It’s on: House GOP’s oil protest to resume tomorrow; Update: Obama’s flip-flop inspired us, say sources
posted at 4:36 pm on August 3, 2008 by Allahpundit
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Said the boss this morning, “Seems to me House Republicans should be holding a public event every day in Washington from now until the end of the Democrats’ vacation to call attention to Nancy’s anti-drilling intransigence and her refusal to hold votes on the issue.” From her lips to the leadership’s ear. Just across from Boehner’s office:
Washington, Aug 3 – House Republicans will be back on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives again Monday to continue the unprecedented protest that began last Friday, when dozens of Republicans joined hundreds of American citizens on the House floor to protest Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) decision to send Congress home for the rest of the summer without a vote on legislation to lower gas prices and move America toward energy independence.
In an urgent memo sent to GOP Members and staff Saturday (“A Call to Action on American Energy”), Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO) hailed Friday’s action, which was led by Reps. Mike Pence (R-IN), Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA), Tom Price (R-GA), and others, and encouraged House Republicans to return to the Capitol beginning Monday morning to help keep the historic effort going.
“It’s not a request we make lightly. But the American people are suffering,” Boehner and Blunt said in the memo. “The consequences of continued congressional inaction on gas prices are unacceptable. We’ve called on the Speaker to call Congress back into an emergency session this month and schedule a vote on the American Energy Act. We must continue to make a stand until the Speaker complies.”
More than a dozen Republicans have already committed to being there; Pete Hoekstra, leveraging the buzz the GOP got in the blogosphere on Friday for its use of new media, sent forth the good word this afternoon via Twitter. No word yet on what they’re planning, but if you’re not yet convinced that the wind is at their back on this, go read the transcript at Newsbusters of Stephanopoulos beating his head against a wall trying to get a straight answer out of Pelosi on why she won’t allow a vote on drilling.
Update: At least 30 Republicans are in now, says ABC. Sweeter still:
One House Republican says, “I’m a 25 year veteran of the U.S. Congress, and I’ve never seen anything like this.”
GOP members say they would not be holding this debate tomorrow, if the Democratic nominee had not modified his position on off shore drilling.
They believe that with Obama and his Republican opponent John McCain, appearing to be in “agreement” about off shore drilling, then Speaker Nancy Pelosi should recall the Congress from recess, and put an energy bill on the floor in August.
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wooohoo!! Go GOP!!
becki51758 on August 3, 2008 at 4:40 PM
Wonder if San Fran Nan can keep the cameras off….
Mew
acat on August 3, 2008 at 4:40 PM
AWESOME. Wish I could take the week off. I’d be so there.
Ordinary1 on August 3, 2008 at 4:40 PM
Sweet. This is gonna play really well for the Rs, methinks.
wccawa on August 3, 2008 at 4:44 PM
I’m thrilled and surprised that the House Republicans are going to keep twisting the knife. There are so many oblivious, reflexive Democrat voters who still think the Dems are the party of the “little guy.” They would run from the Democrats in droves if they were made to understand the current actions of their party.
Cicero43 on August 3, 2008 at 4:44 PM
I’ve already bought my popcorn, clipped my fingernails (so I don’t make any “Typos” while I post here on HA) and took my shower early so as not to miss anything that might happen.
(Like Nancy’s personal storm troopers trying to put a stop to it.)
Over.
1GooDDaDDy on August 3, 2008 at 4:45 PM
She’s from S.F.
richardcamera on August 3, 2008 at 4:45 PM
Ill donate $25 a day for every day this keeps up. Just like I do with $2 per pork that Tom Coburn holds up…..
You want my money EARN IT!
Sooner-Inde on August 3, 2008 at 4:45 PM
Finally……whoo hoo……this is gonna rally the base!!!!
Winebabe on August 3, 2008 at 4:46 PM
YES!!!!
I’m telling you…every hour that they stay in, they’re making the country more and more friendly to Republicans regaining control. It’s no longer just about the White House.
MadisonConservative on August 3, 2008 at 4:47 PM
Elephant Charge!!!
This will pay big dividends in November.
fluffy on August 3, 2008 at 4:50 PM
What the hell is she talking about here with regards to “2 cents”:
First, she wants to use up all our strategic reserves based on $4/gallon gasoline? The reserves are for a national crisis. Such as the Oil embargo where we didn’t have any oil. We have oil. Paying $4/gallon is not a crisis. Besides, it is a completely temporary solution that will hurt us in the long haul by using up all our reserves… which we will need to fill up again.
