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DEL.ICIO.USSaxby and the Gang of 10
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Cynthia Tucker says that Saxby Chambliss and the “Gang of 10,” the five Democratic senators and five Republican senators who are seeking middle ground on energy policy, are not just acting like adults: they’re acting like leaders.
So why, Tucker asks, are right-wing ideologues like Rush Limbaugh and Neal Boortz complaining about their efforts? And why is the left castigating Barack Obama for saying that he would agree to new offshore drilling in exchange for significant funding for alternative fuel development?
Tucker believes that partisan politics is strangling efforts to lead us out of the energy crisis. Read her full column here, and then join the conversation on Chambliss and the Gang of 10.
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By "The Corporal"
August 13, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
They are being “tolerant” of each other’s views and are trying to reach a “compromise”? The only problem is a definition of “tolerance” I once saw:
Tolerance: The virtue of those who stand for nothing.
I my personal opinion, I would fight the Democrats to the death on this one. DRILL, DRILL, DRILL !!!
By hogleg
August 13, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
start drilling today!
By TP
August 13, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
The problem with this proposal is that it puts areas where there is known reserves of oil & gas off limits to drilling and exploration (ANWAR / Florida Coast). Being a Florida native (that itself is an endangered species), The eastern Gulf should be part of the solution, not an obstruction to progress. A rig 10 miles off the coast is about as visible from the beach as a cruise ship. And as a diver & fisherman, the rigs make great artificial reefs.
Open up all areas for drilling & exploration, as well as developing new technologies. We are intentionally legislating ourselves to 2nd tier status by bowing to the extreme environmentalist. I support clean air & water also, but drilling and progress CAN be accomplished while protecting the environment.
By Chaz
August 13, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
It’s not a matter of seeking a ‘middle ground’, finding some tepid solution that doesn’t do enough to solve anything. It’s about having enough energy to ensure our economy and national security, both now AND in the future.
Drill now AND develop alternative energies, it’s not an either/or. The ‘Gang of 10’ is just about covering their political a**es, doing as little as possible.
By Road Scholar
August 13, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Ok, would someone please explain why the oil companies have not drilled in the lease areas they already possess? Why should we allow more area until they either drill in or and/or vacate the areas already leased?
Why not compromise? Nothing will get done w/o it! At least until a single party gets 60% of the Congress votes (to overide a veto). The Repuds and demos who take the all or nothing stance are not doing what is best for America.
While this is the political way, why block the renewable energy initiatives because of the desire to open up more drilling areas? What are the oil companies afraid of? They can invest all their profits in renewable sources and make a killing while going green! What a public relations benefit!!!
Finally, Corporal, where did you see your definition of Tolerence? It wasn’t a recognized dictionary was it…. and i’m not talking about Karl Rove’s playbook?
By zeke
August 13, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Simple Cynthia! The coservatives like Rush and Neal understand that you cannot negotiate or compromise with socialist liberals! Conservatives understand that we as a nation must use all resources available to us to continue to be the LIGHT OF THE REST OF THE WORLD! Foolish spending on unproven technology should not be the policy of government, but, should be left to the private sector to investigate, research and implement with the promise of profits for their risk and perseverance! We cannot continue as “the Power Nation” if we are beset with liberal socialist or the new mantra for them progressive, agendas and plans to scuttle our fabulous cultural and economic systems with social mandates and multi culturalism!
By Grandpa Jones
August 13, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Oil companies are mercenary, they drill wherever they can make money. The simple reason they don’t drill for oil in those leased areas because there isn’t any there. Exploration doesn’t guarantee results. Take those leases back and give them others. If they don’t find any there rescind those leases. It’s not complicated.
Compromise is only useful when it accomplishes something useful. Letting this bunch of losers hold up this agreement as an ‘accomplishment’ is a grand example of what’s wrong with Congress.
By Jake
August 13, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Road Scholar - Until very recently they couldn’t produce oil from thoses leases at an economic price (i.e. as cheaply as the currently producing areas). Combine that with the limited refinery capacity (no new refineries for 30 years) and they had no incentive to drill.
By Pat Napolitano Marietta. Ga.
August 13, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
Hopefully, Mr. Saxby and the Gang of 10 are sincere. Compromise is always the best way with each side giving up something. That’s whats wrong with the last 8 yrs. Mr. Bortz and Mr. Limbaugh only like the sound of their own voices. It’s refreshing to hear someone who is trying to make things happen. Mr. Bortz is wrong on global warming and he is wrong on this also. Kudos to you Mr. Chambliss.
By RealityKing
August 13, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Tucker believes that partisan politics is strangling efforts to lead us out of the energy crisis???
Ha Ha! That rich!! Especially considering the fact that Ms. Tucker has led her those very same partisan efforts, right here on the AJC. For how many years now?
Evidently the meaning of the word Hypocrisy isn’t taught in Journalism School.
By Samsara
August 13, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Hey Corporal,
Drill, Drill, Drill… where? The West Coast and North East are not going to allow drilling. The Gang of 10 plan allows it in the South and requires it in the gulf. The Gang goes beyond what even McCain has proposed. He supports just lifting the ban and leaving it to the states. That will result in zero drilling.
The bottom line is big oil wants to keep its tax breaks and Limbaugh Republicans want to demagogue the energy issue instead of solve it. The GOP faithful have already swallowed this bilge, but swing voters will turn on Republican obstruction just like they turned on Republican incompetence two years ago.
Now Republicans are turning on themselves, threatening those who are trying to do whats best for the country. “Country before Party” is one of McCain’s slogans. Now we will see if he means it.
By Drew
August 13, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
‘Tax breaks for big oil’? Just who do you think pays when higher taxes are imposed? Corporations don’t pay taxes, they just collect it from their customers. Raise taxes, raise prices. Or reduce supply. Econ 101.