As a Republican, it’s hard to confront the reality of where we stand in the realm of American politics. We have presided over two continuing wars, an economy in turmoil and corruption on all levels of government (state and federal). We let the power and prestige of those positions get in the way of what our true job should have been, and the American people rewarded us justly last week.
But all is not lost.
This defeat in a historic election is a time to regroup and reintroduce the American electorate to the GOP. There’s always an opportunity in every situation and we have that opportunity today.
We must get back to the roots of who we are. We must talk - more importantly, prove – that we are the party of smaller government, lower taxes and fiscal responsibility. We are the party of strong defense and limited government in every aspect of life. We must remove the stereotype of a party with old white men running things in a smoke filled room and show the true, inclusive nature of the GOP.
We have an opportunity and over the next four years, we must not let this opportunity pass us by.
ER
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Election Day '08
It's hard to believe that a nearly two year run to the White House has reached it's end.
Today (if you haven't voted early), hopefully everyone who reads this blog will go to the polls and vote for our next President of the United States.
I've obviously been absent on posting a blog over the past three weeks because I wanted everyone to listen and think for yourself.
I hope that you look through the media hype and broad stroked words to see candidates for who they really are. In these uncertain international and economic times, there's no doubt we need experience at the helm. Not idealistic dreams. Yes, we need change, but we need the right change.
With this being the day America votes, this may seem like a last minute plea from a Republican blogger who's post, when read between the lines, is pro McCain. But with an election day message of hope (ironically), I want everyone to vote with their head, not the idealism of your heart. Yes, a message of change and hope can be a good thing for encouraging a better tomorrow, but in the realistic world, acting with experience can guide us through any storm.
In every American election, history is made every four years no matter who is running. With that being said, go stand in line and be involved in this distinct and unique American process. Go vote!
I'm voting for McCain and I hope you do as well.
ER
Politology by Paco
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone
Today (if you haven't voted early), hopefully everyone who reads this blog will go to the polls and vote for our next President of the United States.
I've obviously been absent on posting a blog over the past three weeks because I wanted everyone to listen and think for yourself.
I hope that you look through the media hype and broad stroked words to see candidates for who they really are. In these uncertain international and economic times, there's no doubt we need experience at the helm. Not idealistic dreams. Yes, we need change, but we need the right change.
With this being the day America votes, this may seem like a last minute plea from a Republican blogger who's post, when read between the lines, is pro McCain. But with an election day message of hope (ironically), I want everyone to vote with their head, not the idealism of your heart. Yes, a message of change and hope can be a good thing for encouraging a better tomorrow, but in the realistic world, acting with experience can guide us through any storm.
In every American election, history is made every four years no matter who is running. With that being said, go stand in line and be involved in this distinct and unique American process. Go vote!
I'm voting for McCain and I hope you do as well.
ER
Politology by Paco
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone
Friday, October 10, 2008
25 Days Away
It's been about a week since I last posted anything, but my, have things heated up in this presidential election.
Since the VP debate and the second presidential debate, the rhetoric and mud have started blocking the view of subjects at hand. The economy? Who cares. Iraq and Afghanistan? Who cares. According to the campaigns, let's talk about Obama's link to William Ayers or McCain's link to the '87 savings and loan scandal.
Point is, let's get back on point, people. I understand election year smoke needs to be blown, but what happened to the issues at hand?
I'm currently on a flight from Florida back to Texas for the extended weekend, so this finally gives me time to write a post. But, there's more to discuss with 25 days left till electing our new president. Let's get back on point.
ER
Politology by Paco
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone
Since the VP debate and the second presidential debate, the rhetoric and mud have started blocking the view of subjects at hand. The economy? Who cares. Iraq and Afghanistan? Who cares. According to the campaigns, let's talk about Obama's link to William Ayers or McCain's link to the '87 savings and loan scandal.
Point is, let's get back on point, people. I understand election year smoke needs to be blown, but what happened to the issues at hand?
I'm currently on a flight from Florida back to Texas for the extended weekend, so this finally gives me time to write a post. But, there's more to discuss with 25 days left till electing our new president. Let's get back on point.
ER
Politology by Paco
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Embedded Liberal
Yesterday, the news came out that Gwen Ifill, the liberal PBS correspondent, will be the moderator for the VP debate tonight at Washington University in St. Louis.