Next, what is with this “2 cents” nonsense the Democrats and the Left keep talking about? Over the course of the past few weeks, local prices here went down 30 cents, from $4.10 to $3.70. From where do these people get “2 cents” for the effect that adding supply would have to the gas prices?!?
Michael in MI on August 3, 2008 at 4:52 PM
This sort of backbone and grit could change everything in our too-long beleaguered body politic. Let these men, good and true, do all, and having done all, and having suffered all, yet stand. May they represent the citizens of the Republic well.
Scribbler on August 3, 2008 at 4:53 PM
Hey Nancy – If you want to save the world – go work for the UN. You are in the House to do the will of the people of the United States(specifically your district), not continue to damage their economy.
I am so glad the republicans are finally standing up to the Pelosi politburo.
Corsair on August 3, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Why make it sooooo obvious that the Republican party has become a tool for the oil industry?
Might as well sell out when you’re in the minority?
alphie on August 3, 2008 at 4:54 PM
It’ll be interesting to see if the MSM deigns to cover the Republican revolt. But since little Reigh Rockefeller (or whatever her name is) has been found, maybe the cable “news” channels will actually be able to devote a few minutes to what is going on in our government.
AZCoyote on August 3, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Hell Yea!!!! Wouldn’t it be absolutely wonderful if the Prez just happened to stop by and check up on Congress while the protest was in progress.
knat on August 3, 2008 at 4:55 PM
I hope they get more than a dozen GOP members to show up. They’ll need at least 50 to make it look like a serious commitment by the GOP rather than a stand by a principled few.
DerKrieger on August 3, 2008 at 4:55 PM
All politics is local and the GOP just made D.C. every gas-price-suffering American’s neighborhood.
Mike Pence leading the way again, that guy has the stuff. I just emailed Bachman’s and Kline’s offices(R-MN) and let them know they needs to get out there ASAP. Minnesota purple can be Minnesota red if they move.
Bishop on August 3, 2008 at 4:55 PM
yay.
silverfox on August 3, 2008 at 4:59 PM
It’s always darkest right before it goes completely black.
Does anyone else find this to be stupid? Nobody trusts Republicans, they won’t be listened to. They’re horrible at communicating. You might as well send monkeys down there tomorrow.
ninjapirate on August 3, 2008 at 5:00 PM
Also, “won’t have an effect for 10 years”? Not quite. From what I have read, off the coast of CA (Isn’t Pelosi from CA?) they have drilling already set up and it can be online and pumping out oil within a year.
Besides, she is also playing on the ignorance of the American public about how the oil futures market works. If every available domestic area was opened up for drilling, the oil speculation prices would plummet, and, along with them, the gas prices.
It should be obvious to everyone by now that the strategy of the Democrat Party is to throw out empty rhetoric and conspiracies and partisanship and depend on the ignorance and BDS of the American public, as well as the helping hand of the mass media to disseminate their messages (ie, lie and cover up for them).
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I know a lot of people who aren’t into politics very much, and tell me that the reason gas prices are so high are because of “Bush and his oil buddies in the Republican Party” and “Big Oil and their profits”, etc. So that’s why Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats are going to keep pinning this on the Republicans and President Bush and “Big Oil”. Until the American public shows they are not as ignorant and easily fooled as the Democrats and the mass media believe they are, the Democrats will keep pushing these messages and keep up with their inaction.
The only way I see the Republicans benefitting from this is if the American public actually understands what is going on. If the mass media and the Democrats can push the message (as they always do) that this crisis is the fault of Bush and the GOP and “Big Oil”, none of this will matter.
It’s all about getting the message out there and depending on the common sense and intelligence of the American public.
Based on that, I’m still not convinced the Republicans will gain anything from this. Somehow, the Democrats and Obama and the mass media will get together to figure out their message to blame this on Republicans and the American public will fall for it as they always do.
Michael in MI on August 3, 2008 at 5:01 PM
If only Bush had such guts and call them all back in session.
Goodale on August 3, 2008 at 5:01 PM
Good time to sign up for Twitter if you haven’t yet and follow Pete Hoekstra (although he said he won’t be there Monday) and especially follow JohnCulberson. That’s where a lot of the news will be coming from on the floor of the House since the cameras won’t be on and I guess portable camera’s aren’t allowed. I guess technically Twitter isn’t either?
