The US energy industry should be flourishing right now. We wanted the energy bill, most of America understands our need for more energy independence. Enron was criminally negligent with their books, but of course they'd support Republicans and George W. Bush over the Democrats...any smart energy company would. Any smart American would after Clinton's closing off Utah's clean coal for Riady, last minute EO to keep ANWR's oil away from a Republican administration, Gore oil dollars at the expense of our naval reserves, EPA regulations under Carol Browner requiring crazy and expensive standards resulting in massive refinery closings and not construction.
When anthrax became a threat, the pharmaceutical industry stocks went up. After 9-11, security firms flourished. Because of recent computer viruses, Norton and McAfree stocks are soaring.
Where there's need and a promising future, people invest. When Americans finally elected a President who understood the energy needs of the country, energy companies and Americans had every reason to invest in the industry. It should have been a sure thing.
Then Daschle tanked the energy bill. Enron filed for bankruptcy. When did Daschle make this highly unpopular and dangerous decision? Would Daschle kill our hopes of exploring, refining and supplying our own energy needs for this year in order to destroy the big Texas oil companies, as payback for smaller Dem. donations or the usual Dem. extortion and to hurt the Bush administration? Makes more sense than anything the media and dirty Dems. are peddling, IMHO.
So one man daschale controls the agenda and the Prez's "bully pulpit" is of no use? Bush is trying to be all things to all people and he will please no one in the final analysis. He should call dash exactly what he is: an obstructionist. Time to play hardball. He has the public on his side and but long will that last?