Now, how much influence a moderator can have in a debate, I'm not sure, but the fact that she's openly for the Obama camp concerns me. That, on top of her releasing a book on inauguration day titled, "The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama" makes Ifill seem less objective. Couldn't the Commission on Presidential Debates have picked someone a bit less biased?
Ultimately, if Ifill acts like a journalist and only a journalist, I have no problem with her moderating. But, if there's even a hint of her throwing curve balls to Palin and soft lobs to Biden, this debate will be remembered as the biggest setup in history by the liberal media.
ER
McCain: Ifill wrong pick
Washington Times: Ifill Urged to Step Aside
Now, how much influence a moderator can have in a debate, I'm not sure, but the fact that she's openly for the Obama camp concerns me. That, on top of her releasing a book on inauguration day titled, "The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama" makes Ifill seem less objective. Couldn't the Commission on Presidential Debates have picked someone a bit less biased?
Ultimately, if Ifill acts like a journalist and only a journalist, I have no problem with her moderating. But, if there's even a hint of her throwing curve balls to Palin and soft lobs to Biden, this debate will be remembered as the biggest setup in history by the liberal media.
ER
McCain: Ifill wrong pick
Washington Times: Ifill Urged to Step Aside
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
The Blame Game
A lot of you Dems out there are blaming us Republicans for the financial mess we're currently in. All I hear is, "8 years of Republicans = economy sucks" or, "Bush is an f-----' idiot."
No matter how unconstructive those phrases are, let's take a walk down Pennsylvania Avenue circa 1999 when the Clinton Administration urged companies like Fannie Mae to ease credit restrictions on minorities and low-income families.
By Steven Holmes from the New York Times:
Now, while there's plenty of blame to go around, the above excerpt from 1999 proves to me that you Dems aren't completely innocent in all this. We ALL - both parties - have a responsibility to correct one hell of an economic mess.
With all this being said, the blame game needs to stop. I'm hopeful it stops tonight in the Senate when a new economic bailout deal is voted on.
ER
Full NYT Article: Fannie Mae Eases Credit To Aid Mortgage Lending
No matter how unconstructive those phrases are, let's take a walk down Pennsylvania Avenue circa 1999 when the Clinton Administration urged companies like Fannie Mae to ease credit restrictions on minorities and low-income families.
By Steven Holmes from the New York Times:
In a move that could help increase home ownership rates among minorities and low-income consumers, the Fannie Mae Corporation is easing the credit requirements on loans that it will purchase from banks and other lenders.
The action, which will begin as a pilot program involving 24 banks in 15 markets -- including the New York metropolitan region -- will encourage those banks to extend home mortgages to individuals whose credit is generally not good enough to qualify for conventional loans. Fannie Mae officials say they hope to make it a nationwide program by next spring.
Fannie Mae, the nation's biggest underwriter of home mortgages, has been under increasing pressure from the Clinton Administration to expand mortgage loans among low and moderate income people and felt pressure from stock holders to maintain its phenomenal growth in profits.
Now, while there's plenty of blame to go around, the above excerpt from 1999 proves to me that you Dems aren't completely innocent in all this. We ALL - both parties - have a responsibility to correct one hell of an economic mess.
With all this being said, the blame game needs to stop. I'm hopeful it stops tonight in the Senate when a new economic bailout deal is voted on.
ER
Full NYT Article: Fannie Mae Eases Credit To Aid Mortgage Lending
Monday, September 29, 2008
No Bailout
This afternoon, the House voted down a $700 billion bailout that would have pulled that much or more of bad mortgage loans and bonds out of the market.
Even though in an earlier blog I wrote in support of this bill, as a Republican, I understand why it failed.
For the case against it, the United States is a capitalistic society. Shouldn't the market correct itself, consequences be damned? If you look at history, capitalism has a cruel, but efficient way of correcting itself. Why should we now get involved in the best system yet to be devised and add a socialistic twist to it?
In the case for it (now failed), loan rates would be kept in check, your pay check wouldn't stagnate, job growth would continue and yes, Wall Street would have been saved. Whether any of this would have come true, we'll now never know.
In the scheme of things, this was a pretty historic vote. We'll see what happens the rest of this week, but I'm personally disgusted on the non-action and gridlock happening because of this bill. We need action. Maybe not from this particular bill, but from a bill that works for all.
Here's one interesting fact before I close: It's interesting to see Democrats blaming us Republicans for this bill not being passed when 95 from their own caucus voted against this bill.