Ordinary1 on August 3, 2008 at 5:01 PM
I hope they stay all month and let a million or two citizens show up with pithforks and torches to join the Potomac Tea Party!
Its’ high time we take our country back from the enviro-socialists and the mainstream media jackasses.
dhunter on August 3, 2008 at 5:01 PM
Oh geez…It’s back.
I just lost another 5 years off the back side of my life.
Over.
1GooDDaDDy on August 3, 2008 at 5:03 PM
Nancy will be creating a gigantic carbon footprint and consuming countless barrels of imported oil as she prances around the country to promote her book, while shuttering Congress in order to “save the planet” from the supposed depredations of drilling.
8/04/08: Boston, MA
8/05/08: Philadelphia, PA
8/06/08: Miami, FL
8/07/08: Ann Arbor, MI
8/11/08: Los Angeles, CA
8/12/08: San Rafael, CA
8/13/08: Redwood City, CA
8/14/08: San Francisco, CA
8/20/08: Denver, CO
Blackacre on August 3, 2008 at 5:03 PM
G0 BLUNT, GO BLUNT, GO BLUNT…
and this is not a rap song from the ghetto…
Kaptain Amerika on August 3, 2008 at 5:04 PM
We need a list of all of the GOP members who do show so that we can call or email all of the ones that don’t because they have something more important to do and let them know that we will remember them come time for their re-elction.
bevslape on August 3, 2008 at 5:04 PM
Michael, my friend. This action by the Republicans is an opportunity to do just as you say. Get the truth out!
Ordinary1 on August 3, 2008 at 5:04 PM
Keep it up, GOP! The Dems have gotten a free ride on their total incompetance in Congress and it’s time to shine a light on it. Better late than never.
The Dems have even shown to be inept in taking on the ‘evil oil profits’ that seems to concern Alphie.
michaelo on August 3, 2008 at 5:04 PM
Arianna’s calling. Time for your Alpo.
silverfox on August 3, 2008 at 5:05 PM
nice catch BlackAcre… why isn’t this on the evening news?
Kaptain Amerika on August 3, 2008 at 5:05 PM
Congressional leadership, even in the form of rebellion, is welcomed!
gmoonster on August 3, 2008 at 5:05 PM
There’s a song by AC/DC call Big Balls.
Let’s see some BALL’s GOP.
Kini on August 3, 2008 at 5:05 PM
Nope, not stupid…the reason nobody listens to the Republicans is because they’ve been acting like Democrats for the past 8 years. Some of them are now showing signs of life and demonstrating some backbone to do the things we sent them to Congress for…if anything, this fight is very late…but very welcome.
AUINSC on August 3, 2008 at 5:06 PM
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch, folks.
The MSM is just looking for the chance to portray the reps as buffoons, and the first dressed-down, slogan-spouting or stunt-pulling Republican who shows up will be handing them just what they want.
And if someone should bother to ask why they waited until the last minutes of the last day of the session to engage in any sort of action, they’d better have a plausible answer.
I’m all in favor of their stated aims, and all for anything that humiliates Pelosi. But the Friday “rebellion” came off like a high-school “strike,” where the strikers had to go home before 5:00 ’cause mommy was cooking dinner.
What we really need is for Jorge Bush to get off his duff and call Congress back into session until they make some meaningful moves on oil-related issues.
As it stands, wandering around in an unlit hall where no cameras or microphones are operating is a stunt. And not an effective one.
MrScribbler on August 3, 2008 at 5:07 PM
I don’t find it stupid at all. But I do agree with you on what will come of it: nothing. As you said, the Democrats and the mass media have blamed everything on President Bush and Republicans for years now and the right and the GOP have not been able to defend themselves. This will be more of the same. The mass media will either not cover this or they will spin it in favor of the Democrats and Obama somehow. And the American public will buy it all hook, line and sinker as they always do.
Michael in MI on August 3, 2008 at 5:07 PM
This is the same mentallity Barry uses when he said we could save as much oil by keeping our tires inflated and getting a tune up as we could get by drilling, stupidity. If Pelosi can save the planet, it’s sooooo screwed.
Les in NC on August 3, 2008 at 5:08 PM
Alphie my old friend, how are you doing?
I have a question for you amigo. If the elected representatives are intended to represent the will of the people, and a majority, a big majority, say drill here and drill now, why is it that we don’t answer the wishes of the people?
