Comments on: Housemania! Ban lifted on offshore drilling

By: Bob

Bob — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 19:07:46 +0000

I am also a Floridian and I am a stronger supporter of off shore drilling. The danger of an oil leak is not any higher with the drill rigs then it is with the ships transporting the oil through the Gulf and certainly less then the other Counties that are to begin drilling near here (Cuba, Mexico).

Yes, here in SW Florida, our beaches are supreme and none of us, I believe, would want that to change. We would want the type of controls in place as are everywhere else in this Country. Of course the whacko’s here make it sound like NOBODY wants oil to be drilled here…squeaky wheel syndrome backed up by a VERY LIBERAL, ONE SIDED MSM and to challenge them does not start an interesting debate, they go right for the jugular with name calling and unsubstantiated statistics.

As to our junior Senator…my wishes would be one term and out. Unfortunately the Republicans seem unable to find a strong person to run against Nelson, so it is unlikely Martinez will be challenged in the primary.

By: ScottyDog

ScottyDog — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 18:19:29 +0000

atbay

There is more oil reserves in Alaska than any where in the World.

The problem is that they have been capped and CONGRESS has prohibited us from bringing it down to the lower 48. It is not just ANWAR but the oil reserves that were discovered on the North Slope in 1976 by Arco Oil.

The Gull Island find has more proven reserves than in all of Saudi Arabia. Congress turned Gull Island into a Sea Gull sanctuary to keep it off limits.

Go Figure.

By: atbay

atbay — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 18:07:08 +0000

Where’s most of the proven oil reserves nearby? Mexico, that’s where. If and when we get the cajones to put the screws to Mexico to allow drilling, we will be on the road to achieving two goals: Their greatly increased standard of living will mean the invasion will cease or at least subside. And we will be assured a cheap and plentiful supply of crude.

And how do we pressure Mexico? Money order exports are their second largest source of income. We can create a special tax fund from that and use it to begin a massive p.r. campaign together with international lobbying.

I wouldn’t mind seeing that damn green and white flag so much in this country, if it was flying on the antenae of a gasoline tanker truck up from Chihuahua.

By: NTWR

NTWR — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 16:34:40 +0000

As a coastal kalifornian, I can say around here oil bubbles up from the bottom of the sea and gets all over the beaches anyway. At first I thought it was a spill, but no, it’s natural. They think a local beach is named for the local indian’s word for oil.

Wade summed it up. A mix of stupidity, self-loathing, and the old “if it’s good for the USA it’s bad for the Democrats” thing is what is stifling our economic growth.

Why we are letting people like Algore control our economy under the guise of science when it’s politically motivated is beyond me.

By: Tel-Chai Nation

Tel-Chai Nation — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 16:08:48 +0000

House lifts ban on offshore oil drilling, but will…

Congress has approved of offshore oil drilling (H/T: Hot Air), which wasn’t allowed for about a quarter century (!). However, it remains to be seen if the Senate will follow through….

By: tormod

tormod — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 15:46:25 +0000

I have a local perspective from Palm Beach County, Florida:

The Dhimmicr@ps run Southern Florida’s 3 most populus counties.

Most liberals from the republik of kalifornakate visit or have 2nd homes on South Beach and leave their opinions/values with the MEGARICH on the ISLAND of Palm Beach.

In addition to visiting aliens from all over the globe during THE SEASON, grandpa and grandma retired here, making sure that a network of NY liberals are plugged into the political scene on the Ocean side of South Florida.

The Gulf side is populated by folks from Flyover Country.

WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE LOCAL REDNECK IN BOOTS, SHORTS, AND COWBOY HAT AT THE BEACH THINKS ABOUT THIS INVASION?
Sorry, got carried away there…time to stop.

By: shooter

shooter — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 15:27:49 +0000

The world is round, and one can see for a total of EIGHT miles from the shore out to sea. Yup, stand on the shoreline, look out , seems like forever….it’s eight miles… tops that you can see with the eye. Not 70 or 125 miles, eight (8).

By: dhimwit

dhimwit — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 14:45:55 +0000

That we’re even having this debate is terrifying.

Where the hell do these people think the oil is going to come from? Our good friends in the middle east? Our good friend Putin? Our good friend Hugo? Our good friend Vincente? Our good friend the 12 Imman? Our good friends in Bejing and Havana who will drill for the oil we won’t?
This country can be stopped dead in its tracks just by yanking out the petroleum tube anytime some whackjob wants to.
Let me put it into babytalk so even Jeb and Martinez can understand: No oil, no drivey-drivey, no drivey-drivey, no tourists. No America either, but that’s not your problem, is it?
Losers.

By: Kid from Brooklyn

Kid from Brooklyn — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 14:44:21 +0000

In a Republican primary between Martinez and a dead dog, I’m going to listen very closely to what the dead dog has to say about immigration.

By: raz0r

raz0r — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 14:24:47 +0000

I’m all for protecting resources and responsible use, etc. etc., but as a Floridian, I’m in favor of the drilling. Cuba (with China’s help) is setting up shop down in the straights about 45 miles from Florida. You be sure they won’t care about spills and the effect on the environment. Their goal will be to suck it dry (and they will). Why let them have resources that the US can put to use. Beat them to it already.

As for Martinez, I voted for him in the general election over Castor, but whoever runs against him in the next Republican primary will get my vote. He has been an abject failure as a Senator.

