Jay Bookman

By Tom

May 23, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Jay, why do you make ignorant generalizations about a group of people? Not all Republicans are against conservation and fuel efficiency, and not all Democrats think it’s impossible to extract domestic oil (from ANWR or elsewhere) in an environmentally responsible manner. It’s obvious that we need a three-pronged strategy: an Apollo-like R&D blitz to develop alternative energy sources; an effort to improve efficent use of petroleum; and an effort to increase domestic oil production. Environmental responsibility and independence from foreign oil are both critical goals, and are not mutually exclusive.

By JustMe

May 23, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

Get a clue. Let me connect some dots for you….

Bush’s term is nearly over. Bush has many friends in the oil industry. The oil industry is makeing record profits.

Well, OF COURSE gas prices are going up! They will continue to rise until Bush is out of office. His friends are making money, hand over fist, at the expense of the American people. Are you really surprised?

The US has enough energy on our own soil. There is coal, natural gas, oil, wind, water, and even nuclear (not to mention ethanol). My hope is that the new administration is wise enough to tap into those energy sources and get away from making the middle east so bloody important!

By sherm

May 23, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

And don’t forget that in 2001 Bush canceled a research program to develop 80 mpg cars. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PartnershipforaNewGenerationofVehicles

And in the 90’s the Gingrich boys and girls passed legislation to forbid any government research in, or study of, auto fuel efficiency.

What,me worry? 24/7

By Taxpayer

May 23, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

I never cease to be amazed at how ignorant people are and how willing they are to believe the distortions others (especially politicians) throw their way. For example, all the harping about the strategic oil reserve and adding to it or even using it up as though it would make any difference at all. If gas prices need to go to $10/gal to effect meaningful change, then the sooner the better. In fact, why wait for “supply and demand” to push prices to a high enough level to effect meaningful change. Congress could implement a $5/gal gas tax and we will start to see some change. They could take that tax and invest it in alternative energy sources. Initially, there would be some pain but the end result may just pay off for our children or even ourselves. We can achieve energy independence with a concerted effort and we do not have to rely on burning fossil fuels to do it. We should not expect oil companies or others that profit from the current arrangement to contribute anything of substance to that effort. We should expect our government to at least promote such concepts as increased fuel efficiency, home energy conservation, solar power, wind power, fuel cells, etc., even if they don’t directly fund larger scale efforts to get the U.S. on its way to energy independence. After all, if we cannot get our elected ones to do the obvious things that need to be done, then what good are they? Get rid of them all.

By ByteMan

May 23, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Data?? You think DATA will help with the wrong-headed reactionists who listen only to the conservative echo chamber?? Not likely. “It’s the feminists/homosexual/environmentalist lobby’s fault!! Now where did I put the keys to my Yukon?”

My take on the whole drill/no-drill thing is that we should drill anyway, but not as any kind of strategy for energy independence but to replace the oil coming out of Prudhoe Bay (about 100 miles from ANWR), since PB oil is on the decline.

I think we should also put a $2/gallon tax on gas in every metro area over 1,000,000 people and require that it get spent on public transportation upgrades in that metro area.

Finally, I’d offer tax credits for people to trade in their SUVs for cars that get more than 40 mpg. If you have a car that gets less than 20 mpg and trade it for a car that gets more than 40 mpg, you should get a $4000 tax credit. Make sure the credit expires in 5 years, so that we force the shift to occur sooner rather than later.

By the way, in those states — like Georgia — where gas is taxes per dollar instead of per gallon, there’s really no incentive for the state government to do anything about high gas prices.

By RAY

May 23, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Even if oil drilled here was the same price as imported oil at least the money would stay here, which is a very important consideration ,one which I haven’t heard anyone mention

By Ted

May 23, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, use less but don’t increase your stockpiles will surely work - if you live day to day with no concern for tomorrow. Why does this remind me of the grasshopper and the ant? Also, the nonsense that drilling will destroy the environment simply shows your total lack of knowledge on the subject. This is not the 1020’s, technology has actually advanced past the forest of oil derricks that you see in old black and white movies. Consider this, when Katrina went through the Gulf of Mexico in 2005 (remember New Orleans) not one drop of oil was lost from the off-shore wells in the gulf. Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ gaff yesterday, when she said that she wanted to socialize the oil companies, clearly expressed her, or apparently, your view of Obama’s “change”. I understand the liberal argument that socialism has never worked in the past only because the wrong people were put in charge, but your enlightened leadership will bring us paradise on earth. God, how gullible we, as a nation, have become!!