ER
Draft: The Defeated Bill
Vote: 205 Yea; 228 Nay
Video: Pelosi Speech Riles GOP
RCP: Recent Congressional Approval
Even though in an earlier blog I wrote in support of this bill, as a Republican, I understand why it failed.
For the case against it, the United States is a capitalistic society. Shouldn't the market correct itself, consequences be damned? If you look at history, capitalism has a cruel, but efficient way of correcting itself. Why should we now get involved in the best system yet to be devised and add a socialistic twist to it?
In the case for it (now failed), loan rates would be kept in check, your pay check wouldn't stagnate, job growth would continue and yes, Wall Street would have been saved. Whether any of this would have come true, we'll now never know.
In the scheme of things, this was a pretty historic vote. We'll see what happens the rest of this week, but I'm personally disgusted on the non-action and gridlock happening because of this bill. We need action. Maybe not from this particular bill, but from a bill that works for all.
Here's one interesting fact before I close: It's interesting to see Democrats blaming us Republicans for this bill not being passed when 95 from their own caucus voted against this bill.
ER
Draft: The Defeated Bill
Vote: 205 Yea; 228 Nay
Video: Pelosi Speech Riles GOP
RCP: Recent Congressional Approval
Saturday, September 27, 2008
After One
In my opinion (and for the sake of being objective), I must admit that the first win of the three presidential debates needs to be given to Obama.
During the 90 minutes given for this debate, McCain was the dominate spokesman on foreign policy, but over all, Obama was much more articulate in his delivery and more descriptive in conveying his ideas.
Maybe McCain was simply off is game? Then again, maybe I was expecting too much from McCain in this first round. Either way, the weekend polls will show us what the rest of America thought.
ER
During the 90 minutes given for this debate, McCain was the dominate spokesman on foreign policy, but over all, Obama was much more articulate in his delivery and more descriptive in conveying his ideas.
Maybe McCain was simply off is game? Then again, maybe I was expecting too much from McCain in this first round. Either way, the weekend polls will show us what the rest of America thought.
ER
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Temporary Hold
In what is now being described as a “once-in-a-century crisis”, John McCain suspended his presidential campaign today in order to focus on the economy.
We all shouldn’t be surprised by his actions. He’s a man who walks his own path. Suspending his campaign today shows that. However, in an election where he’s currently down in the polls, I'm not too sure if suspending his campaign is the right thing to do. Quite frankly, it's unprecedented, and I can't remember the last time a party's nominee has done something this drastic this close to November. In short, nobody suspends their campaign – nobody.
McCain and Obama are both active serving senators. If this truly is the worst economic crisis in a century, should Obama suspend his campaign as well and return to Washington?
Politics aside, we all know something needs to be done. McCain putting a temporary hold on his campaign shows this. Whether this is a good political move, we’ll find out in November, but this at least proves one thing to me about McCain: He’s not lying when his campaign uses the slogan, “Country First”.
ER
We all shouldn’t be surprised by his actions. He’s a man who walks his own path. Suspending his campaign today shows that. However, in an election where he’s currently down in the polls, I'm not too sure if suspending his campaign is the right thing to do. Quite frankly, it's unprecedented, and I can't remember the last time a party's nominee has done something this drastic this close to November. In short, nobody suspends their campaign – nobody.
McCain and Obama are both active serving senators. If this truly is the worst economic crisis in a century, should Obama suspend his campaign as well and return to Washington?
Politics aside, we all know something needs to be done. McCain putting a temporary hold on his campaign shows this. Whether this is a good political move, we’ll find out in November, but this at least proves one thing to me about McCain: He’s not lying when his campaign uses the slogan, “Country First”.
ER
Victory, Relief at the Pump
In Washington, no action seems to be better than action.
The Dems have capitulated to GOP lawmakers in the fight for offshore drilling by allowing the current ban to expire. This will open up 18 billion barrels of oil to the American people and begin a steady flow of monies into our stagnating economy.
This is just the first step in getting energy independence. As I posted in an earlier blog, we need to drill now, implement gradual change and then, go green.
ER
Election: Latest Polling Data from Gallup
The Dems have capitulated to GOP lawmakers in the fight for offshore drilling by allowing the current ban to expire. This will open up 18 billion barrels of oil to the American people and begin a steady flow of monies into our stagnating economy.
This is just the first step in getting energy independence. As I posted in an earlier blog, we need to drill now, implement gradual change and then, go green.
ER
Election: Latest Polling Data from Gallup
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Yet Again, It’s the Economy
First it was Iraq. Then it was oil. Now, the economy is front and center this election year.
