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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Sunday, August 3, 2008 10:03 PM CDT
LETTER: We should be drilling for oil here and now

By MAX MILLER, Oakland

Oil companies should be drilling here, now

This is not an original idea with me, but some thoughts that surely need to be gotten out. Here are some economic facts. The commodity futures markets are just that; millions of people from around the world are deciding where prices will be at some point in the future. The make up of the markets are either hedgers or speculators; both are necessary in order to find fair prices for all commodities. If the speculator believes prices will be higher in the future, they will buy and the reverse if they believe prices will be lower.

In the past, the speculators know the search for new crude oil discovery in the U.S.A. is limited because of laws the Congress passed limiting many areas where huge quantities of crude were known to be. As time went forward the demand for crude expanded around the world, but the speculator was confident that due to the make up of the Congress, nothing was going to happen. To date, they have been correct.

Think about what happens if people in the oil and gas business could drill any where they knew oil or gas was and bring it to the market place. It is very simple, the speculator would lose most of his incentive to be a buyer and in fact would be more inclined to be a seller as he looks into the future and sees the demand satisfied.

When the buyer of corn and beans sees the acreage increase, he too will be reluctant to be a buyer and more than likely he or she will be come a seller. All alternative energy sources must be pursued, but wind, sun or conservation will do little to bring prices down. Increasing the supply of crude and natural gas is the only hope. When the speculator looks down the road and sees large new supplies; the need for higher prices ceases to exist. “Drill here, drill now!”

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Don G wrote on Aug 4, 2008 8:42 AM:

" Well Put Max, and so simple too!
As long as the Senate can guarantee the wall street financial houses that they will continue to hinder development of new energy sources in the USA, then investing in the oil futures market is not really a speculation, but a sure bet! Wouldnt you like to see just how many dollars are going into the DNC's war-fund from these institutions to keep their investments profitable at the expense of the American consumer? "

father bob wrote on Aug 4, 2008 9:26 AM:

" woohooo!!!!.....lets drill all the hole in the earth we can RIGHT NOW!!!

the refineries can't keep pace now. the soonest drilling would have any real increase in fuel production is 2016.

get a grip.... "

Tom Andres wrote on Aug 4, 2008 11:57 AM:

" father bob, why can't the refineries keep pace? Could it be because the Pelosi's won't allow them to expand? Refinery capacity isn't the problem anyway. We have enough gas. The problem is the cost of the raw material the refineries are buying (in other words, it's the oil price that's the problem, bob). And, bob, that 2016 date is propaganda. As soon as the OSD announcement is made, oil prices will fall substantially - a *psychological* impact on worldwide oil prices, if you will. I know, Obama makes light of that phrase, but he knows the truth about market psychology, and he's lying to you about the reality of that. Do you believe everything Obama says just because he's black? Naw, don't bother, I already know the answer to that. "

miltmart wrote on Aug 4, 2008 12:38 PM:

" Good points, Mr. Miller but the argument for not drilling because it won't make any difference for 10 years or whatever has got to be one of the dumbest arguments ever put forth and I've heard it time and time again from Democrats, including Obama. Gee and we've only had politicians saying that for 30 years now. Prime example is Bill Clinton in 1995 vetoing drilling in ANWAR, one reason being it would take 10 years to achieve anything. And where would we be today if he had allowed that drilling? "

Jon Vanatta wrote on Aug 4, 2008 1:11 PM:

" Well then FB it it takes 8 years for the new refineries to produce fuel they had better get started now. "

father bob wrote on Aug 4, 2008 3:15 PM:

" Jon Vanatta wrote on Aug 4, 2008 1:11 PM:
" Well then FB it it takes 8 years for the new refineries to produce fuel they had better get started now. """"

there's no way it will make one iota difference. we're just a couple of years away from fuel cell autos, why turn the clock back and give oil companies more time to suck the life's blood out of the american public?

you GOP (grumpy old pr****) guys need to finally realize the big business you've been slave to for your whole life doesn't care about this country....just the bottom line....if they did our good jobs wouldn't be overseas. now you want to hand big oil more windfalls when we really don't need them. WAKE UP!! "

das wrote on Aug 4, 2008 3:35 PM:

" So, in the 30 years that McCain has been in congress, why hasn't he been pushing for us to drill offshore? I love how this all gets blamed on Obama, yet it was only about a month ago that McCain became supportive off drilling offshore in 2000 he was against it. Hmm... what does he stand for? Also, there is plenty of land in the U.S. and offshore that oil companies are allowed to drill, but they don't use it. Why should we open up more to them when they don't use what they already have? "

father bob wrote on Aug 4, 2008 3:36 PM:

" HERE YA GO....tommie and jon.

straight from Factcheck - the answer to your drilling and a few other McCain lies corrected.....ENJOY!!

McCain's new ad accuses Obama of keeping gas prices high, all by himself. That's absurd, and McCain knows it he has said repeatedly that our current problems were "30 years in the making."

The ad also tells us that gas prices are high because "some in Washington are still saying no to drilling in America." Not true. The federal government's estimate is that if the moratorium on offshore drilling were lifted today, it would be 2030 before we'd see a noticeable effect on supply and prices.

For the same reason, it's simply not true that drilling more now will "rescue our family budgets."

As we have pointed out previously, the Energy Information Administration estimates that if the go-ahead were given right now for such drilling, it would be 2030 before there would be enough oil flowing to have a "significant impact on domestic crude oil and natural gas production or prices." Is there "no end in sight" because of opposition to ending the moratorium? No more so than because of opposition to hastening the development of alternative sources of energy and new kinds of cars. But most experts believe that if we haven't implemented other strategies well before 2030, we're in deep trouble.

**

McCain's new ad claims that Obama "says he'll raise taxes on electricity." That's false. Obama says no such thing.

McCain relies on a single quote from Obama who once and only once so far as we can find suggested taxing "dirty energy," including coal and natural gas. That was in response to a reporter's suggestion that a tax on wind power could fund education. Obama isn't proposing any new tax on electricity or "dirty energy" as part of his platform, and he never has.

**
A new McCain ad says Obama "made time to go to the gym, but canceled a visit with wounded troops. Seems the Pentagon wouldn't allow him to bring cameras."

Obama visited wounded troops earlier without cameras or press both in the U.S. and Iraq. And his gym workouts are a daily routine.

The Obama campaign canceled the visit with wounded troops at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, Obama says, when he learned that the Pentagon would not allow him to bring along a retired Air Force major general who is serving as a foreign policy adviser to the campaign. Obama says that "triggered then a concern that maybe our visit was going to be perceived as political."