Snake307 on August 3, 2008 at 5:09 PM
Here is Boehner’s email address. Drop him a note and encourage them to keep it up.
knat on August 3, 2008 at 5:11 PM
I knew they would be back – talked to Blunt’s office on Friday and they said they were FLODDED with calls of support…call your Rep in support and them to high tail it to DC.
Topsecretk9 on August 3, 2008 at 5:11 PM
I’m more of a Reagan Conservative, silverfox.
Remember…hen the Republicans used to have some dignity?
And policy was decided on its merits…not whether the donors wanted it?
Are these clowns gonna wear Exxon and Chevron patches on their P.J.s when they have their next sleepover?
alphie on August 3, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Good for the Republicans. I like the oil industry and want to see it healthy. I drive a car. I heat my house with oil. I use all kinds of petroleum products. As a holder of a 401k, I even own oil company stock.
fluffy on August 3, 2008 at 5:12 PM
I know I shouldn’t feed the trolls, but I can’t helpo myself on this glorious Sunday morning.
The only tool I see is your loose screw alphie. !^_^!
Kini on August 3, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Right. I agree. However, at this point, who’s even listening to them? Where was this backbone for the past 7 years when Democrats lied and lied and distorted and attacked them mercilessly and they did… nothing. At this point, I bet most average voters will just see this as Republicans pulling an election year stunt.
Don’t get me wrong. I am damn glad they are finally standing up to this nonsense. I just think it’s too little too late. They have let the Democrats and the mass media control the debate and set the message for so long, that now the Conventional ‘Wisdom’ (what an ironic term…) is that everything is the fault of the Big Oil GOP and the Big Oil companies. That is how the mass media and the Demcrats have spun it for years and I believe the ignorant public has bought into that.
Again, I hope this works. But as I have said many times, I don’t have much faith in the American public and I know damn well the mass media is working feverishly to figure out how to help Obama and the DNC through this right now. They are preparing their spin and lies and working on a gameplan. This is not the slam-dunk people think it is. We have an ignorant, stupid public and a conniving, lying mass media going against us.
Michael in MI on August 3, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Bush is in Thailand, then at the olympics. He’ll be busy.
Then, nothing will happen for those 2 weeks, because people won’t be paying attention. Republicans would be retarded to let democrats open up drilling at this time.
So, unless Bush calls the house back after the games, it’s gonna go to the election.
lorien1973 on August 3, 2008 at 5:13 PM
As to
….better late that never.
bevslape on August 3, 2008 at 5:14 PM
Bingo.
Michael in MI on August 3, 2008 at 5:14 PM
That’s a great idea.
RushBaby on August 3, 2008 at 5:15 PM
BRAVO!!!!
hillbillyjim on August 3, 2008 at 5:15 PM
oops! then never
bevslape on August 3, 2008 at 5:15 PM
Exactly! And that is because oil dropped over $20 per barrel. And why did it drop? Because two weeks ago Bush lifted the executive order halting offshore drilling. This type of thing drives the speculators. The ten year thing is horsesh%t. The effects of events that will bring more oil in the future are what drives the market and speculators. Imagine the effect that would result from an announcment that we will now be drilling in Anwar!
conservnut on August 3, 2008 at 5:15 PM
A good fight is ALWAYS better then caving! I also think that you misjudge the American people and their ability to perceive real leadership. If the media is so good tell me why 70% of Americans say to drill off shore, (though the MSM is doing its best to prop up Pelosi and Barry), why John McCain is TIED with Obama in the polls (despite the continued drum beat that Obama is the long awaited political Messiah) I could keep going but won’t for the sake of time. Remember the last time the Republicans decided to fight on something – we got the first Republican majority in the House in 40 years. Heartland America admires a good fight, always has and always will.
Govgirl on August 3, 2008 at 5:16 PM
Any of our folks in these areas willing to show up and raise the issue?
mikeyboss on August 3, 2008 at 5:16 PM
They’re rating whores first and foremost. If they cover it and it gets some traction, and it just might because a clear majority of Americans support recovery of domestic oil, this will be a huge coup.
RushBaby on August 3, 2008 at 5:17 PM
I tend to agree with you and the other folks on this point.
Maybe it is only wishful thinking that our elected official actually start doing something constructive for a change.
But that’s the “Change” I’m “Hoping” for.