In summary, here’s what’s going on:
Unlike the investment market meltdown of the 20’s and 30’s, this current meltdown can essential affect every American, not just the rich. What started as a booming housing market in the early 2000’s has turned into bad mortgage loans and ill-advised debt investment in bonds by banks.
Because of lessons learned from the market crash early last century, Wall Street and the Securities and Exchange Commission have become a leader in free market investment regulation. But, unlike Wall Street, mortgage loan and other bank regulations have been slim to nonexistent.
This obviously needs to change, but first and foremost, we need to stop the bleeding.
Late last week and over the weekend, $700 billion was recommended by the White House, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Fed Chief Ben Bernanke to bail out not just Wall Street, but main street. Yes, this move will increase government involvement in an otherwise free market, but to quote Bernanke, “Action by the Congress is urgently required to stabilize the situation and avert what otherwise could be very serious consequences for our financial markets and for our economy.”
So, instead of individually bailing out companies like Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and AIG, we will systematically begin buying every bad loan to relieve the burden they weigh on our market.
This makes us, the US tax payer, an investor. In reality, we all may not invest in the markets or have a home, but we all have a vested interest in preventing a 1929 financial breakdown.
Granted, I don’t necessarily agree with growing our debut, making government larger and using tax payer money to bail out the private sector, but the lack of oversight in this area proves we – the people and Washington - are to blame for not being more proactive.
Now, Congress needs to act. I don’t want to hear any in-fighting or partisan bickering about “adding this” or “inserting that” into this vital piece of legislation. This is not a time to worry about helping individuals or companies in your district. It’s about helping the United States and it’s people move past this financial crisis.
This is a non-partisan issue, Congress – get it done.
ER
The Basics in Mortgage Loans and Bond Investment
In summary, here’s what’s going on:
Unlike the investment market meltdown of the 20’s and 30’s, this current meltdown can essential affect every American, not just the rich. What started as a booming housing market in the early 2000’s has turned into bad mortgage loans and ill-advised debt investment in bonds by banks.
Because of lessons learned from the market crash early last century, Wall Street and the Securities and Exchange Commission have become a leader in free market investment regulation. But, unlike Wall Street, mortgage loan and other bank regulations have been slim to nonexistent.
This obviously needs to change, but first and foremost, we need to stop the bleeding.
Late last week and over the weekend, $700 billion was recommended by the White House, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Fed Chief Ben Bernanke to bail out not just Wall Street, but main street. Yes, this move will increase government involvement in an otherwise free market, but to quote Bernanke, “Action by the Congress is urgently required to stabilize the situation and avert what otherwise could be very serious consequences for our financial markets and for our economy.”
So, instead of individually bailing out companies like Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and AIG, we will systematically begin buying every bad loan to relieve the burden they weigh on our market.
This makes us, the US tax payer, an investor. In reality, we all may not invest in the markets or have a home, but we all have a vested interest in preventing a 1929 financial breakdown.
Granted, I don’t necessarily agree with growing our debut, making government larger and using tax payer money to bail out the private sector, but the lack of oversight in this area proves we – the people and Washington - are to blame for not being more proactive.
Now, Congress needs to act. I don’t want to hear any in-fighting or partisan bickering about “adding this” or “inserting that” into this vital piece of legislation. This is not a time to worry about helping individuals or companies in your district. It’s about helping the United States and it’s people move past this financial crisis.
This is a non-partisan issue, Congress – get it done.
ER
The Basics in Mortgage Loans and Bond Investment
Thursday, September 18, 2008
State of the Left
While flying over Hurricane Ike this past Friday (and holding on for dear life), I was catching up on some blog reading on my Blackberry. I came across a post by Dean Barnett from The Weekly Standard that I think accurately (thus the title of the entry) describes the state of the left.
The Weekly Standard Blog - The State of the Left: Angry and Desperate
ER
More from the Left:
The Weekly Standard Blog - The State of the Left: Angry and Desperate
ER
More from the Left:
- Obama: "I want you to argue with them and get in their face."
- Biden: Paying higher taxes patriotic act
- Hackers break into Sarah Palin's e-mail account
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Remembering 9/11
It’s hard to believe that seven years have passed since that fateful morning.
Just as many of you, it’s hard for me to forget exactly where I was or what I was doing that day. That, along with the confusion, remorse and anger that accompanied those images will truly live with our generation forever.
Today, the will and strength of every American will shine as we remember the lives of the lost.
