by P.G. Alexander

Created on: June 14, 2008

Drill Away

It is extremely important for the US to decrease its dependence on foreign oil. Conservation is equally important but is only half the battle. What the US needs to do is open ANWR for drilling. ANWR is absolutely massive and only 8% of its 19 million acres would be affected, the majority of which would remain untouched. In the end we're talking about a tiny tiny portion of the refuge. For those concerned with aesthetics-drilling would only take place in the flat, coastal plains. Environmentally, there is very little reason to assume that drilling would be harmful to the native wildlife-they've been drilling in Alaska for 30 years with no environmental consequences. The caribou herds have nearly octupled since then. It would also benefit the local economy tremendously. Most Alaskans are in favor of opening ANWR.

Increasing domestic production of petroleum would strengthen the dollar, lower and stabilize oil prices, reduce inflation, and strengthen the economy as a whole. What this should NOT NOT NOT do is lower gas prices. That is where alternative energies come in. Gasoline should be taxed at double the rate it is today. That tax money should be pumped into alternative energy initiatives.

In the last few months gas prices have SOARED and look at what's happened: HUMMER is screwed, dealerships are beginning to deny SUV trade-ins, the PRIUS is the 'tickle-me-elmo' of the auto-industry, and sales of cars with four-cylinder engines are skyrocketing. I think we've found the answer to our gasoline addiction-it's too damn cheap! TAX TAX TAX! And I'm a Republican! Nay, Libertarian. Let education, common sense, and open-mindedness prevail. Most of these environmentalists are either deluded or corrupt-they make their living off of protecting places like ANWR from non-existent threats. 'What about the caribou?! What about the polar bears!?' THEY'RE NOT A PRIORITY! How about bees? Bee populations are plummeting and no one knows why. Without bees there wouldn't be citrus fruits-our economy would get slammed. Why aren't bees making the headlines-bad for PR-not cute enough, no money in it. These seemingly benevolent environmentalists more or less whores. And so are most Republicans for that matter. Don't get lost in the politics!

Unfortunately people are too pitted against each other to strike a balance. Screw McCain, screw Obama, screw the right, screw the left. Most Americans should not be allowed to vote. 18 years old is not enough to make you qualified. If you can't name at least 45 of the fifty states, ten European countries, and 4 religions, you are a liability not a qualified voter. Unfortunately you are the people politicians have to pander to.

So yeah, 'produce' all the way!

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