Even if they both want to suck your brains out, you have to vote for one of them. It's a two-party system after all.
Posted on 06/07/2008 6:24:19 AM PDT by kellynla
Republicans finally have a winning argument on a big issue, and they'd better make the most of it. It starts with high gasoline prices--the single most infuriating issue to voters these days--but doesn't end there.
Democrats are not being blamed for causing the price of gasoline to reach $4 a gallon, at least by the public and at least for now. Where Democrats have stumbled embarrassingly is in their campaign to persuade the public that the American oil industry is the chief culprit. A Gallup national poll in May found only 20 percent blame the oil companies for gouging, down from 34 percent a year ago.
Where Republicans have succeeded is in selling their solution to soaring gas prices: drilling for oil offshore and on federal lands, areas now off limits. In the Gallup survey, support for drilling in precisely these areas jumped from 41 percent in 2007 to 57 percent in May.
So Republicans have an issue to exploit. And it's one on which Democrats are especially vulnerable because they promised in the 2006 campaign to offer a "common sense" plan to curb gas prices. They have yet to produce one, and the price per gallon of gas has risen by more than $1.60 since Democrats took control of Congress in January 2007.
Democrats have also insisted--unwisely, it turns out--on pushing to enact a global warming bill that would further boost the price of gas and rake in trillions of dollars in new revenue. This might have made sense a few years ago, but not in the days of public anger over $4 a gallon gasoline.
As a result, an amazing role reversal occurred on Capitol Hill last week. Republicans, once fearful of the climate change issue, suddenly demanded more debate in Congress on global warming legislation. Democrats, who had earlier promoted the legislation as a top priority, turned squeamish and quickly dropped the issue before it could do serious political harm.
Both House speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate majority leader Harry Reid have cast global warming as the greatest threat facing America today. In fact, Pelosi was so concerned about this grave threat that, shortly after taking charge of the House, she vowed to bring a global warming bill to the floor by July 4, 2007. Now, though a bill is ready, she's unlikely to schedule it for debate and a vote in 2008.
Spotting an opening, House Republican leader John Boehner has made Pelosi his chief target on gas prices. He needles her relentlessly. Week after week since last winter, he's dwelled on what he calls the "Pelosi premium." This is the portion of the price increase which he attributes to her inaction.
Last week, he asked her to bring the global warming bill up for full House consideration, knowing full well Pelosi has no intention of doing so. He wants the measure to get "the time and attention it deserves during these truly unprecedented times for families and small businesses," Boehner said sarcastically.
Meanwhile, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell jumped on the gasoline issue. "Why on earth are we considering a bill that would raise gas prices even higher than they already are?" he said. Reid's response was to halt consideration of the bill. Earlier, Democrats had blocked a vote on a McConnell amendment to suspend global warming legislation, once enacted, should it begin to drive up gasoline prices.
It wasn't only Democrats who were on the defensive. So was the environmental lobby, which had eagerly anticipated a debate on global warming and possible passage of legislation this year. Instead, environmentalists took a rare beating in Washington and, for the moment anyway, emerged as a liability to Democrats. Their opposition to any effort to slash gas prices make environmentalists an unattractive ally.
On top of that, the key element of the bill, the so-called cap and trade, took a political and intellectual thrashing. Long touted by environmentalists, cap and trade would sharply limit carbon emissions and allow companies to swap allowances on emissions, letting those with heavy levels of emissions acquire them from companies with low levels. Republicans drew attention to the downside of cap and trade, including slower economic growth, industries moving overseas to countries without curbs on carbon omissions, and a "hidden tax" in the form of revenues collected by Washington.
On gas prices, Republicans have been the beneficiary of a political windfall. The question is whether they can make the most of it. The answer: Maybe, but it's not a slam dunk.
It's sensible for House Republicans to continue holding press conferences at gas stations. But, John McCain is a problem. He opposes drilling for oil in the Alaska National Wildlife Reserve (ANWR), though he has come around on increased domestic production in other areas (except off the coast of Florida). Flipping on ANWR may be too much for McCain, though doing so would be consistent with his national security argument against spending billions for Middle East oil.
There's a broader issue than gas prices and oil production. What's the public's main complaint, identified in poll after poll, about the Democratic Congress? Inaction. Congress has done nothing that matters. Energy is but one of the huge issues facing the country on which Democrats have failed to act. There's also immigration, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and health care, to name a few.
This is indeed a do-nothing Congress. The stance by Republicans on gas prices gives them the credibility to make that point. But they must enlarge it by taking on every big issue they can: Offer solutions and dare Democrats to act. McCain can help by embracing a sweeping reform agenda. What have he and Republicans got to lose?
Freddie has a short memory. The Gelding Old Party had the majority in congress for four years while GWB was president and what did they accomplish regarding "getting America off foreign oil."
Anyone, anyone...Ferris? Yep that's right...nothing, nada, zip, zero!