**

The McCain campaign has been running an under-the-radar Web ad that shows photos of Fidel Castro and Barack Obama, and says, "Fidel Castro thinks he is 'the most advanced candidate.' "

In fact, the quote comes from an article by Castro that was largely critical of Obama. Castro also complained that Obama views the Cuban revolution as "anti-democratic" and that Obama makes the "exact same" arguments used by U.S. administrations "to justify their crimes against our country. "

even steven wrote on Aug 4, 2008 3:56 PM:

" Fortunately, oil companies are drilling up in North Dakota as I type this. The Bakken formation is estimated to hold between 200 and 400 billion barrels. A new refinery is going to be built in North Dakota as well. There are quite a few new millionaires in North Dakota because of the oil being pumped up there, and it's good to see Americans getting wealthy rather than the Saudis. It's sheer idiocy for the US not to take advantage of our own resources. Our purchases of foreign oil has amounted to the largest transfer of wealth in the world's history. So, what's Obama's plan? Um... put more air in your tires. What a Dukakis in the tank moment! "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 4, 2008 4:20 PM:

" If any one's obsessed about Obama's color, it's seems to be Tom Andres. Goof grief, Tom, lighten up a little. (no pun intended) LOL! "

The Question wrote on Aug 4, 2008 4:45 PM:

" The drilling issue is a distraction, as T. Boone Pickens noted. The Republicans are have no ideas for solving the world energy crisis and helping the failing U.S. economy. They're just working now to throw a few more billions to the corporations that bribe them before the ship of state sinks. "

father bob wrote on Aug 4, 2008 4:58 PM:

" Harry Potter wrote on Aug 4, 2008 4:20 PM:
" If any one's obsessed about Obama's color, it's seems to be Tom Andres. Goof grief, Tom, lighten up a little. (no pun intended) LOL! """"

i agree....tom's about as dark as they get. "

father bob wrote on Aug 4, 2008 5:00 PM:

" no tom, that wasn't a racist remark. "

Poster wrote on Aug 4, 2008 5:36 PM:

" The problem for many small independent oil producers is that Blago wants to institute a 5% tax to fund the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. So tack on an additional 5% for Illinois tax.

The article talks about most small producers in Illinois produce 1.25 barrels per day. Some small producers are talking about just shutting down these wells when it comes time for capital expenditures and repairs rather than be saddled with additional taxes.

Is shutting down the wells "cutting off your nose to spite your face"? Perhaps so. But with small production, environmental concerns, and rising taxes choices will be made. Some will choose to shut it down.

http://www.jg-tc.com/articles/2008/04/15/news/doc480412789d8dc481261792.txt "

das wrote on Aug 4, 2008 10:59 PM:

" The McCain campaign and Republicans can laugh at Obama's suggestion that Americans need to make sure their tires are inflated and their cars have regular check-ups all they want, but a new Times article actually shows some evidence that Mr. Obama is right on track with this thinking. Man, McCain wishes he was this clever.

http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1829354,00.html?cnn=yes "

RavenH4 wrote on Aug 5, 2008 7:47 AM:

" Far from a distraction; drilling is the solution. In fact it's the ONLY solution.
Unless of course the Democrats have some magic alternative fuel that is less than 50 years away from being practical.
Let me know when I can be air-lifted to the nearest trauma center on a new magic solar/wind/natural gas powered medevac. "

warrior wrote on Aug 5, 2008 8:11 AM:

" FB your an idiot. It is a well known fact (to most of us anyway) that Transocean Offshore Drilling Company (the company that drills for Exxon Mobile) has already stated that, if given the approval to drill in the gulf tomorrow, they could be sucking out 200,000 barrels a day in 12 to 14 months. Not 10 years like the dummycrats would want you to think. You also state the refineries couldn't keep pace, why?? Aren't they keeping pace right now with all the oil we are importing from the Arab world?? I mean the barges coming from the Arab world is tranporting crude oil, NOT gas, which means when it gets here it needs to be refined. Tom Andres is right on the money, its the dummycrats and someone (N.P.)who should be at home cooking her husband supper and doing laundry instead of making decisions for this country. "

father bob wrote on Aug 5, 2008 9:47 AM:

" warrior wrote on Aug 5, 2008 8:11 AM:Tom Andres is right on the money, its the dummycrats and someone (N.P.)who should be at home cooking her husband supper and doing laundry instead of making decisions for this country. """""

i'm sorry....i apologize for your and tommie's intellectual handicaps. i'm sure it's my fault you can't comprehend simple logic. i'm also sorry for your bad grades in school and those bullies always pushing you around. i know it's been easier for someone to tell you what to do and think your whole lives, than try and cope with reality. the last remarks regarding women of our society, shows just how far you're intelligence has evolved.....you're right, it's all my fault. "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 5, 2008 9:53 AM:

" The reason refineries can't keep pace is because the Left, with it's wacko environmentalist, have blocked the construction of any new refineries in this country since the early seventies.

This is typical of Liberals; create long term problems based on ridiculous theories that fester into full blown disasters, then scream for an even sillier solution based on even more ridiculous theories and of course, always fund the nonsense with more and more tax dollars because that has always worked so well in the past. "

das wrote on Aug 5, 2008 10:23 AM:

" All I have to say is McCain's campaign has gotten 1.3 million dollars from big oil this election season. Now why do you think he supports drilling? It's odd when someone who used to be so against it is all of a sudden for something? Hmm... money talks. "

Tom Andres wrote on Aug 5, 2008 10:31 AM:

" warrior, thanks for the dittos on my refinery capacity comment. We have plenty of gas. We just need lower-priced oil, although more refinery capacity is probably a good idea. By the way, warrior, I did not say that Nancy Pelosi should be at home cooking her husband supper and doing laundry instead of making decisions for this country. LOL, thanks for the help, but I don't want to be called a racist AND a sexist by the lefties on here. Besides that, I'm betting that Pelosi already has several illegal immigrants to do her cooking and laundry. (Whoops sorry, fb, did I just make another *racist* comment?) "

Tom Andres wrote on Aug 5, 2008 10:49 AM:

" das, in the real world (far far away from this blogoscape) if you were an oil company CEO and you had to choose who to support, would you vote for (a) someone who favors aggressive exploration or (b) someone who does not? And yes, I agree with you, it COULD be a matter of *money talks*. That could also account for why Obama has the support of George Soros and MoveOn.org.