By Analchord

May 23, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Isn’t $5 per gallon reason to go to war? I demand we declare war on the opec countries, and invade them, and take the oil.

That’s what we did in Iraq. Why not Saudi Arabia. They’re defenseless, sitting ducks. Nobody lies them. They’re as criminal as Saddam Hussein, which was THE justification Bush gave us to invade, that Saddam was a bad man.

Well, so is the saudi royal family.

I demand we attack. I am running for president on that platform. If elected, as soon as I am sworn in, I, as commander in chief will declare war on Saudi Arabia and take those oil fields.

Analchord 08: Gas will be cheap, the Saudis will get what’s coming to them, and they got it coming.

Who is with me? Lets do it!!!

By Ponce

May 23, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

The problem with adding a gas tax to increasing fuel costs is that not only will you not be able to afford to drive to pick up your food, your food will be too expensive, thanks to the increase in cost of delivering the food to the groceries (unless you cut food deliverers a break at the pump). We need more refineries and incentives for them to be built in this country (not much money made in building refineries…they won’t be built unless a profit is turned…here is where the gov’t must step in). As previous posters noted, technology has improved to build cleaner, safer refineries. If people are concerned about jobs going overseas, building refineries will help maintain some in the US (we’re importing more and more gasoline to reach demand). I’m all for helping the environment, but it will take some time to develop non-corn ethanol (corn ethanol is also driving up the price of food). In the meantime, continue working on bringing that technology, but also build the refineries, build nuclear power (cleanest, most effective power for electricity we can generate) and allow our regions in the state to decide if we can tax ourselves for public transport. Public transport isn’t the magic bullet, but it can help with the gridlock and clean the air.

By roswelldickie

May 23, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

this has very little to do with supply and demand. in the last two years the price of oil has more than doubled. the s/d equation hasnt been altered by that volume. in fact, no one knows what the real supply of oil is.

this is about the irrationality of the commodity exchanges. the futures market is governed by s/d as well. its just like a stock. if more people want it then the price gets bid higher. if i was awash in oil profits i would be using a good chunk to buy futures and keep driving the price up. that and the weaker dollar are killing us right now when it comes to oil price.

By tigger

May 23, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

Who says that oil has to be sold on the open market at market prices?

By thogwummpy

May 23, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

Nothing to do with supply and demand, huh? Look, we’re at peak global oil production right now, at 85 million bpd (barrels per day). Currently, world oil demand is at 87 million bpd; and growing. Y’know…supply & demand are market principals that have existed since cromagnons traded fish for furs. Yet, the Neo-Comm (New Communist) believes it’s all smoke and mirrors, a conspiracy theory! Lefties, y’all ain’t got the brain of a warf rat. Suppy and demand are EVERYTHING. Grow T.F. up already!!!

By Cant stop lovin' U

May 23, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

Thre is a solution to 150 dollar oil barrels: get more out of a gallon of gas with the car you have now.

We need an invention that adapts to all present vehicles that can squeeze triple the gas mileage.

I am working on it. But it will take millions to manufacture. I need investors. Who will support my cause? Who will invest the money it will take to invent a device that will triple the gas mileage on all cars now on the road?

I can do it, the trick is to atomize the fuel which can be done by using an elemental seperator spinning at high rpms. then actual molecules get seperated and did you know that most of the explosion in an internal combust engine is wasted? nearly all of it? that’s because of the really pathetically stupid method of powering cars: the piston and shaft. then most of that energy is wasted connecting it to an axle and then a transmission. It’s all too complicated and all too wasteful.

But that’s what we’ve got to work with, so we have to look at the actual fuel intake at the actual point of the spark plug’s ignition of the explosion that powers the car.

Comeon people we can do this. Think. one of you will come up with the solution. Think! Invent. Sleep on it. Look at diagrams and google internal combustion. Google spark plugs. Google fuel injection.

Google. Google.

ISAIDGOOGLE~!!!!!