Remember this day along with the resolve and vigilance we must pay in order to keep and live in our American society.
Always remember this day seven years ago today, September 11th, 2001.
ER
Fox News: Real American Stories
Just as many of you, it’s hard for me to forget exactly where I was or what I was doing that day. That, along with the confusion, remorse and anger that accompanied those images will truly live with our generation forever.
Today, the will and strength of every American will shine as we remember the lives of the lost.
Remember this day along with the resolve and vigilance we must pay in order to keep and live in our American society.
Always remember this day seven years ago today, September 11th, 2001.
ER
Fox News: Real American Stories
Thursday, September 04, 2008
RNC Round-up
I’ve had a lot on my plate lately, so I haven’t been able to post my opinion from last week or this week. But, thanks to Drudge, here are some articles from around the web.
RNC Reaction:
From the Dems:
Opinion & Polls:
ER
RNC Reaction:
- Palin: The Speech
- AP: Palin Delivers Star-turning Performance at RNC
- AP: Conservatives Hyped over Palin
- The Sun: Palin Strikes Back
- Politico: Convention Video
From the Dems:
Opinion & Polls:
- Politico: Why the Media Should Apologize
- WSJ: Why Obama Can’t Close the Deal
- RCP: Daily Average
ER
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Denver and the Dems
Well, here we go, folks! The Democratic ticket is set and the spotlight will be on them and Denver all week long.
Wait . . . hasn’t it been on them all year already (7 TIME Covers for Obama)?
Either way, I'm personally interested to see if Hillary’s speech on Tuesday will mention anything about the 27% of her wayward flock jumping ship.
ER
Politico: Convention Schedule
Politico: 5 Things Biden Pick Says About Obama
McCain Ad: Joe Biden on Barak Obama
Gallup: All Tied Up
Wait . . . hasn’t it been on them all year already (7 TIME Covers for Obama)?
Either way, I'm personally interested to see if Hillary’s speech on Tuesday will mention anything about the 27% of her wayward flock jumping ship.
ER
Politico: Convention Schedule
Politico: 5 Things Biden Pick Says About Obama
McCain Ad: Joe Biden on Barak Obama
Gallup: All Tied Up
Friday, August 08, 2008
GOP Still on the Hill
A week after Speaker Nancy Pelosi adjourned the House for summer recess, GOP lawmakers are still on the Hill protesting for the American people.
Every GOP leader has signed a petition asking the speaker to reconvene the House for a special session to debate and vote on a comprehensive energy plan. While this act probably won’t amount to much, I’m proud to say that my party is still on the Hill fighting for the average American.
If the Democrats care so much for the middle and lower class of America, why aren’t they debating this very important issue?
ER
Gallup: Daily Tracking Poll
Every GOP leader has signed a petition asking the speaker to reconvene the House for a special session to debate and vote on a comprehensive energy plan. While this act probably won’t amount to much, I’m proud to say that my party is still on the Hill fighting for the average American.
If the Democrats care so much for the middle and lower class of America, why aren’t they debating this very important issue?
ER
Gallup: Daily Tracking Poll
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Fixing America’s Energy Crisis
If there was ever a need for an energy solution, now is that time.
Over the past several years, we have seen a dramatic rise in America’s energy needs. That demand has translated into a near debilitating blow to the most powerful economy, and in turn, country on earth.
Enhanced by a presidential election year, this crisis along with the economy has become the top two issues on most American’s minds. Iraq, terrorism and illegal immigration have all taken back seats to this hot-button topic.
So, how do we get out of this mess?
How do we move away from dependence of foreign oil? How do we lower gas prices for the average consumer? How do we responsibly enter the green age of energy without bankrupting the middle and lower class of America?
If you listen to Obama and the Democrats, higher taxes on “Big Oil” and rebate checks from their “windfall profits” are the key. (For the sake of keeping this blog on point, I won’t even get into the broader implications of socialism this line of thinking brings up, let alone the sense of entitlement and dependence of government this encourages.)
If you listen to the GOP, T. Boone Pickens and others, you get a more realistic answer with a chance to fix this in a viable way that’s economically sound for America.
Here’s what needs to happen:
Drill in America Now
Thanks to Newt Gingrich, the Drill Here, Drill Now Campaign and other Republican lawmakers, a push to drill in America again is under way.
Gaining speed in every corner of America, more and more American’s feel that drilling is the quickest and best short-term solution we have to lower gas prices and relieve our reliance on foreign oil.