I tend to be more optimistic about life after being so close to being on the dead side of it so many times in my life is all.
Over.
1GooDDaDDy on August 3, 2008 at 5:18 PM
Pelosi and her ilk are either extremely uneducated or lying without remorse. To continue to repeat the stupidity that oil/gas prices are only impacted the immediate availability of oil for delivery is insane and rejects basics of commodity economics that are well known. As mentioned by Michael in MI above, we’ve already seen a huge impact on these prices after Bush rescinded the presidential ban on off-shore drilling, even though that action was immediately criticized as useless because it would not actually make any new oil available without action by Congress. And yet, oil has dropped $25 a barrel since then, and the Dems just keep acting as if there must be some other explanation for the price drop because if they admit it had an impact, the pressure on them will become relentless.
Every one of us has 3 congresswomen/men. We need to keep their feet to the fire on this, and make sure they know we will have a long memory. I’ve emailed all three of mine recently (in an encouraging way) and the next one’s gonna be a little more aggressive.
The point is, we need to keep the topic going in the blogosphere, but we need to ensure we all are taking real action as well. Contact your representatives in Congress today!!!
Reader on August 3, 2008 at 5:19 PM
Well, we are… and that’s a start. For years since the Iraq war, the GOP has had it’s tail between it’s legs hoping for someone to love them.
But like a good old guard dog, they can stop peeing on the bush and start peeing on the donkey.
It’s about time, dontcha think?
Kini on August 3, 2008 at 5:19 PM
I hear what you are saying and I agree that the Republicans have done a very poor job of trying to educate the public. I whole heartedly agree that MSM is lying and covering for the Democrats, especially Obama.
However, with energy prices so high, the American public IS figuring it out. Polls show a majority now favor drilling off shore and even in ANWAR.
Don’t give up yet! Maybe this fight can be won in the later rounds!
Ordinary1 on August 3, 2008 at 5:22 PM
Those Americans didn’t give a crap about drilling offshore prior to a month or so ago… when they were starting to pay $4/gallon for gas. Until then, they preferred to bow to the altar of global warming.
The American public hasn’t wised up at all about global warming or how oil prices work or anything. They just are complaining about $4/gal gasoline and want something done.
I still want to see a poll asking the public whom they blame for the oil/gas prices
(1) Democrats/lack of domestic drilling
(2) Republicans/”Big Oil”
Michael in MI on August 3, 2008 at 5:23 PM
Better yet, send money to the NRCC and let them know you’re donating to honor members of the House who are finally stepping up on an important issue. Money is the absolute best way to let them know you approve of what they’re doing. I know a lot of you are pessimistic, and I understand why. But there’s still a teeny-tiny chance that drilling is the issue that could give us back control of the House — especially if Pelosi & co. keep obstructing in such a spectacularly open fashion and our guys keep up the heat. Then Boehner, Pence, and co. are the ones who will decide what gets debated and when and in front of what cameras.
aero on August 3, 2008 at 5:23 PM
Good to hear the House Republicans aren’t letting up. Anyone have info about this mantra that land is available that has oil but oil companies arent drilling? They make it sound like the oil there is guaranteed, but I thought I heard/read that such isnt the case.
aikidoka on August 3, 2008 at 5:23 PM
I completely understand. I used to be a very optimistic, look at the bright side of every situation type of guy myself. I’m just used to always being let down by people after having that attitude that I now find it easier on my health and emotional stability to assume the worst and be happy when/if anyone actually surprises me and turns out to do something good.
But I’m glad you’re optimistic. It’s a much better way to go through the day, that is for sure.
Michael in MI on August 3, 2008 at 5:25 PM
Is anyone planning on going to Capitol Hill?
Ordinary1 on August 3, 2008 at 5:26 PM
Also, if you have a day off and live near DC, you could stop by and add to the sense of a crowd gathering on the Hill and paying attention to what the Republicans are doing. The more people and noise around the event, the more the media will feel obligated to at least mention that it’s happening each day. That’s how the liberal nutcases do it, anyway.
aero on August 3, 2008 at 5:26 PM
We shall see. I know they are ratings whores, but the John Edwards situation should tell everyone that they are Democrat-protectors before ratings-whores. If Edwards were a Republican, that story would have been breaking news every single day and would have competed with the ridiculous Bret Favre coverage.
Again, I hope you are correct, but I’m not banking on it.
