Posted on 08/02/2008 7:44:35 AM PDT by don-o
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This weekend marks the beginning of August, the month when many Americans take their summer vacation. This year, however, the high price of gas is taking a toll on summer travelers. Congress is now taking a month-long recess of its own. Unfortunately, Democratic leaders are leaving town without taking any action to ease the burden of high gas prices on families across America.
The fundamental source of high gas prices is the fact that supply is not keeping pace with demand. To reduce pressure on prices, we need to increase the supply of oil, especially oil produced here at home. So in June, I called on Congress to lift the legislative ban that prevents offshore exploration of parts of the Outer Continental Shelf, or OCS. But the leaders of the Democratic Congress have refused to allow a vote.
Lifting the ban on this offshore exploration would benefit our economy in two important ways.
First, lifting the ban would allow our Nation to take advantage of a large and reliable source of domestic oil. Experts believe that these restricted areas could eventually produce about 18 billion barrels of oil. That's almost 10 years worth of America's current oil production.
Second, lifting the ban would create new opportunities for American workers and businesses. On Tuesday, I visited the Lincoln Electric Company in Cleveland, Ohio, a business that produces welding products used for offshore exploration. If Congress were to permit this exploration, it would mean new jobs at businesses like Lincoln Electric. American drivers are counting on Congress to lift the ban on offshore exploration, and so are American workers.
Bringing these resources online will take time, and that means that the need for congressional action is urgent. I've lifted the executive restrictions on offshore exploration. This means that the only thing now standing between the American people and these vast oil resources is the United States Congress. The sooner Congress lifts the ban, the sooner we can get this oil from beneath the ocean floor to your gas tank.
We also need to take other essential steps to strengthen domestic oil production. Congress needs to pass legislation that allows us to tap the extraordinary potential of oil shale, permits exploration in currently restricted areas of northern Alaska, and enables the expansion of America's domestic refining capacity.
It appears that the leaders of the Democratically-controlled Congress will let the entire summer pass without voting on any of these vital steps to help reduce pressure on gas prices. This failure to act is unacceptable to me and unacceptable to the American people. So when they return from their summer break, Democratic leaders should show that they've heard the frustration of the American people by allowing a vote on offshore exploration. If Congress does not act, they will owe families across America an explanation for why they're ignoring their concerns.
I know that high energy prices are making this a difficult time for many of our citizens, but it is important to remember that these high prices were not inevitable. They are partially the result of policy choices that have been made over the years by the United States Congress. Now Congress has an opportunity to begin reversing that damage. By opening up new resources at home we can help bring energy costs down. And that will help ensure that our economy remains the strongest, most vibrant, and most hopeful in the world.
Thank you for listening.
It’s only August. Timing is everything... streeeeeeetch it out.
That’s a point. However, I believe that one should strike while the iron is hot. Suppose in five weeks that gas prices have fallen to, say $2.85? The sheeple are going to be mollified and the issue loses the sense of urgency.
Bush took an oath to protect the Constitution from enemies both foreign and domestic. He was serious about the foreign part, but not the domestic part.
That is inexcusable.
The Dems are getting scared, Obama is now supporting “OFFSHORE” Drilling. They are seeing the backlash, and in November we can say bye-bye to the Obstructionist.
The president knows what he is doing. Let the politicals continue with this scenario. Let the American people see the Democrats for what they are since they have revealed themselves without any help from the GOP.
What a frickin’ wuss!
Yup, I agree that’s a risk. It seems to happen every time there’s an outcry on gas prices. Everyone gets steamed at Exxon profits, totally ignoring Saudi, Iranian and Hugo profits. Then with a slight increase in pumping the price drops just enough to lull the sleeping giant back to sleep with an even lighter wallet. I’m all for any type of kicking and screaming as long as we can stretch it out until the election. In the meantime, maybe we should keep demand high and drive, drive, drive. ;-)
Another opportunity gone a-glimmering...
The fundamental source of high gas prices and high prices of other commodities is George W. Bush and his weak dollar. W isn't stupid like his critics claim, but he is full of crap.
“The president knows what he is doing.”
Excellent, excellent point. I agree. It is almost as if the destruction of the dems is scripted.
It appears the dems are now in a funnel and its finally narrowing, and narrowing and eventually they will get their just desserts in November for clinging to their ridiculous ideas.
And the American people will get Nuclear power, more domestic energy sources, and the dems will be on the outside with all of their wacky ideas.
As painful as it is to my wallet — this is going to fun to watch.
Since yesterday I’ve been wondering about this and last evening on Mark Levin’s show Congressman Pence said many of them want the president to call a special session.
I don’t know what their strategy is now- I surely hope they have one, or are developing one NOW, because it didn’t take long for Obama to do a turnabout on his policy of NO DRILLING.
He’s proven true in one area- he’s the candidate of change. Every week- on whatever issue is hot, he changes.
Demo response to the President being played now....
Safer toys for kids and more attacks on Big Tobacco.
Folks if this is the way our President and congress are going to conduct themselves by symbolically just talking then they will be absolutely useless and we will be paying $5-7 dollar gallon of gas by Nov!
I can't afford it!! I don't have $7000.00 to spend on heating oil this winter!
Gas price here in Southeast MO has dropped to $3.53 at the local Basic Fuel...the edge is coming off locally...magritte
This speech was probably written a few days ago, before the events of yesterday, and no one bothered to revise it this morning.
What frost my ass is the reason DBM/dems don't care is because they know quite well Republicans in congress and this moderate President won't do anything!
It's up to us out here. The grassroots movement has to create movement in congress and demand action from our President. WE ARE THE PEOPLE and if they do not represent us properly we HAVE TO DO something, we can not just sit back on our duffs anymore people. As conservatives we usually don't act (Protest or knock down doors) on anything. We did on immigration and won, and we have to act on Gas Prices! It is going to cause major hardships this winter if we don't DO something!
The DBM/dems could care less about resolving this issue because they think people will blame repubs.
If we really want demolish the dems this Nov we should do everything we can to produce a lowering of these gas prices. If Repubs act on this issues and keep acting we will win congress back!
Sometimes the quickest responses are not the most effective. The GOP Congress should stay in DC and WORK...then announce to the American people their own plan for energy policy....publish it and promote it. Then GWB should call the Congress back into session. If Pelosi refuses this will further demonstrate to the ‘sane’ Americans which party is truly responsible for callous obstructionism.
That's most likely the case. And, obviously the President and his men do not have any sense of urgency. The Americans looking ahead to winter heating costs better get that sense. Now.
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