Nothing new; however, I do believe that if McCain the Maverick decides that big oil is shafting America, he would keep their money and ignore their demands. That's the difference between McCain and Obama. I believe Obama would take the money and obey their commands. "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 5, 2008 11:00 AM:

" Pelosi to at-risk Dems: Go ahead and oppose me on drilling

http://tinyurl.com/57gwxu

Politico confirms what many suspected, that the internal Democratic debate on drilling is really just a puppet show starring Pelosi as the bad guy and Dems like Jason Altmire with tough re-election bids as glorious pro-drilling heroes pleading with their leadership for action. (Democratic House aides say the energy agenda has been carefully gamed out in strategy sessions) The point, of course, is to protect the current majority and stall until the election, when theyre bound to pick up seats and can use their new leverage next year to water down any GOP drilling proposals even further than they might now. In other words, theyre running out the clock on the public, which overwhelmingly supports action in this area and is going to get much less of it if Pelosis strategy works. "

miltmart wrote on Aug 5, 2008 11:13 AM:

" Rushbaby wrote: "This is typical of Liberals; create long term problems based on ridiculous theories that fester into full blown disasters, then scream for an even sillier solution based on even more ridiculous theories and of course, always fund the nonsense with more and more tax dollars because that has always worked so well in the past. ""

You've nailed it! One of the best summations of liberalism/socialism I've ever read. The only thing you might have added is that liberals want to make sure people feel good while they're being *&^%$*#@!!!!! "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 5, 2008 12:03 PM:

" And most of it came after he flip flopped on off shore drilling, didn't it? LOL! "

The Question wrote on Aug 5, 2008 12:06 PM:

" "Let me know when I can be air-lifted to the nearest trauma center on a new magic solar/wind/natural gas powered medevac."
--------------
No need, because unless we get serious about the world's energy problems instead of holding Let's-Drill-Drill-Drill Slumber Parties in Congress, you won't need to worry about medevacs. You will need to worry about food. "

Jon Vanatta wrote on Aug 5, 2008 1:57 PM:

" Faddy Bobbys gonna have him a little pushy pedal fuel cell car real soon and that gonna solve the whole fuel problem. I wonder if one of those will work on the big jet airplanes or maybe on Al Gores smokin airplane or on those big diesel locomotives or on those big diesel trucks that haul your food to the grocery store or on tractors and combines or on heavy construction equipment or on all those big RVs on the highway. Wake up to reality thats in the real world fb! "

father bob wrote on Aug 5, 2008 2:57 PM:

" Jon Vanatta wrote on Aug 5, 2008 1:57 PM:
" Faddy Bobbys gonna have him a little pushy pedal fuel cell car real soon and that gonna solve the whole fuel problem"""

JV, you are a total retread. i'll throw T Boone Pickens up against the likes of your sorry butt or that of snotnosed tommie any day of the week. have you bothered to even understand that we don't need to replace every internal combustion engine in the country? all we need is to replace 20-30% with alternative fuels and power much of which we already have, or will have shortly, to continue in a prosperous economy.

you boyz jes kep on lissnun to dem big oil menz...dey got you back! "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 5, 2008 3:46 PM:

" No need, because unless we get serious about the world's energy problems instead of holding Let's-Drill-Drill-Drill Slumber Parties in Congress, you won't need to worry about medevacs. You will need to worry about food. "
--------

Oh right, Question.
And here I thought it was all those wonderful bio-fuels that REQUIRE OUR CORN AND GRAIN, along with China's exploding population, that was contributing to the worlds food shortages.

But I guess it was those darned evil oil drilling companies that were creating a food shortage- somehow? "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 5, 2008 3:50 PM:

" miltmart wrote "You've nailed it! One of the best summations of liberalism/socialism I've ever read. The only thing you might have added is that liberals want to make sure people feel good while they're being *&^%$*#@!!!!! "
-------

Thanks milt. And you nailed it! It is all about the Liberal's good intentions and warm fuzzy feelings, and never mind the results. "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 5, 2008 4:05 PM:

" "all we need is to replace 20-30% with alternative fuels"
-------

What alternative fuels, bobby?
What alternative fuels are even practical right now? Or for that matter, will be in the next several decades? "

gringa wrote on Aug 5, 2008 4:25 PM:

" ///you boyz jes kep on lissnun to dem big oil menz...dey got you back!/// Hey, boob, that sounds like a raci.... Ah, nevermind. I guess you get a pass. LOL "

Just a Soldier wrote on Aug 5, 2008 4:32 PM:

" I hear a lot of people talking about alternative fuels and hybrids and it all sounds great, but recently my wife and I inquired, just for fun, about the price of the hybrid Tahoe (with a growing family, we just can't get by with a Prius). The pricetag... $54,000. That is 120% of the price of my home when we bought it. Sorry, but I would rather just keep paying for $4 gas. I mean I would rather not do either, but if it has to be one or the other, which is apparently what the anti-drillers want, then my own economic condition forces me to choose the $4 gas. So until someone comes up with an AFFORDABLE alternative, I say we need to drill. Who cares if it doesn't make a difference for a few years? What will the price be by then? "

sapient wrote on Aug 5, 2008 4:33 PM:

" Obama says if we fast-track alternative energy sources we can be foreign oil free in 10 years. Gee, it seems like the libbys say it'll take that much time to get the oil if we drill now so we shouldn't do it. I'll take oil for now. We know that works. Other sources are at this point a pipe dream (no pun intended). "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 5, 2008 4:35 PM:

" I can see bobby in a Flintstone-mobile, Mr.Vanatta

Yabba Dabba D#mba&$ "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 5, 2008 5:05 PM:

" Price a new Prius and a new Corrolla, Soldier. Look at the EPA mpg ratings, then extend it out and you will see it would take a heck of a long time to get that extra 12 thousand back, even with the high gas costs we are seeing, considering the ratings aren't all that much better on the Prius.

About the only thing I could see as advantageous is that you could feel good about helping the world save some gas, but that's about it. "

das wrote on Aug 5, 2008 5:58 PM:

" You people sound like a bunch of drug addicts... "drill, drill, drill" I need another hit... please just let me have one more hit. Why do we need to open more land for drilling when the oil companies don't use the land they're already allowed to drill on? There are over 400 acres of land in the U.S. that is opened for drilling that aren't even touched by the oil companies. They must not care that much about the oil in the U.S. then huh? So, go to rehab and realize that we can't live on oil forever and also take a look at WHY our prices are so high, notice how since Obama and others said they would go after the speculators the prices have dropped significantly and even with big storms near Texas the prices have still stayed down? Hmm... sounds like if we crack down on the speculators our prices will go down, but Republicans wouldn't want to do that, they make too much money when prices are up. More and more money for McCain's campaign. "

The Question wrote on Aug 5, 2008 6:38 PM:

" By the way, what's all this Republican gasbagging about "our oil" and "reducing dependence on foreign oil?"
When the federally subsidized oil companies do manage to get oil out of the new areas where drilling will be permitted, they will sell the oil on the world market. just as they always do, and pocket their billion-dollar profits, just as they always do, and we Americans will pay through the nose for it, just as we always do.
Using the term "our oil" is ridiculous unless you happen to be an oil company. Well, I guess McCain has some right to use the term, since that oil generates the money they use to pay him off with. "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 5, 2008 6:58 PM:

" I guess the real estate huckster got tired of preaching, and decided to solve the oil crisis. LOL! "

sapient wrote on Aug 5, 2008 8:46 PM:

" das: The oil companies don't drill on that land because there is no oil under it. If the oil companies were as greedy as you say they are do you think they would just let that oil lie there and not tap it? Reid and Pelosi know there is no oil there. That is why they have released that land for drilling. Oil compaanies prefer to drill where there is oil. "

sapient wrote on Aug 5, 2008 8:49 PM:

" das: 400 acres? That's not enough land to grow a good corn crop. If that is all they release for drilling I would be ashamed to even mention it if I was a lefty. "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 5, 2008 10:09 PM:

" As Iraq Surplus Rises, Little Goes Into Rebuilding

NewYorkTimes August 5, 2008

Soaring oil prices will leave the Iraqi government with a cumulative budget surplus of as much as $79 billion by years end, according to an American federal oversight agency.
........
Over all, the report from the Government Accountability Office estimates, Iraqi oil revenue from 2005 through the end of this year will amount to at least $156 billion.