By roswelldickie

May 23, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

hey thog- i am not a leftie and generally vote gop. but i am correct on the supply/demand issue. we know what demand is because we can measure consumption as you noted. but you can only measure supply if you know what is being produced- and its a simple fact that no one has that data. why? because not everyone who is a producer reports what they produce. the saudis for example do not report to anyone how much they produce. so its not about growing up- its about learning to ask the right questions to get to the answer.

By Mike

May 23, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

JustMe -

Just what is it that you think a President does? How is the President going to “tap into” all of those alternative energy sources?

The ignorance displayed by liberals is astounding. They really seem to believe that oil prices are Bush’s fault and all we need to do is elect a new President.

Perhaps liberals would be less angry if they knew what they were talking about.

On a different topic altogether, the report Bookman cited also said:

“Additional oil production resulting from the opening of ANWR improves the U.S. balance of trade. Cumulative expenditures on foreign crude oil and liquid fuels between 2018 and 2030 are reduced by $202 billion dollars (2006 dollars) in the mean oil resource case and reduced by $135 and $327 billion dollars in the low and high oil resource cases, respectively.”

Ah but who cares about presenting the whole story? It’s so much better to pick and choose those parts that justify your pre-exisitng positions, right Jay?

By Gil

May 23, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Both political parties are much more interested in blaming the other for oil prices than they are in finding a solution or solutions to the problem Both placate their bases in order to stay in power and neither gives a flip about the common people.

By AL

May 24, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

Hey I’ve got an idea! Let’s don’t do anything. Lets continue buying oil from Mexico who recklessly drills for oil off-shore and in every place in their country without any regulations to speak of. Yeah that’s a great idea! How about lets continue to prop up OPEC and VZ while they both continue to funnel money to many anti Western and American terrorists organizations around the world. Great plan. Let’s face it Fossil fuel is the cheapet form of energy on the planet right now period. Our economy along with India and China’s economies are totally dependant on it. If you get a Prius that is still not going to change. For the life of me I guess it’s Okay to buy it around the world from others but lets don’t find ways to become less dependant. Completely assinine.

By Digger

May 24, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this

I’ve worked various construction jobs around Alaska for over 30 years, and have had occasion to bump into some interesting people.

In 1975 on the Alaska Pipeline, I roomed with a surveyor who had just spent a couple of years working around the state with an oil company engineering/surveying crew, and he said that he personally knew of at least FOUR separate Alaskan oilfields, each with as much petroleum reserves as Prudhoe Bay. He had to sign a non-disclosure agreement before leaving that job.

And just a few years ago, I had a chat with a private surveyor who said that on one of his recent jobs he’d seen a quantity of capped-off oilwells along the coast, 350 miles southeast of Anchorage. He asked around, and found that those wells are indeed part of a large untapped field. Further inquiries were stonewalled.

I’m always amazed at the insane quantity of fanaticism pouring out of liberal environmentalists who think they’re protecting the pristine wilderness, wildlife, etc. by opposing exploration and utilization of natural resources. “Save the Prudhoe Bay Caribou Herd”, my a*. They should see a complacent caribou herd calving within 200 yards of a Prudhoe Bay oil camp, like I have. Matter of fact there’s less predators killing caribou calves close to a camp, so the wild caribou actually thrive and are happier with us around.

Want to help the ANWR caribou herd? Put a construction camp there.

Regarding ANWR, a friend gave me a good description of just how much projected land an oilwell installation would take up, in that area: Picture a 9-foot by 12-foot rug on a floor. Now take out a quarter, and put it on that rug. That’s how much area we want to (temporarily) use in all of ANWR. The rest won’t be touched.

Workers up north have to follow an amazing quantity of environmental regulations when working at Prudhoe Bay, Furthermore, there are a lot of federal and state inspectors constantly enforcing those regulations. This only proves (to those who’ve worked up there) just how out-of-touch with reality the environmentalists actually are. .

By DLink

May 24, 2008 3:06 AM | Link to this

WOW. Commenting is only enabled for the left side of the conversation and NOT the “right”. I find that a fascinatingly insightful view as to what is completely and totally disorienting to the educational system in GA.

You know. The part where some people are allowed to vote and some are just made laws; ‘Cause it’s just “right”. Hitler had EVERYTHING, “just right”. And GA has one of the lowest educational scores of the NATION.

Probably coincidence, ‘right’? Well, Jeb, I’m gonna have to call wrong on this. Right is wrong, and if ya can’t figure the math, no problem.