Michael in MI on August 3, 2008 at 5:27 PM
I wish I could go. But I’m in Texas and not rich enough to buy plane tix on a whim.
aero on August 3, 2008 at 5:27 PM
Bush isn’t running for office…. the Republicans are.
If there is to be any real change in congress, we have to put their feet to the fire. Let this tea party boil. If they play their cards right, they can have the MSM playing this up big time. Everyone knows the Olympics are a, um… er… distraction…, I know I won’t be watching it, but catch the highlights in on the nightly news.
People are watching and this is a huge opportunity for redemption for the GOP…
Kini on August 3, 2008 at 5:29 PM
Thank you R’s, and a precious few D’s, for this effort. I do so appreciate you standing against the D’s in this. Please doen’t cave. Millions of American’s are with you. Show our dear Nan who she is. This made my Sunday feel good day.
L
letget on August 3, 2008 at 5:34 PM
Sorry, but I don’t look good in Pink
Kini on August 3, 2008 at 5:34 PM
More Democratic Sunday talk show drilling gobbledeegook.
tree hugging sister on August 3, 2008 at 5:34 PM
Contact your representatives in Congress today!!!
Great idea- it is the PEOPLE’S COUNTRY, and we should be in frequent contact with our representatives.
Here’s what I wrote (no Pulitzer will be pending!)
I’m writing to encourage you to work hard for a larger degree of American energy independence. By becoming more independent, it will help lower prices and decrease our dependence on unstable and unfriendly foreign powers like Venezuela, Iran and Saudi Arabia. Many ordinary Americans are suffering due to the current unusually high price of gasoline.
Please vote to allow offshore drilling, new nuclear power generation plants, shale production, along with newer energy sources like bio fuels, wind and solar power
gmoonster on August 3, 2008 at 5:34 PM
I’m trying to get a giant chicken suit for the stop in San Rafael , and a few rubber chickens . $20 say they wont let me in, since you know im just one of the folks and insignificant when she is out to save the world from mankind.
Mojack420 on August 3, 2008 at 5:36 PM
This action by the GOP is especially important in light of Obama trying to weasel his way back into the election with his talk of compromise. NO COMPROMISE. We need to do everything in our power to save the country from those blocking us from using our own resources. The American people are with us! Compromise would still limit our domestic energy production and give Obama a chance to get traction on this issue.
Make us proud House Republicans!!!
Ordinary1 on August 3, 2008 at 5:36 PM
Ordinary1 on August 3, 2008 at 5:22 PM
I’m not giving up, nor am I trying to get others to give up. I just don’t like people getting ahead of themselves and thinking this is some slam-dunk. The mass media is against us and the Democrats have been blaming Bush and the GOP and Big Oil for this crisis for years now, with success (from my own experience with friends and family anecdotes).
So as Reader mentioned above, we have to keep the pressure on our Reps with phone calls and writing them with encouragement to keep it up. But also to make sure they don’t just treat this as a stunt, but to make sure to educate the American public and expose the Democrats for their lies and ignorance about energy and oil and gas.
You want to know why I don’t put much faith in the American public? What was the BIGGEST issue in 2006-2007? Illegal immigration. The country was PISSED, right? Whom did the GOP nominate for President? Captain Amnesty himself.
So don’t anyone tell me about any slam dunks and about the attention spans of the public or about the intelligence of the public. Does anyone even care about illegal immigration anymore? Nope. Check the polling numbers. Now everyone’s song of the day is the economy and gas prices. And soon enough, everyone will go back to watching American Idol and whatever other crap that is on TV nowadays.
So this is no slam-dunk. The Republicans are going to have to keep pounding this every.single.day until election day and not let the public forget and not just treat this as some stunt.
Michael in MI on August 3, 2008 at 5:37 PM
I’ve got my two Senators and my Rep on speed dial and call them every day of the week.
DerKrieger on August 3, 2008 at 5:38 PM
I sent Boehner an email stating that Finally! … this is what we’ve been waiting for! Stand up for yourselves … stand up for us.
Keep at it everyday of their 5 week vacation if they have to. Don’t give in.
darwin on August 3, 2008 at 5:38 PM
How much is a giant carbon footprint costume?
