislative analyst, wants to increase California's excise tax by 10 cents and make it a percentage of the cost of gasoline, thereby exponentially increasing the taxation on taxes.
Raising gas taxes is not the way to ease the state's deficit. More likely — because transportation costs affect every aspect of the economy — higher gas taxes will further weaken the economy and worsen the state's deficit.
Instead, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger should cut the sales tax on gasoline while long-term solutions, such as opening ANWR and fully implementing workable alternative energies, are achieved.
Californians shouldn't be gouged by a government that is reaping a windfall on its sales tax or a Congress that won't increase supplies.
— Elton Gallegly, R-Simi Valley, represents the 24th Congressional District.
Good for Elton! This should be a HUGE PRIORITY right now!
If the GOP were smart, they’d be hitting the jackasses right between the eyes with this...
Remember their “we can do better” BS from the midterm? Well, gas prices sure aren’t better...the stock market isn’t better...there wasn’t a recession two years ago, and there was no talk of food rationing two years ago because of this ethanol craze, which drove up the cost of food, and food staples.
Oh well...such is where we are.
The congress is too stupid to realize what’s needed for a sound energy policy. I wish we could throw them all out and start over with Reps that have a brain.
Closing more oil fields, shutting down more refineries, and mandating new area-specific 'blends' of gasoline.
Libruls iz SMART.
Be nice if we can drill in California, AZ, New Mexico, Texas, WY, Gulf heck, anywhere in OUR country.
Actually the President could sign an executive order and start drilling now. Any over-ride would require a 2/3rd vote by Congress.
He won’t do it.
>>The congress is too stupid to realize what’s needed for a sound energy policy. I wish we could throw them all out and start over with Reps that have a brain.
Good idea, but that assumes politicians (i.e. anyone running for office) HAS a brain. I am convinced that Washingto, DC is a giant brain sucker. Once people go there, they lose common sense and the ability to think.
Isn’t that only about .35% of the daily needs. I don’t see how that could help things, as I’m sure there will be a buyer somewhere for it.
Point out where he says that drilling in ANWR would make the US energy independent.
You can’t. Because he doesn’t.
ANWR is not on State land. Alaska has no say whatsoever, it’s all FedGov. Direct your advice to your Congressmen.
I live in Bush Alaska- gas is $4.69- that’s right now- when the barge comes in it’s expected to got to $6.00 or more- gas is one thing, we only have 8 miles of paved road- but heating oil is going to be a real problem- Gov. Palin, a Republican, with the help of the legislature, raised the tax on the oil companies operating here in Alaska- now the state has a $5 BILLION DOLLAR SURPLUS- how much came out of the pockets of Alaskans by raising the tax, I can only guess! Windfall profits by oil companies gets alot of press-not a peep about the windfall dollars generated by taxes on oil!
Why won’t President Bush sign the executive order?
Time for truckers and everyone else who is sick of this to forget the impotents in DC and head to Wall St. Until we make a personal visit to the stock exchange and face off these arrogant speculators, we are stuck. Drilling in ANWR is a great idea, but this market madness is pure speculation.
” [ ANWAR ] - If the GOP were smart, they’d be hitting the jackasses right between the eyes with this...
The GOP nominee is against drilling in ANWAR. He says it’s ‘pristine’ and shouldn’t be destroyed....
You have John McCaine, who wants to represent all of us comparing ANWR to the Grand Canyon.
We are all so screwed!
But... but... but... THEY HAD HEARINGS!!! They did *everything* in their power!
The irony is thick. We always hear the left scream bloody murder over the loss of manufacturing jobs, yet they won’t let domestic oil companies drill for oil on/in US soils/seas.
We can. Use the D.R.I.P. policy:
D on't
R e-elect
I ncumbent
P oliticians
The nutless wonders in congress will never allow it. Mark my words, this nation will be brought to its knees before congress critters allow drilling there.
Because he cannot find his spine.
I know...I've made a point so many times, I've decided to put it in my tagline.
For DemocRATs saying you have a plan and actually having a plan are two different things. Oh, THAT PLAN!
We can. Use the D.R.I.P. policy:
We are too stupid for such.
We honestly deserve the politicians and problems we have.
People...you have to realize...our Congress critters don’t give a rat’s *ss about everyday Americans...The people we’ve elected time and time and time again to their cusshy little positions have become nothing more than “professional politicians” whose only concern and worry in the world is getting re-elected...As soon as one election is over, they are campaigning for the next...they lie and smile and tell you what they think you want to hear, then go about doing what they do best... take care of each other...you mean nothing to them but for one day every two to four years...election day....