Right is Wrong. Got that folks.

No wonder people in GA are so screwed up upstairs. Never vote for a “party”, vote for a person who will help you fix your roof. Get your teeth fixed. Keep you from dying from cancer. Keep you working and productive like most folks want to be. Believe it or not, most folks want to be that person.

Make that Happen. Life will happen. Given freedom, people will grow. Given taxes, disguised as laws and lands will fail.

I’ve been seeing a whole bunch of FAIL here lately.

Step it up, by stepping up.

NC

By GaLiberal

May 24, 2008 6:08 AM | Link to this

Digger @ 1:38 AM said: Matter of fact there’s less predators killing caribou calves close to a camp, so the wild caribou actually thrive and are happier with us around.

Digger, you have just proven why there should not be any drilling in ANWR. The fact there are no predators near a drilling camp demonstrates the adverse impact that we are having on environment. Overbreeding leads to loss of food supply which leads to starvation of the herd. I seriously doubt if the caribou ‘are happier with us around’ if they are starving to death.

It’s just too bad that idiots like Digger are allowed to vote. It’s these morons that put Bush in office and have caused the current energy crisis. Drilling ANWR will NOT solve the problem. We use 9 MILLION barrels of oil PER DAY so a well that produces 100k barrels per day is less than 2% of our use. It would take 50 such producing wells to achieve ‘independence’ from mid East oil. That’s just for today. What about tomorrow or 5 years from now when demand outstrips production? What happens when the oil runs out? We go right back to importing all of our supply from other countries at very high prices. If they sell to us at all. Drilling in ANWR is just another example of simple minds like Digger’s finding simple solutions to complex problems. These simple solutions are usually wrong and do exacerbate the problem. It’s no wonder the Rethuglicons and their bobble-headed bootlickers like Digger keep pushing this ‘solution.’ The worse they make things, the more they can con voters into thinging they have the solutions to all their ills.

When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And Digger is living proof.

By gman

May 24, 2008 7:20 AM | Link to this

How anyone could be against the US drilling for oil, ANY AND EVERYWHERE just eludes me. Not only is there oil in ANWAR, but vast untapped quantities elsewhere waiting for drilling. If $4 a gallon isn’t incentive enough wait until it is $6 a gallon with a CAT 5 hurricane barreling down on the gulf off shore platforms and oil refineries. Better yet how about another oil embargo by the Arabs and Venezuela, just imagine the suffering we would go thru then. So lets get real, invest billions into alternative fuel research and development(not corn/grain Ethanol), and yes my liberal friends DRILL FOR OIL!!!!!!!!!

By bob

May 24, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this

I would like to ask Jay Bookman why he he blames repubs for the actions of John Dingall, Democrat rep from Michigan. Dingall has been in bed with auto makers for 30 years and acts behind the scenes to crush any initiative to curb the gas guzzlers. he has singlehandedly stopped many attempts to influence his Detroit buddies. Bookman shows his blind loyalty to Dems by blaming all things bad on repubs when in fact all things bad are a joint effort between both parties. One only has to look at the farm bill to see that both parties are in iy for themselves.

By Jay Bookman

May 24, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this

To Bob:

You’re right about Dingell, but he’s a fairly rare exception among Democrats. Also, I don’t think there’s any doubt that the Republicans have pushed ANWR hardest, as they themselves would probably tell you by blaming the Democrats for keeping it closed to drilling. My comments were of course a generalization, but a valid generalization.

By Redneck

May 24, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

Jay, as to the EIA report regarding ANWAR you might be right about the .55 percent drop in oil prices. The problem with you socialist is you are blinded by your hate of capitalism and can’t see the forest for the trees.

Lets look at another scenario. We drill in ANWAR, offshore of the continental USA, onland in the USA, use the shale oil resources we have, research and develope coal gasification. If we bring in 1000 other areas of oil similiar in size to ANWAR would that not technically reduce the price of oil by 50% using the EIA figures.

I don’t think there is a shortage of oil and won’t be for the next 200 years. What I am seeing is the socialist democrat party wanting to lower our high living standards to the level of a 3rd world nation. After all Obama has already said words to that affect.

By Ray Pairan Jr

May 24, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

The ‘free market’ is an illusion a very effective propaganda spewed across the globe extolling the precepts from the gospel of the “The Free Market” preached by the Economic ministers of the faith.