Ordinary1 on August 3, 2008 at 5:38 PM
We’re ALL tools for the oil industry, in case you haven’t noticed. The Saudi oil industry, for the most part. We need them more than we need almost any other kind of producer there is. We are COMPLETELY and TOTALLY dependent on this resource at this point. It would mean complete devastation for the entire first world if oil went away tomorrow. Do you not get that? We need the oil companies!!!! Even more than we need farmers. We can grow food in our back yards, but we can’t provide our own oil.
Regardless, just in terms of economic pragmatism, I’d rather OUR oil industry make the bucks before alternative energy sources take over. I’d rather AMERICANS get jobs from an expanded oil industry. I’d rather STOP sending quite so much money to America’s enemies.
Besides, the Republicans are not just pulling for drilling. They’re actually proposing a kitchen-sink approach to energy — as in, throw in everything plus the kitchen sink to solve it. Drilling, nuclear, alternative fuels, conservation — EVERYTHING. They’re proposing to take the leash off the energy industry and let them go. Why wouldn’t you want that?
aero on August 3, 2008 at 5:38 PM
HEAR HEAR!
NO COMPROMISE.
Kini on August 3, 2008 at 5:39 PM
What’s humorous is that I am reading a book on the history of conservatism and it discusses how liberalism gained major popularity due to constant information blackouts of anything done by the conservatism movement.
With the internet and talk radio, the liberals just can’t gain the type of traction they used to.
GogglesPisano on August 3, 2008 at 5:39 PM
Point taken. We will have to do our part. Inform who we can about the truth. Encourage our Representatives, as you point out. And pray it works! Our country needs a lot of prayer these days and the concerted efforts of good men and women.
Ordinary1 on August 3, 2008 at 5:41 PM
LOL! How about tinfoil, then? Do you look good in a crinkly silver hat? ;-)
aero on August 3, 2008 at 5:43 PM
Sorry. Not.gonna.happen. The government already has enough of my f***ing money. And what have they done with it? Jack sh**. Until they actually *DO* something, *then* I will *consider* donating. I don’t understand this mentality of sending them money *before* they do something? Sorry. Get something f***ing accomplished first and then maybe they’ll see some money. Not until then. If they’re gonna tell me that they can’t do the right thing without me sending them my hard-earned money, then f*** them. I gave them my vote. Now it is time they did their f***ing jobs.
Money. Geez. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I get paid *after* I work. My paycheck is a reflection of past work accomplished. Why should politicians need money in order to get their job accomplished?
They get my vote, get paid from my tax dollars and they still need more money in order to grow a damn spine and do their jobs? F*** that. Get something done and then we can talk money.
Michael in MI on August 3, 2008 at 5:43 PM
My father-in-law needs to re-roof his house and the sales people at Home Depot told him that if he wanted to buy shingle s he should do it before Monday when prices were expected to go up. It should come as no surprise since shingles are made from…drum roll…oil!
And what will the cost of building new roads be with sky high oil prices? If the cost of building a road doubles because of the price of asphalt how will the Dems get around either raising taxes on gas to pay for it or by scaling back on planned upgrades? Nice box they’ve gotten themselves into.
DerKrieger on August 3, 2008 at 5:44 PM
First, e-mail your Rep…even if he/she is a Dem. Actually, especially if he/she is a Dem. Let them know exactly how you “feel.” (dammit, that’s a Leftie term isn’t it?)
If you have the opportunity to get to DC, park at one of the outer Metro Stations. Parking in DC is either impossible to find or terribly expensive. Especially during this time of year. Tons of tourists.
Get on the Orange or Blue line. The Metro maps are posted everywhere and the fare is really cheap for a major city. Get off at Capitol South Metro Station, this is the closest one to the Capitol and on the House side of the Hill. Its about a two block walk from there to the Capitol.
As you walk to the Capitol, you’ll pass the RNC [GOP Headquarters] at 310 1st Street. Its about a four or five story grey brick building, you can’t miss it, though the sign out front is tastefully small. Drop in and let them know how you feel about this and offer your suport as well.
coldwarrior on August 3, 2008 at 5:46 PM
Nancy will be creating a gigantic carbon footprint and consuming countless barrels of imported oil as she prances around the country to promote her book, while shuttering Congress in order to “save the planet” from the supposed depredations of drilling.