But but but, I thought those Big Oil Companies at the behest of Bush and Cheney were STEALING all that Iraqi oil!

This must be another diabolical twist to throw the Liberals off track! "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 6, 2008 7:05 AM:

" This is certainly good news, Rush.

Now perhaps we will see them paying back the USA for, for the trillions of dollars billed to the American tax payers, for their "liberation".

We were told by this administration that the oil would pay for this war. Do you think that will happen? My bet is that it doesn't happen and the American tax payers will continue to bear the brunt of the costs.

I'll wait for the headlines boldly proclaiming the Bush team is expecting them to pay up. LOL! "

The Question wrote on Aug 6, 2008 7:48 AM:

" Robert Borosage puts it well. "Take gas prices, the most pressing issue on the minds of Americans. Offer a blatant ploy that in fact won't help -- but will profit Big Oil. Pocket over a million in contributions from oil executives and use the money to put up an ad promising to take on Big Oil.
"Call it the audacity of contempt. John McCain seems intent on proving that it is possible to scorn Americans into voting for him." "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 6, 2008 7:49 AM:

" To The Question

Here's what all this Republican gasbagging about "our oil" and "reducing dependence on foreign oil is all about:
-------

Obamas holding a pair of gimmicks
BY Ed Morrissey

Oil companies realize large profits today in part because they have few options for investment in long-term supply. They cant drill where the oil is, and even the leases they hold that show promise generate obstacles from environmental groups through lawsuits and regulatory complaints. They cant build refineries for the same reasons, and now we have to import a significant percentage of our refined gasoline as well as crude oil. Money that would create American jobs now winds up as dividends to shareholders because it cant go anywhere else.

Want to see oil company profits put to better use? Allow them to drill in the OCS and interior. It will create hundreds of thousands of jobs now, and will produce oil within two to three years. That will produce long-term energy security while we continue to pursue energy alternatives. Those are real solutions, not gimmicks. "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 6, 2008 7:59 AM:

" So you admit that the Iraq war was not based on stealing Iraqi oil huh, Harry? Good.

You may have a little too much common sense to be a true Liberal. LOL! "

Julio wrote on Aug 6, 2008 9:13 AM:

" I thought that last quarters record profits were supposed to be spent on exploration??? Guess they decided to pocket it instead. Here's a Bush style idea.... Give big oil some federal money so they can find oil and charge us $7 a gallon for it. "

sapient wrote on Aug 6, 2008 9:27 AM:

" TQ-But No Answers: In 8-6 JG-TC A1 there is an article Looking For a Surge. The last paragraph states, "But Obama himself voted for a 2005 energy bill backed by Bush that included billions in subsidies for oil and natural gas production, a measure Cheney played a major role in developing. McCain opposed the bill on grounds it included billions in unnecessary tax breaks for the oil industry." Well, I guess there goes your argument that McCain is for the big oil subsities while your messiah, Obama, opposes them. "

father bob wrote on Aug 6, 2008 9:48 AM:

" Oh...and here's one from Information Week, and Automotive World.....just what big oil's doing for YOU!!!:

Chevron Stonewalls Battery, Keeps Mercedes Hybrid Out of Production

Plans for Mercedes to release the ML 450 hybrid in 2009 may very well be canceled. The maker of the nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries that was to provide the energy storage component for the SUV, Cobasys, seems to be refusing to begin production of the essential part. It appears the company's parent firms, Chevron (who just posted a $5.98 billion 2nd quarter profit) and Energy Conversion Devices (ECD) have "pulled funding" from the battery supplier, preventing it from meeting manufacturing commitments agreed upon last year.

No stranger to accusations of conspiracy when it comes squelching green-tech batteries, Chevron is again facing the charge in a lawsuit filed last week by Mercedes that claims the company colluded with ECD and Cobasys to keep the imminent sale of the distressed battery maker a secret to prevent the German firm from canceling the battery deal. The suit also alleges that Cobasys refused to begin production in case the terms of the contract were not seen as favorable to the new owners. This situation should make for interesting reading in the months to come and, we suspect, give folks yet another reason to dislike oil companies.

listen to the oil companies....they have your best interest at heart! "

father bob wrote on Aug 6, 2008 9:51 AM:

" gringa wrote on Aug 5, 2008 4:25 PM:
" ///you boyz jes kep on lissnun to dem big oil menz...dey got you back!/// Hey, boob, that sounds like a raci.... Ah, nevermind. I guess you get a pass. LOL """"

jez tryun to gets mysef down to da level dem boyz wants me.... "

father bob wrote on Aug 6, 2008 11:03 AM:

" The Surge
It didnt work. Instead, we built a city of walls, both physically and psychologically.
Thanks to panicbean for sharing these videos. It is recommended by the blogger that we post these videos everywhere because you wont see these otherwise.
Baghdad - 5 Years post invasion Part 1
http://tinyurl.com/6cuepf
It only gets worse in Part 2
This is what George W Bush and his NeoCon friends gave to the Iraqi people.
http://tinyurl.com/5gs73b
What about the children? What George W Bush did IS NOT family values.
Baghdad - 5 Years post invasion Part 3
http://tinyurl.com/6yyc2g
More evidence of the Bush administrations crimes against humanity "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 6, 2008 11:07 AM:

" Obama really doesnt like a debate

VIDEO: http://tinyurl.com/6oq9v6

Barack Obama got stung by a challenge from a Las Vegas reporter on his energy policy, and specifically on his efforts to paint John McCain as a lackey of Dick Cheney. Jon Ralston asked Obama about the contradiction inherent in this strategy the fact that Obama voted for Cheneys energy bill in 2005 while McCain voted against it. Obama stammered out an accusation that Ralston was a proxy for McCain.

Time was, reporters were paid to ask candidates tough questions. Ralstons question is entirely legitimate, especially since Obama and the Democrats made Cheneys energy policy a campaign issue in the first place. If Obama dislikes it so much, why did he vote for it and why blame it on the one candidate in the race that actually voted against it?