I happen to agree with the forementioned majority.
Reflecting on this need for action, President Bush lifted an almost two decade old executive order that banned drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf. This was mostly a symbolic response due to the 1982 drilling moratorium imposed by the 97th Congress, but the president’s action alone has translated into dramatic changes already. As if a leak was plugged in a sinking ship, oil futures soon stalled at an all time high of $147 a barrel and has been in a free-fall ever since, closing at $118 yesterday.
That’s a $29 drop in less than a month on speculation alone, and it’s already showing as a price drop at the pump. That should show people the possible results of drilling in America now.
Increasing Supply to Meet Demand
When you boil everything down to why our energy prices are so high, it’s simple economics: supply and demand.
As a country, we have an insatiable appetite for everything from the mundane to the exotic. It’s part of living in America.
Our need for energy is no different.
When the Democratically controlled House passed the drilling moratorium of 1982, America became its own worst enemy. We didn’t foresee the eventual reliance on countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela to power America into the 21st century. We didn’t see the eventual chokehold that OPEC would have on the world’s leading economic engine.
In short, we didn’t think, but we now have a chance to rectify our mistake and increase oil supply here at home.
Along with the president's decisive actions, Congress needs to step up and do the same. The GOP certainly are trying even after the House adjourned for the summer, but Nancy Pelosi and her cohorts are doing everything they can to prevent what’s best for America.
The Democrats feel that taking oil from our strategic petroleum reserves would fix our problem, but that fix would be temporary and very short lived (we have 700 million barrels in the petroleum reserve and America uses 21 million barrels a day – you do the math). They also say that drilling now and putting American oil into our refining system would take a minimum of 10 years.
Oil companies are singing a different tune.
Major drilling and oil exploration companies like Diamond Offshore say it could take any where from four to five years for new supply from the Gulf of Mexico to enter the refining system. Imagine what effect that would have on our price at the pump? When it comes to these production numbers (four years vs. ten years), I’m more inclined to believe a company whose bottom line is to produce oil and not an idealistic Democrat from California who wants to save the world.
Madam Speaker, knowing that American oil could be in American refineries within four years and knowing that the American people want to drill, why won't you allow an up or down vote? The American people want results and you're preventing that from happening.
Enter the Green Age with a Realistic Transition
With all this talk of drilling out of the way, let me make this clear: I am for green energy.
Working for an eco-restoration company last year, I understand the need to live in a cleaner world so we can leave behind a better tomorrow. But what I don’t understand is running over the lower and middle class of America to get there. We can invest in alternative and renewable energy without compromising the wallets of Americans, but Democrats don't seem to understand that.
Since we live in a world that relies on oil, change cannot happen overnight. If it were, the economic consequences would be greater than anyone could imagine. Democrats and environmentalists must learn to understand this. It’s a transition that can be accomplished, but only in a realistic manner.
Take T. Boone Pickens and his plan for example. Using his plan to implement wind and other forms of alternative energy would help create a "green boom" in America. Couple that with drilling in the short-term, America’s economy and energy needs would be set for years to come.
Cap the Wells of the Past
Hopefully in the next 25 to 30 years, America will be well on its way to becoming an alternative fuel nation. Once we’ve established and begin producing a majority of our energy from alternative green sources, we can then move away from oil and coal as our main source of energy.
Let’s introduce energy solutions for America through realistic change and not through idealistic rhetoric. Let’s have a solution that makes sense for the American consumer, our economy and the environment. Let’s cap the wells of the past, but only when we’re ready to fully move into the green age of energy.
ER
Over the past several years, we have seen a dramatic rise in America’s energy needs. That demand has translated into a near debilitating blow to the most powerful economy, and in turn, country on earth.
Enhanced by a presidential election year, this crisis along with the economy has become the top two issues on most American’s minds. Iraq, terrorism and illegal immigration have all taken back seats to this hot-button topic.
So, how do we get out of this mess?
How do we move away from dependence of foreign oil? How do we lower gas prices for the average consumer? How do we responsibly enter the green age of energy without bankrupting the middle and lower class of America?
If you listen to Obama and the Democrats, higher taxes on “Big Oil” and rebate checks from their “windfall profits” are the key. (For the sake of keeping this blog on point, I won’t even get into the broader implications of socialism this line of thinking brings up, let alone the sense of entitlement and dependence of government this encourages.)