And unless something has changed overnight, McCain is against drilling in ANWR!
The Gelding Old Party has become Democrat Lite!
Drill Here, Drill Now, Win 08.
Bush administration bars drilling in Arctic wetland
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSN1644783920080516
One thing I’d like to see poll numbers on is the number of people who blame the government for the high fuel prices. Maybe, though, I’m supposed to infer that those who want more drilling blame the government for the lack of drilling.
That's funny. The evil and criminal Congress we have is the greatest threat facing America today.
That's funny. The evil and criminal Congress we have is the greatest threat facing America today.
WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU GOING TO DO WHEN THAT MORON MCCAIN AGREES WITH THE DEMOCRATS ? The stupid ass should flip flop on that issue ,he gets blamed for flopping anyway at least on this one he could get elected for exposing the hoax of global warming and the commies in the democrat party .
But I am not going to hold my Breath on that one,I want to see my daughter get married if the enviornmentalists still allow it
Even if they both want to suck your brains out, you have to vote for one of them. It's a two-party system after all.
The ignorant masses are so so and so thoroughly indoctrinated by liberal public schools and the mendacious MSM that Nancy Pelosi,Barrack Obama and Harry Reed could set puppies on fire with evil giggles during a Super Bowl halftime show and the Republicans would get the blame.
2009 will be the watershed year of post-1865 America and all will ride on the upcomming SCOTUS decision on the 2nd Amendment.
We must remember the REAL reason the Founders wanted a well-armed America even if the SCOTUS doesn’t!
I talked to a guy the other day that was convinced oil is at record highs because Dick Cheney mad some “Deal”
From the story you linked which just happens to contradict the spin put on it by Reuters. It a compromise solution that allows the leases to go forward in other areas while putting the wetlands off limits.
This plan provides a balanced approach to energy development and wildlife protection, and forms a solid basis for the Bureau of Land Management to proceed with an oil and gas lease sale later this year," Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said in a statement.
1) Republicans have no cahonies and are content to let the dems and MSM wipe the floor with them.
2) See number one
The Executive Order moratorium on drilling offshore was first imposed by Bush’s daddy and could have been lifted over the past seven years but as of this date the present Bush has refused to. But you can pick up your Bushbot Button on your way out. LMAO
Actually he can do it without appearing to flip, he can just state that although he does not believe that some of the following measures are totally environmentally sound, they are necessary due to rapidly changing situations here in the U.S.
He could easily rescind his position on drilling ANWR because of the price of gas is substantially affecting the economy and Because of Iran and Venezuela attempting to tie up the supertankers we must open the coasts to drilling, it is a matter of National Security.
He could then say "These are stopgap measures that will provide a bridge to future technology that will decrease our need to import 60% of the crude oil to keep this nation on the move."
He could reopen the clean coal fields of the upper Midwest because "We can no longer afford to use the higher sulfur content coal due to Globull Climate Whatever."
But no, he is way to arrogant and STUPID to speak these highly complex and tricky sentences.
[snort, har, har] Barnes expects the Republicans to make a political argument and take advantage of the Democrats? What planet is he on or rather in which alternative universe? In this reality, attacking Democrat policies is considered mean, negative and the old attack politics. Elected Republicans don't have even the survival instincts of an amoeba.
It might even be a better idea if you KNEW THE FACTS.
now quit bothering me with you stupid posts
This makes no sense. Why would he do this when he is in favor of that suicidal "cap and trade" CO2 emissions scam. That risky scheme would be much more damaging to our economy than $4/gallon gas. It would drive what's left of an industrial/manufacturing base from this country (hopefully to Mexico, right Juan?). McCain does not give a damn about the economy. He's a megalomaniac like the rest of the dangerous members of Congress. He's also admittedly ignorant of economics. The Dems are using his admission in a new ad.
Just taking Obama for what he says, the stock market has already begun to respond to a perceived Obama victory.
After all, see this:
"...At present, Obama is in favor of doing away with the Bush tax cuts, maintaining the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) unless taxes are raised elsewhere to pay for its abolishment, raising the capital gains tax to the 28% level last seen during the Clinton years, reducing the growth in defense spending and enacting new social entitlement programs most notably in the areas of early education and universal health care. In addition to losing the Bush tax cuts, Obama would decrease taxes for those with annual incomes under $75,000, leave rates unchanged for those earning between $75,000 and $250,000, and raise taxes on those making more than $250,000 a year.
Many will say that they have not stocks; hence, this is no problem for them. But over 60% of Americans has their retirement savings in the stock market and, if you take the incentive to make money, you can anticipate less investment and fewer jobs. The quote is from Schwab. There is no link.
Just taking Obama for what he says, the stock market has already begun to respond to a perceived Obama victory.