No more interpreting of illusion is necessary. It’s now time for action!

Review my articles: A Green Future for Our Nation Benefits of Nationalized Oil Industry Nationalize the Oil Companies Economic Society

At—> http://structuraleconissues.blogspot.com

For a better understanding of what where facing.

It is now time to make certain that everyone understands the truth, solutions, and what will happen if we fail to act now.

By Taxpayer

May 24, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

You just have to love these arguments about drilling for more oil in order to solve our energy demand problems. First of all, let’s define the “problem”. If the problem is “low supply of oil”, then drilling for more oil will temporarily relieve that problem. If the problem is “price of gas”, then drilling for more will not have an impact. If we want to really escape the high cost of gas, then the solution must be one that does not depend on the use of gas (or other fossil fuel). The “path” to that independence is a long and tough one to travel but the sooner we start, the sooner we will be able to reach the end.

By onlycritter

May 24, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

You know - I do not care what we do, who does it, or why. I would like to see my son more than once a week and not have to pay $60/tank for my Accord to do it. Just bring the prices down below $3/gal. That’s all I’m asking.

By Cleveland Steamer

May 24, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

Your blog points out what is wrong: the blame game is more important than meaningful solutions. Politicians of BOTH parties don’t give a damn about us, and they don’t give a damn about USA, just power. Ms. Moron, “70IQ” Maxine Waters said it best Wednesday when she stammered “socialize” the oil companies. God help us. We should drill and explore everywhere and the president should declare a Marshall Plan for energy independence in 10 years. THE PROBLEM IS THAT OUR WORLD IS DESIGNED FOR LIQUID FUELS AND IT WILL TAKE MORE THAN A WINDMILL TO RE-TOOL EVERYTHING!!!

By Tony Smith

May 24, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Although not an unusual occurence, you once again allow your liberalism to cloud your thinking and missed the point, Mr. Bookman. It is going to take a combination of things to solve the energy crisis we are in, conservation, alternative sources of energy, more refineries, and yes, source of oil in this country. The issue is not so much price as it is a move to energy independence. However, this is a problem that has been coming since 1972 and no politicians, Republican or Democrat, has had the guts to make hard choices and tackle it.

By calvin spears

May 24, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Alaska is not the only place for drilling,you can’t conserve your way into lower oil prices we have oil all over the US, off most the coasts and in the states maybe these prices will p** people off enough to realize the Dems don’t want drilling and also get the EPA out of the gas buisness as well as the government they don’t have any buisness telling you how many miles a gallon you should get you buy according to your needs.

By Redneck

May 24, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Taxpayer, You are right that “low supply of oil” is not the problem. The problem is that the USA has failed to use its own resources and competed throughout the world in order to either keep the prices down or at least keep our money here instead of sending it to a foreign nation.

Can you even imagine the shot in the arm to our economy with the addition of 2.5 million people being put to work building refineries, nuclear power generating plants, manufacturing windmills or solar panels, running the boats offshore to the new drilling and production rigs.

Americans, get you head out of your arse and get rid of those socialist anti-capitalist idiots infesting the state and federal governments.

By gadawg

May 24, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

If you really think about this, the current $4/gal gasoline is only SLIGHTLY higher than the price for gasoline was in the late 70’s accounting for inflation. So, for the past 20 years until 2 yrs ago, gasoline was actually getting CHEAPER year after year. So all these people whining now are actually whining that gasoline is not cheaper than in was 20 yrs ago-get a life! Let the markets sort things out. Once gas hits $10/gal, people WILL make changes b/c they have to. I think it’s great. Nothing gets changed in today’s America until it hits Joe Blow in the pocketbook.

And GaLiberal: “When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests”. You really got to stop with this. Could you at least get a line that is even a tad bit clever. Get another fortune cookie and write something interesting for a change.