8/04/08: Boston, MA
8/05/08: Philadelphia, PA
8/06/08: Miami, FL
8/07/08: Ann Arbor, MI
8/11/08: Los Angeles, CA
8/12/08: San Rafael, CA
8/13/08: Redwood City, CA
8/14/08: San Francisco, CA
8/20/08: Denver, CO
Blackacre on August 3, 2008 at 5:03 PM
I’,m definitely gonna be there to ask her questons in Miami on Wednesday, I just have to find out the time and venue. I wish that the Matteras kid from YAF would be able to interview her. He would really do a great job of exposing her hypocrisy.
gzelmiami on August 3, 2008 at 5:47 PM
would that be an Al Gore a$$ costume or a Obamas mouth costume since they both spew forth more co2 then my tiny car .
Mojack420 on August 3, 2008 at 5:48 PM
The dems keep saying we cannot drill our way our of this, but we have no alternative fuel solutions in the short term also.
Alternative energy is a good idea, but it’s a long term development with the correct economic direction, i.e. don’t use food for fuel.
Drill now, and watch the price of oil go down, then watch the oil company profits go down also…, but that’s just economics.
You don’t see congress hauling the corn farmers up to capitol hill asking why corn costs are high…. so yeah!
Kini on August 3, 2008 at 5:48 PM
OT (tangential)
Michael, regarding optimism, here’s a totally snark-free opinion. I have found it helpful to expect “good things” to happen in a general sense, while not banking on a particular outcome. You are correct that people will let us down; we are all flawed, after all. As I hear in my meetings, “expectations are premeditated resentments.”
mikeyboss on August 3, 2008 at 5:48 PM
In 2007 we IMPORTED 4,915,957,000 barrels of oil.
The U.S. domestic oil production for 2007 was 5,064,000 barrels.
There is something wrong when Pelosi refuses the American people an opportunity to use their own resources and keeps them beholden to foreign oil and high prices.
It’s not her decision or choice … it’s ours.
darwin on August 3, 2008 at 5:50 PM
Well, I look at it kinda like training a dog. You want to reward the dog immediately when he does what you’re training him to do, so he associates the reward directly with the desired action. If you withhold the reward until the training is “complete,” he’ll never get trained. So I’m inclined to donate to the NRCC now, when they’ll associate it with their current proactive behavior and realize they’ll get more money if they do this kind of thing more often.
The NRCC is working to hold Republican seats in Congress and add more. That’s the only way we’ll get the majority back and take the damn gavel out of Nancy Pelosi’s claws!
Believe me, I understand your bitterness. But without the majority (which the drilling issue gives us our first shot at since we lost it), we’re going nowhere.
aero on August 3, 2008 at 5:51 PM
It depends on which side of the foil you are on! :)
Kini on August 3, 2008 at 5:51 PM
Nice.
Here’s hoping 100 years from now, when some politician does something incredibly stupid the saying goes; he/she “pulled a Pelosi”.
reaganaut on August 3, 2008 at 5:52 PM
True dat…it’s hard to research and develop alternative energy sources after your economy has collapsed because of a short term energy crisis…drilling buys us a lot more time…exploiting new energy sources is a very difficult and long transition. We have to have oil until we get there.
AUINSC on August 3, 2008 at 5:54 PM
I’ve really felt the GOP has had the wrong strategy all along in this “drilling” debate. First, can’t they understand that the dem’s can’t be reasoned with? There is only one circumstance that will get the dem’s on board. And that is if their constituents are burning up the phone/email & fax lines demanding them to work w/the GOP on this.
The emphasis must be placed on the number of high paying jobs that will be created when the $750 billion [TBooneP talks about] is folded back into our own economy rather than going outside. Millions of manufacturing jobs have been lost over the past decade or so and these domestic oil related jobs will more than replace them. Folks working in burger flipping jobs and mall retail jobs will be recruited back to work these jobs and they’ll see their annual income double or triple. And this could begin to happen as soon as Christmas 08. The GOP had best grab onto this particular aspect of the issue or the dems will find a way to steal it away. They’re already moving in that direction what w/BarryO’s new shift on drilling.
The question that the GOP must pose loud and clear on a public forum is, “why are democrats blocking the way of high paying jobs for U.S. workers??”. If the GOP comes out on the side of the Middle American worker we’ll see a dynamic shift. Problem is that the GOP Hierarchy, generally, has contempt for middle America. Darvin Dowdy
Darvin Dowdy on August 3, 2008 at 5:55 PM
The American oil companies are the ones who have increased the price of oil sixfold since we stumbled into Iraq, aero.
Why reward them?
Or do you work for one of them?
alphie on August 3, 2008 at 5:58 PM
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