By Ed Morrissey "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 6, 2008 11:58 AM:

" Yeah, okay, so the SURGE didn't work, huh bobby?
Obama says things have improved in Iraq thanks to: "hard work, improved counterinsurgency tactics and enormous sacrifice."

And that's completely different than the Surge, HOW?

------

Barack Obama purges Web site critique of surge in Iraq

NewYorkDailyNews July 14th 2008-

WASHINGTON - Barack Obama's campaign scrubbed his presidential Web site over the weekend to remove criticism of the U.S. troop "surge" in Iraq, the Daily News has learned.

The presumed Democratic nominee replaced his Iraq issue Web page, which had described the surge as a "problem" that had barely reduced violence.

"The surge is not working," Obama's old plan stated, citing a lack of Iraqi political cooperation but crediting Sunni sheiks - not U.S. military muscle - for quelling violence in Anbar Province.

The News reported Sunday that insurgent attacks have fallen to the fewest since March 2004.

Obama's campaign posted a new Iraq plan Sunday night, which cites an "improved security situation" paid for with the blood of U.S. troops since the surge began in February 2007.

It praises G.I.s' "hard work, improved counterinsurgency tactics and enormous sacrifice."

Campaign aide Wendy Morigi said Obama is "not softening his criticism of the surge. We regularly update the Web site to reflect changes in current events."

GOP rival John McCain zinged Obama as a flip-flopper. "The major point here is that Sen. Obama refuses to acknowledge that he was wrong," said McCain, adding that Obama "refuses to acknowledge that it [the surge] is succeeding."
-------

ROFLMAO!! "

das wrote on Aug 6, 2008 1:23 PM:

" father bob: Have you seen the documentary "Who Killed The Electric Car?" It's quite good if you haven't and actually everyone should check it out. It's pretty funny to see how the oil companies make sure there type of type of things don't get on our roads. Also, it's interesting to see how/why the automakers are also SO against electric cars, they have the technology, but they lose money if they create them. "

gringa wrote on Aug 6, 2008 3:55 PM:

" Fact: There were 5,000 people who expressed interest in an EV1, but when GM called them back and explained that the car cost $299-plus a month to lease, went between 60 and 80 miles on a full charge, and took between 45 minutes and 15 hours to re-charge, very few would commit to leasing one (not too surprising, is it?).

Fact: Although hydrogen fuel cell technology was cast as a pie-in-the-sky technology by the moviemakers, GM is making great progress in fuel cell research and development and is on track to achieving its goal to validate and design a fuel cell propulsion system by 2010 that is competitive with current combustion systems on durability and performance, and that ultimately can be built at scale, affordably. "

cd wrote on Aug 6, 2008 4:08 PM:

" Who dealt 'race card' in presidential campaign?
Jim Brown - OneNewsNow - 8/4/2008 8:30:00 AM

Late last week, the McCain campaign accused Obama of playing the "race card" himself after the Illinois senator said Republicans would try to highlight the fact that he did not look like other presidents featured on U.S. currency. Stumping in Missouri on Wednesday, Obama said both President George W. Bush and John McCain were going to try to frighten voters by saying, of himself, "he's not patriotic enough, he's got a funny name...he doesn't look like all those other presidents on the dollar bills."

Later, in an interview with National Public Radio, Senator Obama reacted to McCain's charge of playing the race card: "This notion that somehow I was playing the race card is ridiculous.

^^What I said in front of a 98 percent conservative rural white audience in Missouri is nothing that I haven't said before."^^

To which the presumptive GOP presidential nominee reiterated, "I think his comments were clearly, were clearly the race card because of what he said."

^^Bishop Harry Jackson, Jr., (a black man) of the High Impact Leadership Coalition, a registered Democrat, believes it is Obama that is injecting race into the campaign.^^

"I think the comments that 'I don't look like the rest of the presidential candidates' came out right after McCain had started going down the road of negative ads," Jackson explains. "I think everybody knows that there is going to come a time in which the race issue is going to come up."

Jackson says most people expected the race issue would resurface in the form of Pastor Jeremiah Wright about a month before the election.

"As McCain has begun to deal with the fact that Obama is just fluff and he does not really have any substance, I think they are forced to make their move early to cast this as prejudice," he adds. "Here's what I think because you've got only a couple of points difference in the polls,

^^Obama's getting desperate and feels he's got to protect his turf."^^

Bishop Jackson is author of the new book The Truth in Black and White: A New Look at the Shifting Landscape of Race, Religion and Politics in America Today. "

cd wrote on Aug 6, 2008 4:18 PM:

" Poster wrote on Aug 4, 2008 5:36 PM:
" The problem for many small independent oil producers is that Blago wants to institute a 5% tax to fund the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. So tack on an additional 5% for Illinois tax.

The article talks about most small producers in Illinois produce 1.25 barrels per day. Some small producers are talking about just shutting down these wells when it comes time for capital expenditures and repairs rather than be saddled with additional taxes.

Is shutting down the wells "cutting off your nose to spite your face"? Perhaps so. But with small production, environmental concerns, and rising taxes choices will be made. Some will choose to shut it down.
++++++++++++++++
Blago is going to tax kids lemonade stand sales next year. Yep, the kids are using a natural resource....water.

Blago is so inept that he feels that he has to go after oil producers of 1.25 barrels a day.

Guvna Roddie is pathetic and an idiot!!! "

father bob wrote on Aug 6, 2008 5:07 PM:

" seems funny that oil companies hold leases on 68 million acres of land, much of which has never been tapped. yet they expect the BLM through the federal government to give them new leases for offshore drilling.

that right there is pure humor... "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 6, 2008 6:49 PM:

" This one's for you Bobby!

Obama's Dry Hole

WallStreetJournal June 30, 2008; Page A12

To deflect the GOP effort to relax the offshore-drilling ban and thus boost supply while demand will remain strong Democrats also say that most of the current leases are nonproducing. The idea comes from a special report prepared by the Democratic staff of the House Resources Committee, chaired by Mr. Rahall. If we extrapolate from todays production rates on federal lands and waters, the authors write, the oil companies could nearly double total U.S. oil production.

In other words, these whiz kids assume that every acre of every lease holds the same amount of oil and gas. Yet the existence of a lease does not guarantee that the geology holds recoverable resources. Brian Kennedy of the Institute for Energy Research quips that, using the same extrapolation, the 9.4 billion acres of the currently nonproducing moon should yield 654 million barrels of oil per day.

Nonetheless, the House still went through with a gesture called the use it or lose it bill, which passed on Thursday 223-195. It would be pointless even if it had a chance of becoming law. Oil companies acquire leases in the expectation that some of them contain sufficient oil and gas to cover the total costs. Yet it takes years to move through federal permitting, exploration and development. The U.S. Minerals Management Service notes that only one of three wells results in a discovery of oil that can be recovered economically. In deeper water, its one of five. All this involves huge risks, capital investment and time.