By Jay Bookman

May 24, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

To Redneck: The government is not stopping construction of refineries; capitalism is. A refinery is capital-intensive — it costs a lot of money, in other words — and the typical return on investment is about 6 percent. Investors can get more return on their money elsewhere, so they don’t build them. We haven’t had a new refinery in this country for 30 years. Our refinery capacity has also declined because smaller plants once protected by price controls disappeared once those price controls were lifted. Again, capitalism at work. Likewise, government is in no way halting construction of nuclear power. To the contrary, the federal government is using taxpayer money to heavily subsidize the nuclear industry to the tune of billions of dollars — you know, more socialism? The same is true of the windmills and solar cells you advocate. Yes, we can and should develop those technologies, but they too must be subsidized, at least for the time being. In other words, still more socialism. We even subsidize oil drilling on federal property, charging below-market royalty rates on oil from federal leases to encourage domestic drilling. WIthout that “socialism,” less oil would be pumped from domestic sources.

By Gills

May 24, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

Gosh, I wonder why Jay Bookman writes like a retard all of a sudden, gee, everyone’s fooled, maybe that really is Jay Bookman.

You horrid trolls ruin everything. Duh, gee, maybe Jay Bookman will reply when I say something good, duhhhh.

RETARDS!!!

By MANGLER

May 24, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

So, all this bickering and I haven’t seen one person (whether in type or in driving styles out on the roads) doing the most important thing one can personally do to help curb the cost of gas on their budgets: drive less, and drive better.

There is always some large SUV desperately trying to push me up a steep hill after every green light. You know the next light is going to be red, so why floor it up that hill? And just because you can go 90mph doesn’t mean you should. Speeding laws aside, you are using quite a bit more fuel per mile than if you were driving, say, the speed limit.

By Michelle

May 24, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Folks, it’s called Peak Oil. We’re running out of the stuff, and like land, they aren’t making anymore. Life will never be the same.

http://youandyouroilthing.blogspot.com/

By Redneck

May 24, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Jay, your talking out of your butt cause your mouth knows better.

Yes the government is stopping the construction of both refineries and nuclear plants. They do it by putting regulations and requirements in place which make it cost prohibitive to build either. It took 17 years to get the necessary permits to build the last refinery built in the USA. I think it would probably take at least twice that long to get them now. There is a prime example of how government and environmental whackos can stop and even destroy a project. To see how this works you only have to look at the Cumberland Harbor developement in south Georgia. The developer went through the permitting process, got the necessary permits and what happens? Cumberland Harbor open, sold lots, houses were being built and they were ready to let the contracts to build the 2 marinas which had been permitted when a law firm consisting of environmental fanatics, in Atlanta, sought and obtained an injuction to stop construction. This project is on hold and a lot of the purchased lots are now in foreclosure. So far in each step of the judicial proceedings the environmental whackos have lost but they say they will take it all the way to the supreme court if necessary. That’s just one small project. Can you imagine the number of evironmental lawyers that would come out of the woodwork should an oil company want to build a refinery anywhere in this country?

I’ll use the same arguement for nuclear power plants. We have been producing electrical power with nuclear energy for over 50 years and have never had a serious malfunction. My question to you Mr Bookman is this. Since we know what works and how to build a nuclear power plant that is safe and efficient, why the heck are the energy companys forced to jump through the same hoops to build a duplicate plant? Sounds stupid to me but then I think, what can you expect from a government officials and politicans the majority of whom are idiots.

As to the subsidizing companies on government lands. Why does the federal government own land other than that used for government facilities, the federal highways system or federal prisons, in the first place? All other lands should be owned by the state or individuals.

By GaLiberal

May 24, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

By gadawg @ 11:28 AM said: And GaLiberal: “When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests”. You really got to stop with this. Could you at least get a line that is even a tad bit clever. Get another fortune cookie and write something interesting for a change.

Well, I’m glad to see that you can read. It’s just too bad you can’t comprehend what you are reading. Clearly, the Rethuglicons have - in 8 short years - managed to run this country into one of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. The Rethuglicons pulled the biggest con job of the modern era by getting most people to believe that: 1) George Bush was just a lovable clod who is ‘one of us’ (as long as you’re one of the haves and have mores, 2) George Bush would restore ‘dignity and respect to the Office of the President’ (except he’s put himself above the law and destroyed the Constitutional checks and balances); 3) George Bush was a world leader and only he would ‘keep us safe from the evil terrorists’ (but he still hasn’t captured bin Laden and instead started a reckless and unnecessary war that will cost us 2.4 TRILLION and counting); 4) George Bush would cut taxes (which he did for the haves and the have mores) and cut the size of government (which instead grew at 6% per year) 5) George Bush was bipartisan and would ‘work with both parties’ (so he vetoes just one Rethuglicon bill yet veto 5+ Democratic bills putting Congress in complete grid lock not to mention attacking Democrats at every opportunity)

I could go on, but that’s a good start on just how bad a job Bush and the Rethuglicons have done. So truly voting for these thugs and con men is NOT in your best interests. Unless you like paying $5.00/gal for gas and seeing prices on basics increase by double digit percentages.