After all, see this:
"...At present, Obama is in favor of doing away with the Bush tax cuts, maintaining the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) unless taxes are raised elsewhere to pay for its abolishment, raising the capital gains tax to the 28% level last seen during the Clinton years, reducing the growth in defense spending and enacting new social entitlement programs most notably in the areas of early education and universal health care. In addition to losing the Bush tax cuts, Obama would decrease taxes for those with annual incomes under $75,000, leave rates unchanged for those earning between $75,000 and $250,000, and raise taxes on those making more than $250,000 a year.
Many will say that they have not stocks; hence, this is no problem for them. But over 60% of Americans has their retirement savings in the stock market and, if you take the incentive to make money, you can anticipate less investment and fewer jobs. The quote is from Schwab. There is no link.
Depends on your future son-in-law’s carbon footprint.
Next up,government regulation of genetic predispositions (through fascist eugenic controls like sterilizations and abortions) that may increase the potential of added greenhouse gases—like large lungs or a tendency to flatulence—these will be detected during pre-natal examinations of the unborn or even sooner through the genetic cross-screening of future parents..
All non-producuctive breathers and farters (determined by representatives of the Green Politburo) will,of course,be euthanised under The New Gore Order.
Silly? Not so much.
The American Left is damned and determined to prove that socialism,though a historical horror,was simply not done right or by the right people—yet.
I'm sure the self-described brights will find more humane and sterile means of genocide than mass starvation or shooting. I mean, they call themselves "brights", so they must be better than those they identify as beneath themselves, right?
If you like $4/gal, Thank Congress.
Actually we didn’t drill in Anwar because we didn’t have a 60 vote majority. No sense letting facts get in the way of a nice bash on Bush who proposed it twice.
Pray for W and Our Troops
Good question, Senator.
So true it hurts.
The Nazis had to make their victims subhuman and their executioners supermen before they could accomplish their foriegn and domestic policies.
And now we must add to the dynamic duo of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, the democrat candidate for President, Barack Obama. This gives us the Three Stooges as the combined greatest threat to America.
It’s just that simple
That’s the way I see it.
True,we would already now be recieving boo-coos of barrels of oil from ANWR if Clinton had not vetoed the GOP energy bill back when Newt was King.
What's Fred smoking? Of course they won't make the most of it! The GOP isn't a viable political entity. It's a suicide cult that collects political donations from others who are also unwary, feckless, and confused!
But, John McCain is a problem.
Fred finally discovers one huge, major root of the problem. That root isn't going away until after he gets trounced in the election by the other suicide cult which only lusts for power but is also good at it!
Well,at least when Floridians in their yachts see oil rigs off Florida they may rest easy in the knowledge that they are Cuban owned and Chinese built and American oil reserves are not going to waste after all.
SO easy... the shot opens from orbit, then slowly zooms in on... Alaska. The shot keeps zooming in over millions of square miles of emptiness and frozen desolation. Finally, the shot zooms into an area the size of Fenway Park, and the announcer voice-over says, “This is the tiny part of Alaska Congress refuses to allow us to drill in for our own oil. Something to remember the next time you fill up.”
Scew McCain!!! This is a winning issue! If The pubbies had any balls at the grass roots they could pound the dems on this issue. I would rather have Obama and Speaker Boehner and Majority Leader McConnell over McLame any day! Newt, where are you? Drill Here, Drill Now!
“democrats have insisted on pushing to enact a global warming bill...”
translation: democrats have insisted on taking steps to nationalize the energy industry and curtailing business activity.
Oh, I totally agree. I was suggesting how easy he could do it, not that the stupid jackazz would do it.
“Freddie has a short memory. The Gelding Old Party had the majority in congress for four years while GWB was president and what did they accomplish regarding “getting America off foreign oil.”
They had the majority in both houses and 55 votes in the senate in favor of ANWR. 55 doesn’t beat a filibuster
It is time for the pollsters to ask the following question:
The blame for higher oil prices rests with:
1. Oil Company Practices
2. Environmental Extremism
3. Consumers Buying Low-Mileage Vehicles
4. Supply and Demand Imbalances
5. Congressional Inactivity
You are allowed to split your votes up to a third each for three choices.
Let’s see if they have the guts to do so.
Congress had a passed bill in 1996 or so to drill in Anwar, Clinton vetoed it. So in the conservative congress 2 years after they got the majority, after 40 years in the wilderness, they did the right thing. Then they got a taste of the power and money and are just like their ememies or are they all buds now?
And some American's will keep voting them in power because they might get something for free and not have to work. Then Pelosi, Reed and Obama can tax the evil rich and get more money to give to their dumbass constituents.
No, wait, the democrats took over the house and senate and promised they would fix everything! Life in USA would become UTOPIAN! and campaign finance laws took ALL THE MONEY OUT OF POLITICS! </sarcasm off>
“But no, he is way to arrogant and STUPID to speak these highly complex and tricky sentences. “
Yep. I have been saying this for months and Freepers have been all over my case. I still see it on Rush threads. McCain is an ass in the literal sense. Stupid and stubborn.
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