By: Kid from Brooklyn

Kid from Brooklyn — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 13:53:54 +0000

I know, PMHO, you’d think Floridians would have exercised all that environmental and aestethic concern, for say, the tourist strips along Route 192. And let me restate one thing: I’m sure there is some concern for the environment. But judging from the hysteria you hear from our elected representatives, you’d think we were talking about building a Superfund Site on the Everglades, or South Beach, or whatever.

The thing is, Chavez and Fidel (backed by PLA front companies) don’t have those concerns.

By: pullingmyhairout

pullingmyhairout — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 13:20:12 +0000

well, i’m sure floridians are concerned about the environment. we are here in texas, even us evil republicans. there’s so much misinformation out there about drilling that needs to be disspelled, espcially when it comes to the environmental impact of offshore drilling. As for the NIMBY arguement, what are they against? seeing a small dot on the horizon? sorry, but to me the panhandle of florida lost its charm about 5 years ago – too many people on the beach, too much algae in the water, too many jellyfish, and the bullsharks made swimming a bit of an issue… seeing a drilling rig would have been no big deal. :)

By: Kid from Brooklyn

Kid from Brooklyn — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 13:03:34 +0000

Florida resident, right here. Nobody I know has that much concern about the environment. This is more, I think, a function of the envirolobby shaping the argument than anything else, and NIMBY syndrome.

By: pullingmyhairout

pullingmyhairout — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 12:49:43 +0000

The house is looking out for our best interests. The senate is NOT. I’ll put some texas spin on this again, as I’ve done on previous threads. It bears mentioning again. First of all, technology has advanced to the point where the probability of an oilspill because of offshore drilling is low. Second, most rigs are out of view from the beach. Third, even if they ARE within view, the benefits of a rig as an artifical reef is huge – so much sealife lives around the rigs. (example: the hubby and friends went 5 miles off last week and caught 15 red snapper). Fourth, what state wouldn’t want the economic benefits that go along with drilling in state waters?? Each time I see a rig I do a little cheer because it means money, jobs and economic growth – not only to Texas, but to the nation as a whole. Please someone explain to me why liberals think this is a BAD thing??? I don’t understand Floridians’ mentality. If there is a Floridian on this thread, I sure would like to hear from you.

By: Kid from Brooklyn

Kid from Brooklyn — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 12:32:23 +0000

Jeb Bush has consistently opposed offshore drilling during his term as governor. Also, I wouldn’t count on him to go all out for immigration. Although Nelson and Martinez certifiably suck, I don’t see Jeb being a considerable upgrade; at least on those two issues.

By: Wade

Wade — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 12:10:49 +0000

This will never pass the Senate. Drilling for oil in the USA is a good thing and we all know what a good thing for the USA means to democrats.

Democrat view:
Good for USA = bad for Dem’s
Bad for USA = good for Dem’s

By: Essex

Essex — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 08:44:09 +0000

Several years ago, Yukos opened the first Russian gas station in America. Senator Schumer, the point man on blocking drilling in Alaska, was at the opening and called it a “win-win” for the American consumer. Schumer has no problem with Russian oil companies which have who knows what pollution controls on them. Nor does he care about pollution from oil rigs in the Arab world, in Nigeria, off Angola or in Indonesia. He just thinks that itty bitty piece of artic wasteland that happened to be owned by America needs protecting. Protecting from oil companies which face the most restrictive controls in the world.

By: Warner Todd Huston

Warner Todd Huston — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 05:45:23 +0000

Bet it won’t get past the Senate.

By: Essex

Essex — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 05:19:16 +0000

Floridians are concerned about tourism. No, the rigs wouldn’t create a mess. But the media will–with endless stories about how Florida’s beaches are being ruined.

Tourism is Florida’s life. Property values tripled along the coast in the last decade. Those values are stalled out or crashing. People are nervous and looking out for their wallet. Irrational in my opinion but there it is.

By: Morning Coffee » House approves offshore drilling, Prospects not so good in Senate

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 04:32:29 +0000

[...] Hot Air has more [...]

By: gary

gary — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 04:27:12 +0000

125 miles off the coast?? as if the sunbathers could see the derricks?? Do the Floridians not know the world is round? Follow the money, I guess. How much from the Sierra Club, etc.?

By: roninacreage

roninacreage — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 04:04:44 +0000

Cuba will be drilling a lot closer than 125 miles also. More like 70. Let’s see Greenpeace and other leftist commie lovers tell Fidel no. Not a peep will we hear. Fidel is a god to the left. I can’t wait, and I live in West Palm Beach. Over the bridge from El Rushbo.

By: B Moe

B Moe — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 02:53:25 +0000

Exxon-Valdez skiddish?
Drilling rigs ruin the picturesque view?

Basically those two, near as I can tell. What is fucked about it is Venezuela and Cuba are fixing to drill there anyway, maybe with China as a partner, and we can’t stop them, only the domestic drillers. I am not going to cry a bit if they foul up the beaches royally.

By: Hoodlumman

Hoodlumman — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 02:06:49 +0000

What’s Florida’s issue here? Don’t want the royalty cash? Exxon-Valdez skiddish? AARP against it? Drilling rigs ruin the picturesque view? I don’t live there so I don’t know the whole story, obviously.

By: Laddy

Laddy — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 00:47:41 +0000

Jeb is not in favor of offshore Florida drilling either. At least in the past he hasn’t been. Jeb isn’t any different from W in most respects. If he wanted to be a Senator, 2006 was his chance. Florida is “Bushed” out. Even Republicans have the NIMBY disease. ‘Tis a shame.