I guess instead of using ‘Rethuglicon’, I could use ‘Republican thugs and con men’, but it’s just shorter. So no I won’t be changing any time soon.

When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And gadawg is living proof.

By Jeff

May 24, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

Years ago, the libs and the dems claimed that they wanted gas prices to be high like in Europe so we would all be forced to use mass transit. They thought that would be a great thing. Now that the gas prices are up, they think it’s negative because they want to score political points against Bush. Make up your minds hypocrites.

Considering the source of the article (Bookman and AJC), I have a hard time viewing it as objective. It’s called conflict of interest and appearance of impropriety. After all, you dems made those phrases important. The AJC has become completely irrelevant and the subscription numbers prove it. The citizens of Atlanta are voting with their pocketbooks and are saying they aren’t going to pay for this one-sided crap any longer.

By GaLiberal

May 24, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

Jeff @ 9:03 PM ignorantly said: Years ago, the libs and the dems claimed that they wanted gas prices to be high like in Europe so we would all be forced to use mass transit.

And what credible sources does Jeff cite? None. Like a good little Rethuglicon bootlicker, he just repeats lies he read on some neo-con Rethuglicon loving web site. To set the record straight, Jeff, Democrats never said they wanted high gas prices. They did say that mass transit systems like in Europe would be great at reducing the number of cars on the road. Fewer cars on the road means less oil consumption and less imported oil. So the Democrats were more concerned with our energy independence than your beloved Rethuglicons who only want to rape the land and lay more asphalt for more cars using more imported oil making the oil companies rich. So not only are we dealing with high energy costs, we also kids playing indoors because the air isn’t fit for them to breath and global warming causing the ice caps to melt and storms to be more intense. Thanks to the Rethuglicons and self-centered idiots like Jeff that vote them into office.

When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And Jeff is living proof.

By Frank Oliver

May 25, 2008 7:21 AM | Link to this

I thought I would clarify things for you. The world uses 86.4 million barrels of crude per day. The world produces 85 million barrels per day so we are in a short market. Of that the USA uses 60% or about 52 million barrels. We produce about 15 million barrels so we import 37 million barrels to the tune of 754 BILLION DOLLARS going out of the country everyday. Of that 52 million barrels 60% goes to generate electricity. Don’t you tree huggers understand that we need to convert to nuclear power at every single power plant? There should be a wind turbine on every mountain in North Georgia. The people can thank The Siera Club and all the tree huggers and politicians that have blocked oil platforms off our coast, blocked new nuke plants, and voted agains anything that makes common sense.If we didn’t use oil for electricity there would be a glut of oil. When you fill up today maybe you will think about writing your congressman or better still think of a way to throw the obstructionist b******* out. Frank Oliver Lehigh Acres Fl planeman10@yahoo.com

By Frank Oliver

May 25, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this

You got me riled up now! LOL I forgot in my last post to point out that cars and trucks only account for 25% of crude oil use and 5% of the pollution, they all have a catalytic convertor. Frank Oliver Lehigh Acres Fl. planeman10@yahoo.com

By Jeff

May 25, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry I didn’t make a link from 15 or 20 years ago regarding the interviews I remember watching and I’m sorry you feel the need to call me a Repub bootlicker. I am far from a repub, I’m actually a libertarian. But you reinforced my initial thought about you dimo’s.

AS A LIBERTARIAN: I’m just sick and tired of the enviro retards pushing beyond what is logical. All I’m trying to express is that the enviro-wackos were claiming ice age 30 years ago and now they are claiming global warming.

As to your reference; my daughter plays outside regularly because it’s a positive thing to encourage her to be active and increases her motor skills and hand-eye coordination. I have been a runner for 16 years now and haven’t had a cold in 6 years. So don’t lecture me on the outdoor air issue. I have an MBA and have had my own business for 4 years now. Check your hatred at the door missy.