If you listen to the GOP, T. Boone Pickens and others, you get a more realistic answer with a chance to fix this in a viable way that’s economically sound for America.
Here’s what needs to happen:
Drill in America Now
Thanks to Newt Gingrich, the Drill Here, Drill Now Campaign and other Republican lawmakers, a push to drill in America again is under way.
Gaining speed in every corner of America, more and more American’s feel that drilling is the quickest and best short-term solution we have to lower gas prices and relieve our reliance on foreign oil.
I happen to agree with the forementioned majority.
Reflecting on this need for action, President Bush lifted an almost two decade old executive order that banned drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf. This was mostly a symbolic response due to the 1982 drilling moratorium imposed by the 97th Congress, but the president’s action alone has translated into dramatic changes already. As if a leak was plugged in a sinking ship, oil futures soon stalled at an all time high of $147 a barrel and has been in a free-fall ever since, closing at $118 yesterday.
That’s a $29 drop in less than a month on speculation alone, and it’s already showing as a price drop at the pump. That should show people the possible results of drilling in America now.
Increasing Supply to Meet Demand
When you boil everything down to why our energy prices are so high, it’s simple economics: supply and demand.
As a country, we have an insatiable appetite for everything from the mundane to the exotic. It’s part of living in America.
Our need for energy is no different.
When the Democratically controlled House passed the drilling moratorium of 1982, America became its own worst enemy. We didn’t foresee the eventual reliance on countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela to power America into the 21st century. We didn’t see the eventual chokehold that OPEC would have on the world’s leading economic engine.
In short, we didn’t think, but we now have a chance to rectify our mistake and increase oil supply here at home.
Along with the president's decisive actions, Congress needs to step up and do the same. The GOP certainly are trying even after the House adjourned for the summer, but Nancy Pelosi and her cohorts are doing everything they can to prevent what’s best for America.
The Democrats feel that taking oil from our strategic petroleum reserves would fix our problem, but that fix would be temporary and very short lived (we have 700 million barrels in the petroleum reserve and America uses 21 million barrels a day – you do the math). They also say that drilling now and putting American oil into our refining system would take a minimum of 10 years.
Oil companies are singing a different tune.
Major drilling and oil exploration companies like Diamond Offshore say it could take any where from four to five years for new supply from the Gulf of Mexico to enter the refining system. Imagine what effect that would have on our price at the pump? When it comes to these production numbers (four years vs. ten years), I’m more inclined to believe a company whose bottom line is to produce oil and not an idealistic Democrat from California who wants to save the world.
Madam Speaker, knowing that American oil could be in American refineries within four years and knowing that the American people want to drill, why won't you allow an up or down vote? The American people want results and you're preventing that from happening.
Enter the Green Age with a Realistic Transition
With all this talk of drilling out of the way, let me make this clear: I am for green energy.
Working for an eco-restoration company last year, I understand the need to live in a cleaner world so we can leave behind a better tomorrow. But what I don’t understand is running over the lower and middle class of America to get there. We can invest in alternative and renewable energy without compromising the wallets of Americans, but Democrats don't seem to understand that.
Since we live in a world that relies on oil, change cannot happen overnight. If it were, the economic consequences would be greater than anyone could imagine. Democrats and environmentalists must learn to understand this. It’s a transition that can be accomplished, but only in a realistic manner.
Take T. Boone Pickens and his plan for example. Using his plan to implement wind and other forms of alternative energy would help create a "green boom" in America. Couple that with drilling in the short-term, America’s economy and energy needs would be set for years to come.
Cap the Wells of the Past
Hopefully in the next 25 to 30 years, America will be well on its way to becoming an alternative fuel nation. Once we’ve established and begin producing a majority of our energy from alternative green sources, we can then move away from oil and coal as our main source of energy.
Let’s introduce energy solutions for America through realistic change and not through idealistic rhetoric. Let’s have a solution that makes sense for the American consumer, our economy and the environment. Let’s cap the wells of the past, but only when we’re ready to fully move into the green age of energy.
ER
Friday, August 01, 2008
The Same Old Media
As if you needed more proof of how liberally bias the media can be, NewsBusters is reporting that out of the three major news networks, only ABC gave meaningful time to a report that the month of July saw the least amount of casualties since the war in Iraq began.
This is good news to report, right? So, why did CBS and NBC let this fall through the cracks?
ER
Update - Latest Gallup Poll: Obama 44%, McCain 44%
This is good news to report, right? So, why did CBS and NBC let this fall through the cracks?