If anything, the Democrats ought to be dancing in the streets about idle leases. It means fewer rigs. The days of hit-or-miss wildcatting have been relegated to the past by new, more efficient technologies, such as seismic imaging, directional drilling (wells that are steered underground) and multilateral drilling (multiple underground offshoots from a single wellbore).
------

You need to pull yourself away from those Far-left websites bob. They're filling your head full of nonsense-ical talking points. LOL! "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 6, 2008 7:15 PM:

" Harry Potter wrote on Aug 6, 2008 7:05 AM:

" This is certainly good news, Rush.

Now perhaps we will see them paying back the USA for, for the trillions of dollars billed to the American tax payers, for their "liberation".

We were told by this administration that the oil would pay for this war. Do you think that will happen? My bet is that it doesn't happen and the American tax payers will continue to bear the brunt of the costs.

I'll wait for the headlines boldly proclaiming the Bush team is expecting them to pay up. LOL!

I asked the above question and this was my answer?

"So you admit that the Iraq war was not based on stealing Iraqi oil huh, Harry? Good.

You may have a little too much common sense to be a true Liberal. LOL!

Since my question was ignored, I'll ask my friend fb. Hey fb, now that the Iraqi folks are rolling in oil money, do you think Bush will give them a bill for the trillions of dollars the American people have shelled out? When do you think the first check will arrive? LOL! "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 6, 2008 8:02 PM:

" I'm sorry you missed my point Harry.

First the talking point on your side was: The war was all about stealing Iraq's oil.

And now when it's brought to light that Iraq is swimming in oil revenue, it's: When is Iraq going to pay us back!

What is it about you Liberals in here, whenever one of your talking points is easily proven to be false, you simply slide on to the next one, EVEN if it contradicts the first one?

So which is it, Harry? Are we stealing Iraq's oil or are we giving Iraq a free pass with the bill? You can't have it both ways. "

father bob wrote on Aug 7, 2008 9:02 AM:

" Harry Potter wrote on Aug 6, 2008 7:15 PM:Since my question was ignored, I'll ask my friend fb. Hey fb, now that the Iraqi folks are rolling in oil money, do you think Bush will give them a bill for the trillions of dollars the American people have shelled out? When do you think the first check will arrive? LOL! """"

good morning Harry....i see the resident moron has been at it again...

leave a kid alone with a box of crayons....geeezzz.

well as to your question. i really don't see the new york banks making those funds too readily accessible to the iraqi people. you know that kind of money in the hands of an "unstable" government could fall into the wrong hands....*snicker*...until all this gets hashed out, and that could take 100 years you know, the oil funds will just continue to accumulate here in the good ol' US of A where we can keep it safe and sound.

meanwhile, the good citizens of the US of A, once again will be more than happy to congregate like lemmings and give until it hurts....because our supreme leader says it's the "christian thing to do". "

father bob wrote on Aug 7, 2008 9:14 AM:

" tommie....here's a little ditty you might be interested in....since you're such the energy guru.

Environmental Standards Don't Reduce Refinery Capacity
Bill Scher
April 29th, 2008

Oil companies can build refineries now if they want. But they dont, because they make more money when they dictate supply and keep prices high.

As the Natural Resources Defense Council explains: "Although refinery capacity is a factor in today's higher gasoline prices, environmental regulations are not the reason for tight refinery capacity, according to the DOE, the Environmental Protection Agency, the General Accounting Office, and even oil industry executives. Consider the market fundamentals: refiners reap higher profits when capacity is tight, so they actually have a disincentive to significantly expand production. In fact, oil executives have stated that the reason they did not expand refining capacity in the 1990s is that the low profitability of the business did not justify the investment."

oh....and the chimp-in-chief:

"President Bush in his 4/29/08 press conference said we needed environmental regulatory relief in order to expand our oil refinery capacity." "Which is not a correct assessment."

just to let you know what the "IDIOTS" on wall street are saying.... "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 7, 2008 10:35 AM:

" House Oil Party rockin to the Democratic Convention!

If Democrats hoped that House Republicans would tire of their revolt on Capitol Hill during the recess, "The Hill" has bad news for them. The Oil Party has just gotten started, according to a memo sent from House Minority Leader John Boehner, and it wont stop until Democrats arrive in Denver for their convention:

TheHill- Republicans will not rest until we have an honest, up-or-down vote on the American Energy Act, Boehner wrote in the memo written by Republican leaders. To that end, we request that you contact the Whips Office and indicate any time you may have available to come to Capitol in the coming weeks. We specifically request that you indicate your availability for any days during the next two weeks, August 11th through 22nd, as soon as possible.
---------

The GOP has finally found a genuine issue that they can use to convince Americans to vote Republican in 2008.

If the GOP really wanted to deal a death-blow to the DNC, Bush would call Congress back into session during the Democrat Convention. That would be SWEET!

LOL! "

The Question wrote on Aug 7, 2008 10:52 AM:

" In congressional testimony about Iraq March 27, 2003, Bush's Deputy Secretary of State Paul Wolfowitz informed the American people that, "There's a lot of money to pay for this. It doesn't have to be U.S. taxpayer money. We are dealing with a country that can really finance its own reconstruction, and relatively soon."
I thought you Republicans would like to refresh your memories concerning the statements and actions of the leaders you have provided for us. "

The Question wrote on Aug 7, 2008 11:00 AM:

" The real reasons for the Iraq invasion were threefold: to secure permanent, extremely lucrative oil contracts for the oil companies that bribe Republicans, to be in a position to preemptively attack any enemies of Israel, and, primarily, to establish the U.S. military domination of the Middle East.
Naturally, none of those reasons can ever be stated openly by the Bush administration, so instead we get all this ever-shifting malarkey about WMD, terrorist ties, the American people's undying love of Iraqi democracy, and other such nonsense. The fact that the Bush administration has changed its stated reasons for the Iraq invasion a half-dozen times proves that they have been lying from the beginning. "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 7, 2008 11:32 AM:

" Good to see you got your fresh talking points from the Lefty-blogosphere this morning bobby.

So the New York Banks are REALLY controlling Iraq's money and the Iraqi's cant' get to it huh, bobby?

Well if THAT'S the case, then what's stopping the Dems in Congress from commandeering those funds? And why do the
Democrats and their lemmings in the media KEEP saying that Iraq is "flooded" with oil revenue?
----------

And did you just quote the environmental-wacko group the "Natural Resources Defense Council", in an effort to DEFLECT BLAME away from environmental regulations as a major detraction for refinery expansion?

Wow bobby! That's credible. Nothing like asking the fox how safe the hen house is. "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 7, 2008 11:49 AM:

" The REAL reasons for the Iraq invasion, Question?