Anyone who knows me (would you like links to that too?) knows that I am the most logical person they know. The radical right is wrong but so is the loony left; which is where you seem to be coming from.

I don’t like Bush but I don’t have a hatred for him either. LOGICALLY, I remember what the alternatives were and they were not presidential material either. I think McCain will be elected in Nov because Obama will be such a poor alternative. It’s not that the country will fall in love with McCain, but Obama just doesn’t have what it takes. Just my humble opinion, unlike the aggressive opinion of others.

By phil motes

May 25, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Hey Bookie you little liberal weenie, no on ever claimed that drilling in Anwar was the only solution to our energy crisis but that combined with our willingness to drill off the coasts of Fla. and Cal. as well as further exploration in Alaska and even here on our mainland would go a long way towards our energy independence. Why don’t you tell us what you really think? You are really against the free enterprise system of our country and want everything controlled by an all-powerful Fed. Govt. ie. the Maxine Waters solution.

By wes allen

May 25, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Anwar is only a part of a plan that would result in energy independence.This constant refrain that trys to explain away anwars contribution to energy independence is a kneejerk liberal reaction to part of a real solution . We need a serious effort to become energy indedendent.Including nuclear,coal,and alternative sources. The silly part is that once we really started the effort the cast of charactors that we currently pay for oil would change their tune dramatically.

By Charles

May 25, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

If I hear one more Liberal dim-wit say “record profits” from oil companies I’m gonna scream! Start looking at the taxes the GOVERNMENT collects on each gallon of gas for doing absolutely NOTHING to produce it! Get a CLUE you Democrap idiots!!!!!

By We R what we Eat.

May 25, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Conservatism is dead. Sen Craig sounded taps with his flag at half mast.

Obwama 08. Bwa, ma. Conservatives, if they stopped being fools, which is like an oxymoron, man, anyway, they’ll get 30% of the vote in november. The big C: contservatism.

BWA!

Obwama 08. Bwa, conservatives are such a total minority of the voters now, that they’re not extinct, but rather considered an endangered fecies.

Bwa!

Obwama 08! Drill for oil, pollute your own country, and end up on the shelf, the continental shelf with the rest of the fossil fools. Bwa.

Obwama 08! He wont say bwa, but I will: BWA!

By GaConservative

May 25, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

I can’t wait for $10/gal gas. LESS TRAFFIC!!!

By Jaye

May 25, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

I am amIazed how some prefer to drill in ANWR and think nothing of the infinitely abundant energy sources around us, i.e. the SUN, a readily renewable resource.

By zeke

May 26, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

Bull! In the past 30 to 40 years, every time we look like we are going to use our own resources, the criminal oil cartel increases production and hold the price down! The oil as a commodity speculators need to be shut down, NOW! With the opening of ANWAR and the coastlines and the western sand/shale oil deposits, we will have access to a vast reserve more than Saudi. With the addition of intelligent use of our 500 year reserve of coal, we will need no mideast oil! With INTELLIGENT use of our enormous giveaway of taxpayer money to other countries, we can ENCOURAGE Canada and Mexico to let us have more oil at a FAVORABLE price! Same for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the like! If they do not cooperate, cut off the giveaways, PERIOD!

By Buckhead Bob

May 26, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

gas prices who cares stay home quit complaining take a walk

By They gave all

May 26, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Y-y-yeah! G-g-gas prices are for m-m-m-m-m-m-m-morons.

By dollar

May 26, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Why doesnt gas come down when school is out ? There are over 400,000 school buses idle during the summer. They make two round trips to school every day school is open.I know they burn diesel,but can you imagine how many gallons is saved?

By todd

June 3, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

It never ceases to amaze me at how the left characterizes the evil right. As a conservitive ( notice I did not say republican as W is as liberal as HRC ) I must say that because we have an oil based economy and have had for more than the last eight years we have to increase domestic production. Yes we should develop alternatives. However due to current demands (demand doubling every 20 years), we must develop more domestic supplies. The oil is there and someone will go get it. China is in the Gulf of Mexico between Cuba and the Keys drilling what I consider our oil. A large portion of the polulation fo Alaska wants to seceed because the left wing environmentlist will not allow them to do the things that Alaskans do, such as hunt, fish and DRILL FOR OIL. I am sick of the anti-capitalist movement. America is the single GREATEST country on the earth. If you don’t think so, find a better one.