ER
Update - Latest Gallup Poll: Obama 44%, McCain 44%
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Obama, Center Stage
Using Victory Column as his backdrop, Obama’s campaign continued its world tour today in Berlin where tens of thousands gathered to listen.
While I don’t necessarily approve of a U.S. presidential candidate giving a major campaign speech overseas (e.g., McCain in South America earlier this month), Obama definitely didn’t hurt himself today. At center stage in front of a crowd of thousands waving American flags, Obama probably did more to heal any negative views of America in Europe today than No. 43 could have ever done. As a matter of fact, if I were Mark Halperin over at TIME’s The Page, I would definitely give this week (and probably the reset of the month) to Obama and the Dems in the weekly Campaign Scorecard no matter what happens in favor for us Republicans the rest of the month.
But, let’s be honest. Other than the picturesque setting of Berlin, the speech he gave in front of that crowd was the same rainbows and butterflies speech we’ve heard thousands of times. It was his "big picture" speech edited for a world audience that gives great sound bites to the media, but as always, was thin on specifics. How is he going to accomplish this vision of “change” when he doesn’t even share the logistics?
And let’s not even bring up his recent shift to the middle on various issues. To me, those shifts alone should show everyone that Obama really is a pragmatist and a politician after all and not the messiah every liberal would have you believe.
Listen, the biggest problem I’ve always had with Obama is not that he’s a Democrat, but his broad stroke speeches. He fills the naive and gullible with noble dreams of “change”, which is admirable, but useless without specifics. It’s hard to attack someone when they don’t take a stand on something, but on the flip side, it’s easy to attack someone when they openly voice their opinion and give specifics on how to accomplish real change.
Grand images of “change” are not what we need right now in America, but action with realistic solutions. Don’t get me wrong, optimism and hope should definitely be preached on every corner, but fill that sermon with sustenance so we, the people can vote with our head and not with our heart.
McCain can hopefully give us that action, which in turn, will lead to a better tomorrow. He’s a presidential candidate that has a plan with specifics for issues like energy, the economy and Iraq. He’s a candidate that has the potential to accomplish and usher in real change under a Republican platform of lower taxes, smaller government and strong state rights.
Over all, the larger question is this: If elected, will McCain be able to follow through with the agenda he’s laid out to the American people?
That remains to be seen . . . that is, if he can win.
ER
While I don’t necessarily approve of a U.S. presidential candidate giving a major campaign speech overseas (e.g., McCain in South America earlier this month), Obama definitely didn’t hurt himself today. At center stage in front of a crowd of thousands waving American flags, Obama probably did more to heal any negative views of America in Europe today than No. 43 could have ever done. As a matter of fact, if I were Mark Halperin over at TIME’s The Page, I would definitely give this week (and probably the reset of the month) to Obama and the Dems in the weekly Campaign Scorecard no matter what happens in favor for us Republicans the rest of the month.
But, let’s be honest. Other than the picturesque setting of Berlin, the speech he gave in front of that crowd was the same rainbows and butterflies speech we’ve heard thousands of times. It was his "big picture" speech edited for a world audience that gives great sound bites to the media, but as always, was thin on specifics. How is he going to accomplish this vision of “change” when he doesn’t even share the logistics?
And let’s not even bring up his recent shift to the middle on various issues. To me, those shifts alone should show everyone that Obama really is a pragmatist and a politician after all and not the messiah every liberal would have you believe.
Listen, the biggest problem I’ve always had with Obama is not that he’s a Democrat, but his broad stroke speeches. He fills the naive and gullible with noble dreams of “change”, which is admirable, but useless without specifics. It’s hard to attack someone when they don’t take a stand on something, but on the flip side, it’s easy to attack someone when they openly voice their opinion and give specifics on how to accomplish real change.
Grand images of “change” are not what we need right now in America, but action with realistic solutions. Don’t get me wrong, optimism and hope should definitely be preached on every corner, but fill that sermon with sustenance so we, the people can vote with our head and not with our heart.
McCain can hopefully give us that action, which in turn, will lead to a better tomorrow. He’s a presidential candidate that has a plan with specifics for issues like energy, the economy and Iraq. He’s a candidate that has the potential to accomplish and usher in real change under a Republican platform of lower taxes, smaller government and strong state rights.
Over all, the larger question is this: If elected, will McCain be able to follow through with the agenda he’s laid out to the American people?
That remains to be seen . . . that is, if he can win.
ER
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
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