Lucrative oil contracts to steal Iraq oil?- Even though Iraq is "FLOODED" with oil revenue?

To be in a position to preemptively attack any enemies of Israel- Actually I like that. Israel's our ally. So what's the problem here? Looks like your anti-Semitic Liberalism is starting to show now, Question. Didn't the Nazi's suffer from that too? It's those evil Joooos!

And U.S. military domination of the Middle East?- Hmmm? Can you name some other U.S. military bases around the world where our military is DOMINATING the area? OR would you prefer Iranian DOMINATION of the ME? After all, Iran's not the real enemy- Bush is, right, nutsy?

It's easy for you to spin your Left-Nut conspiracies when you don't have those pesky constraints of facts holding you back,isn't it Question.

Now finish telling us the details of your evil BUSH BLACKMAIL conspiracy of the Democrats. You know, that DIABOLICAL BUSH SCHEME to keep those honest Democrats from revealing their plethora of Iraq War Lies! Tell us how that BUSH BLACKMAIL SCHEME WORKS. You kinda ran away from that conspiracy yesterday, when I pressed you on it, Question. It really made you look cowardly and idiotic. Or would you prefer to just keep changing the subject and spinning more smoke screens to divert the attention away from THAT whopper! LOL! "

Obamagasm wrote on Aug 7, 2008 12:07 PM:

" Fatherbob you just said "In fact, oil executives have stated that the reason they did not expand refining capacity in the 1990s is that the low profitability of the business did not justify the investment."
********

Uh yeah? Hello? Cheap oil prices in the 90's coupled with the high risk and high expense of environmental law suits didn't make refinery expansion profitable back then did it. "

RavenH4 wrote on Aug 7, 2008 2:43 PM:

" "Oil companies can build refineries now if they want. But they dont, because they make more money when they dictate supply and keep prices high."

Well based on your logic Bob, why would oil companies want to drill for any more oil in the first place?

And why would they be secretly paying the Republicans in Congress to push for an ease of the drilling restrictions?

By your logic, Bob, Big Oil is pushing for more drilling when they don't really want more drilling because they're enjoying the huge profits from keeping supplies artificially low? WHAT? "

bluecollar wrote on Aug 7, 2008 4:04 PM:

" Is every Democrat in here a conspiracy theorist? What a paranoid pack of crybabys. "

The Question wrote on Aug 7, 2008 4:53 PM:

" Now finish telling us the details of your evil BUSH BLACKMAIL conspiracy of the Democrats.
------
Ask Bush for the details. Or better yet, Cheney. Because as we all know, Bush is just a smirking idiot. "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 7, 2008 5:01 PM:

" Gee Question, can't back up your own screwball Left-Wing Bush conspiracies huh? I guess YOU'RE the one who looks like the idiot now! LOL!

And yeah, I'M smirking! ROFLMAO! "

Stanley Stetson wrote on Aug 7, 2008 5:34 PM:

" bluecollar wrote on Aug 7, 2008 4:04 PM:
" Is every Democrat in here a conspiracy theorist? What a paranoid pack of crybabys. "

----------------------------------------

i'd like to nominate the above as post of the day * lol "

Obamagasm wrote on Aug 7, 2008 6:10 PM:

" " bluecollar wrote on Aug 7, 2008 4:04 PM:
" Is every Democrat in here a conspiracy theorist? What a paranoid pack of crybabys. "

----------------------------------------

i'd like to nominate the above as post of the day * lol "

*********

It's got my vote! :-) LOL! "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 7, 2008 6:30 PM:

" Thanks for the response fb, I really didn't expect our friend to answer it. I can't wait to see those millions of dollars worth of checks come rolling in from Iraq. How many new names have you been able to pick up on that he is using now? I think he has added at least 3 or 4 new names in the last week. LOL! "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 7, 2008 6:58 PM:

" Harry Potter wrote "I can't wait to see those millions of dollars worth of checks come rolling in from Iraq."

Now wait a minute Harry, what Iraq checks? I thought Big Oil was "stealing" all that Iraqi oil? "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 7, 2008 7:30 PM:

" More from the drama queen, Limbaugh...

One of my next objectives is to try and convince Republicans to cross over and vote for McCain down the road. "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 7, 2008 8:12 PM:

" Looks like you finally found a topic you can really sink your intellect into Harry, Rush Limbaugh.
Have at it my friend; after all, you need to do SOMETHING to take the attention away from the embarrassing display of ignorance and lies that you and your pals have shown in here. LOL!!! "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 8, 2008 7:15 AM:

" Hey, what the heck, you didn't like my Prescott Bush's financial ties to the German Nazi party info, so now you're going to complain about my Limbaugh jokes too? Boy you rightardos don't much of a sense of humor, do you? Anyway, I know you're only commenting on them to keep me going, so I will be happy to oblige.

Heck, I might even talk about the old Queen's bust for soliciting a male prostitute in Pittsburgh, if you like.

In closing, let me pose a riddle for you: What does Rush and Cindy McCain have in common? And no, it's not that their both drug addicts. "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 8, 2008 8:03 AM:

" Prescott Bush's financial ties to the German Nazi party? I have no idea what you're talking about Harry, but feel free to use whatever distraction you want to take the spotlight off of all the Left-Wing conspiracies and lies in here. If you can't beat us with facts, then baffle us with BS. LOL! "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 8, 2008 8:08 AM:

" Oh and Harry, are the Big Evil Oil Companies stealing Iraqi oil or not? Or does it hurt your feelings when someone calls you on your Left-Wing conspiratorial contradictions? "

The Question wrote on Aug 8, 2008 10:38 AM:

" Lets consider. Would a Republican president ever use espionage and criminal acts against the Democratic Party? Well, one of them was forced to resign 30 years ago for doing exactly that. Dick Cheney worked for that man, and greatly admired his ruthless use of power. And now Cheney has the kind of unchecked power that Nixon drooled in his sleep dreaming about.
Bush and Cheney are torturers, and seemingly proud of it. Why would anyone think they would stop short of becoming blackmailers as well? The very suggestion that Bush or Cheney have any moral scruples is laughable. "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 8, 2008 12:13 PM:

" Well now Question, if The EVIL BUSH EMPIRE was BLACKMAILING those poor Democrats, then what in the world did Bush HAVE on the Dems? Oh and EVIDENCE PLEASE. "

Cognitus wrote on Aug 8, 2008 1:28 PM:

" milmart:"Prime example is Bill Clinton in 1995 vetoing drilling in ANWAR, one reason being it would take 10 years to achieve anything. And where would we be today if he had allowed that drilling? "
WHY pick on Clinton and the Democrats?? Remember Daddy Bush BEFORE CLINTON signed an order against offshore drilling to protect the views from the Florida beaches to protect Bush family politics.
Ah yes, some people are destined to turn everything against Democrats and Clinton.
Yip if Daddy Bush had demanded offshore drilling we would now be using Florida oil, and NEVER FORGET IT Millie "

Cognitus wrote on Aug 8, 2008 1:34 PM:

" milmart:"" Good points, Mr. Miller but the argument for not drilling because it won't make any difference for 10 years or whatever has got to be one of the dumbest arguments ever put forth and I've heard it time and time again from Democrats,"
OK, Millie, but don't forget it was the argument put forth by Daddy Bush.
Millie, can't you EVER admit that a Republican have something to do with the oil shortage.
It's like McCain -- in a beautful Moveon.org clip -- which shows John McCain yelling that the Democrats in Congress should 'GET BACK TO TO WORK' but Moveon shows that McCain has missed voting on the most important energy bills this spring. Try this............

