19 June 2008
Democrats, Oil, and Liberalism
Posted by Joy Bischoff under: World Economy .
I have changed the format of the article to be easier to read here. I will interject a few comments between quotes.
House Democrats call for nationalization of refineries
House Democrats responded to President’s Bush’s call for Congress to lift the moratorium on offshore drilling. This was at an on-camera press conference fed back live.
Among other things, the Democrats called for the government to own refineries so it could better control the flow of the oil supply.
They also reasserted that the reason the Appropriations Committee markup (where the vote on the amendment to lift the ban) was cancelled so they could focus on preparing the supplemental Iraq spending bill for tomorrow.
At an off-camera briefing, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) said the same. And a senior Republican House Appropriations Committee aide adds that “there were multiple reasons for the postponement” including discussion on the supplemental. But the aide said there was the thought that Democrats may wish to avoid a debate today on energy amendments.
Here are the highlights from briefing:
Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), member of the House Appropriations Committee and one of the most-ardent opponents of off-shore drilling: “We (the government) should own the refineries. Then we can control how much gets out into the market.”
This is pure socialism. Why should we trust the government to do a good job? When we look at the bloated, inefficient bureaucracy, it would seem inefficient and dangerous for free enterprise to give way to a federally controlled program. The Global Warming crowd that controls the Democrats would keep a heavy foot on the neck of the refineries.
Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL): “They (Republicans) have a one-trick pony approach.”
But this is the most important pony in the herd right now. Don’t kill it before the others grow up and are trained.
Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV), Chairman of the Resources Committee: “You cannot drill your way out of this.”
Yes, actually we can and we need to hurry.
Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA), Chairman of the House Select Committee on Global Warming:
“The White House has become a ventriloquist for the oil and gas energy. The finger should be directed back at them. They had plenty of opportunity to (arrange an energy policy). But they did not put an energy policy in place.”
True, the White House could have done a lot more regarding energy and removing the Executive Order against drilling would be a good start. But that does not mean the oil companies should not drill. Other countries are off our shore drilling our oil. Why?
Hinchey: “There are a lot of arrows in the President’s quiver that he decided not use.”
True, but what does that have to do with drilling? The sharpest arrow should not be laid aside.
also: “What we do has to be in the interest of the American people. Not major corporations.”
This is in the interest of the American people. What is not in our interest is unaffordable gas.
And from a Senior Republican House Appropriations Aide…
“There were multiple reasons for the postponement including ongoing negotiations on the (supplemental) and a (Democratic) wish to avoid debate and votes on the energy amendments.”
8 Comments so far...
Mac Says:
19 June 2008 at 8:59 am.
Good assessment. No logic in the dems statements at all. They are all shills for the environmentalist whackos.
Angela Rogin Says:
19 June 2008 at 9:04 am.
The government has caused a lot of our problems. Now they want to come in and clean up their own mess? That doesn’t make sense. Federalizing the refineries is definitely socialism.
Pickles Says:
19 June 2008 at 11:32 am.
what is wrong with these people?
Iffer Says:
19 June 2008 at 2:33 pm.
A lot of things, apparently.
They don’t want to take credit for anything, and try to smooth talk their way out of situations. The sad thing is, most listen without realizing they don’t have a good point
Cavetrollhead Says:
19 June 2008 at 3:17 pm.
“You cannot drill your way out of this.” What “On the hill” is this guy talking about??!!
While we only get %30 percent of our oil needs domestically, we cannot implement price controls like we did under Roosevelt for steel during WWII. If we increase our domestic oil supply to closer to 100% of our needs, we can begin price controls on oil to get the economy under control -That is just like we did with steel and thousands of other things during WWII. (and in my opinion that helped to win WWII. And like after WWII, these price controls don’t have to be permanent. They just need to get us past the current security and economic crisis.)
Meanwhile we are not filling the pockets of terrorist regimes. DUH!!!
There will be snags to that because if the oil companies see it coming, they won’t invest as heavily in domestic drilling and/or other domestic oil production. However, if we set a price minimum $ on oil, upstart oil producers will dive right in while the oil is warm and the market will be permanently more competitive.
Nothing could be simpler.
I thought the Dems were all about curtailing the free market on oil “for the people’s sake.” They should be glad to increase their power over the price. They are talking out of both sides of their mouths again, like this Jack Arse, Nick Rahall.
You can’t drill your way out of this?? Brother!
Someone tell me you hear what I am saying!! I feel so alone- where is my blankie!!!
Matt Says:
19 June 2008 at 3:26 pm.
I hear what you are saying…you’re not alone and I think your blankie is in the dryer.
Nalvy Says:
19 June 2008 at 3:27 pm.
Ever read the Peanut’s cartoons? The teacher always say “wah wah wah”…thats all i hear coming from the dems mouths right now.
Cameron Says:
19 June 2008 at 5:18 pm.
Today I think we can all see why we are conservatives. It’s called brains.
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