Vote OUT the incumbents and tell the next batch to do something for the people or they are history also...
Our founders are retching in their graves at what we’ve allowed to happen to the system they gave us....
MAN UP!!!! Take back our country....
The time to drill ANWR was 10 years ago.
The GOP nominee is against drilling in ANWAR. He says it’s ‘pristine’ and shouldn’t be destroyed....
Use “Google Earth” and go take a look at this “pristine” area....If rock, sand, ice and snow are “pristine” then that’s it...Oh, in the “summer” there is short grasses...
oh, Boonie, I get it. It’s McCain who doesn’t.
Bio-Fuels- NO! Unless we can made cellulosic ethanol work with bio material NOT used for food.
CTL (coal-to-liquid) - YES! We are going to have to do this anyway so why not get started now.
GTL (gas-to-liquid) YES! Same as CTL above.
NUCLEAR- YES! YES! YES! We need a ambitious program NOW! This is far and away the most important thing we can now do!
SOLAR- YES, if it can survive without subsidies.
WIND- YES (see SOLAR above).
CONSERVATION- Yes within limits. Most people are already conserving as much as they can. We have already picked the fruit from the low branches of the tree on conservation. When the vast majority of people purchase their next vehicle it will probably be one which gets very good gas mileage.
POLITICAL/LEADERSHIP- Please stop listening to movie stars, the Sierra Club, Al Gore and other assorted idiots on the issue of energy. Do not listen to political leaders from corn growing states. Listen to good scientists and engineers who have a background in energy.
I ran across this article today explaining how Alaska plans to force drilling in ANWR.
http://www.adn.com/money/story/389829.html
Oil production from Sourdough wells might impel feds to lease in ANWR
ADJACENT: Reservoir seems to extend beneath the refuge.
This guy needs to be running the Republican Party, instead of the pantywaist RINOs of the past 10 years.
Going to take more than just ANWR. Oil is a global commodity and right now it will take something like 1 million BPD to push prices down. Probably be several million BPD before we could get the first well online even if an executive order was signed today.
This all makes sense, but does nothing to create a hold over the people by the politicians so don’t hold your breath for any of it to take place...
If it’s good for the people, but does nothing for the politician, it won’t be done...
What news conference? The press has not reported a word about it so how could he have had a news conference. Surely you have this mixed up with a shark bite.(Off Sark)
“....19 million-acre refuge is more than three times the size of Massachusetts, yet fewer than 2,000 acres of the Coastal Plain would be impacted by oil production.”
A little calculator work shows that this area is equivilant totaking a football field along with both end zones and exploring and drilling in three square inches of it...
THREE SQUARE INCHES out of a friggin’ football field!!!!!
That ain’t gonna hurt any caribou!!!!!!!
bump
The eco-fascists would immediately file a law suit in federal court and block it. Plus, no oil company would try to drill there knowing that.
It’s well past time to tell the enviro-nuts to sit down and shut up. If they don’t want to use petroleum products, so be it. But, stay the hell out of my business...
It’s time to drill ANWR
It’s time to drill the northern tier states
It’s time to drill the west coast
It’s time to drill the east coast
It’s time to drill the Gulf
We have everything we need to become energy independent...everything except the cajones.
Tell your congress critters that our future is more important than a few Polar Bears, Caribou, and that we need to stop funding the terrorists with our petroleum dollars. Congress can establish punitive and compensatory economic repercussions for environmental damage, etc.
This ain’t rocket science, folks.
Alternative energy? Great Idea...without subsidies.
Nuclear? Great Idea...let’s get started.
Conservation? Great Idea...already doing what I can.
Drill known reserves? Great Idea...
Re: DRIP policy. I’m sure at least most of us on FR know this. However, the problem is the braindead, follow the crowd, vote for the familiar name type of uninformed voter out there. In our most recent local elections, I made a point to vote against most of the incumbents and tried to spread the word to other voters. Very few of the races were anywhere near close. Once again, the familiar names won again.
Good observation on deliberate miswording in my caustic post. Libs and RINO's love to point out that ANWAR won't make the US energy independent.... THAT AIN'T THE POINT. The idea is to create more energy from more sources to recommoditize oil.
You are kidding right?
There you go again acting like a Right Wing nut and actually doing the math. The idea is to make us feel better by blaming Bush.
Agreed.....
RE-ELECT NO ONE !
Did I forget the {/sarcasm} ?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.