> http://www.moveon.org/r?r=4015&id=13424-5166-NrIL0fx&t=3 "

Cognitus wrote on Aug 8, 2008 1:46 PM:

" ISSUE OF McCAIN'S AGE:
The New York Times today has an interesting quote relating to McCain's age and internet incompetence.
In his book, "Worth Fighting For", McCain wrote, "We can all stand a little self-improvement from time to time but IT'S HARD TO ACCOMPLISH WHEN YOU'VE REACHED MY AGE".
So here in one beautiful sentence, punctuated by his ignorance of the internet, that "when you've reached my age" it's difficult to learn new stuff.
So HOW can this guy have the guts to claim he can be a competent Commander in Chief. Is he going to run it as he was taught in the Academy 50 years ago since he admits it's hard to accomplish "when you've reached my age". [Thank you NY Times for finding this quote to enlighten us on the McCain character.] "

Cognitus wrote on Aug 8, 2008 1:50 PM:

" RushBaby:"Prescott Bush's financial ties to the German Nazi party? I have no idea what you're talking about Harry,"

You'd be surprised how difficult it is to argue with one who admits his own ignorance.

PS: Prescott Bush DID indeed have financial ties with German companies tied to the Nazi party. LOOK IT UP. "

Cognitus wrote on Aug 8, 2008 2:14 PM:

" "Late last week, the McCain campaign accused Obama of playing the "race card" himself after the Illinois senator said Republicans would try to highlight the fact that he did not look like other presidents featured on U.S. currency."

Making this dollar bill statement into a race issue is the stupidest argument.

True the DBM (Dollar Bill Man) is white;
Obama is not. But................
DBM has bushy hair; Obama does not.
DBM appears to be elderly; Obama is not.
DBM is wearing a suit-coat without a lapel; Obama does not.
DBM is wearing a cloth around his throat as if he had tonsilities; Obama does not.
DBM is wearing a funny old-style necktie; Obama does not.
DBM has a long prominent nose; Obama does not.
DBM has flabby cheeks; Obama does not.
DBM looks like he never smiles; Obama smiles.
.................................
So of ALL these ways in which Obama does not "look like the man on a dollar bill" WHY do you suppose Republicans found only the first one. Maybe they are so undiscerning they never even saw the others.
Surely it would be a crime to elect a man as Commander-in-Chief who seems to be nearly blind. "

The Question wrote on Aug 8, 2008 2:33 PM:

" " Well now Question, if The EVIL BUSH EMPIRE was BLACKMAILING those poor Democrats, then what in the world did Bush HAVE on the Dems? Oh and EVIDENCE PLEASE. "
-------
That would be the evidence Bush and Cheney obtained from the unlimited, unchecked, unconstitutional domestic spying powers that you fascist Republicans insisted they must have, wouldn't it? "

RavenH4 wrote on Aug 8, 2008 2:34 PM:

" Yes, let's consider a ridiculous blackmail conspiracy to explain why the Democrats baseless and false accusations of pre-war lies hasn't resulted in any real investigations or impeachments.

But let's never ever consider Saddam's long track-record of illegal WMD possession, use, and development, nor his long history of disregarding a multitude of U.N. resolutions to comply with disarmament. And let's certainly never consider Saddam's long standing human-rights abuses nor his relationship with dangerous terrorist organizations in a post 9/11 world.

Yes, that's right. Let's instead, condemn a President who legally ENFORCED a United States policy of regime change in Iraq by getting bipartisan Congressional approval, and 6 months of U.N. counsel and consideration. And let's condemn him with nothing more substantial than half-baked conspiracies and an endless stream of cottage-industry accusations forever spewed forth by a Far-Left segment of society, whose hatred of this country and of this President, is matched only by their mental gymnastics to make square rumors fit into round facts.

Yes, let's consider that. "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 8, 2008 3:20 PM:

" RavenH4- Great post!

Cognitus- This is the first I've heard of Prescott Bush's financial ties to the German Nazi party. And my response is- so what? What's that got to do with the price of beans? LOL!

And if you want to point fingers at ignorance Cognitus; then look around here. You Liberals are infested with ignorance in the form of conspiratorial paranoia and hypocritical racism! "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 8, 2008 3:29 PM:

" I'm sorry Question; WHAT was that BLACKMAIL EVIDENCE again?

And since you're apparently obtuse in your confusion; What specifically did that BLACKMAIL EVIDENCE contain? What Democrat crimes was the EVIL BUSH EMPIRE lording over the collective Democrat heads like the "Sword of Damocles"? "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 8, 2008 3:43 PM:

" RushBaby wrote on Aug 8, 2008 8:03 AM:

" Prescott Bush's financial ties to the German Nazi party? I have no idea what you're talking about Harry......

Good one, er.. uh.. well.. uh.. OK .. RushBaby. "

RavenH4 wrote on Aug 8, 2008 4:18 PM:

" Thanks RushBaby. And still no answer from Question? Shocka! "

father bob wrote on Aug 8, 2008 4:20 PM:

" Cognitus wrote on Aug 8, 2008 1:50 PM:
" RushBaby:"Prescott Bush's financial ties to the German Nazi party? I have no idea what you're talking about Harry,"

You'd be surprised how difficult it is to argue with one who admits his own ignorance.

PS: Prescott Bush DID indeed have financial ties with German companies tied to the Nazi party. LOOK IT UP. """""-----

easy there Cognitus...you have to go S-L-O-W-L-Y with Doh...er Bryant..er RushBaby.

otherwise he'll be frothing at the mouth spewing 2003 intelligence and screaming YELLOWCAKE!!!..YELLOWCAKE!!!

he's about due for decompression again, he's been out in the gen-pop for about a week now, and that's pushing the limits these days. "

Fat Kenny wrote on Aug 8, 2008 5:21 PM:

" Drill now. Ask for permisson later. "

The Question wrote on Aug 8, 2008 5:38 PM:

" Maybe Yellowcake could be his next screen name, FB. He sure goes through a lot of them. "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 8, 2008 6:05 PM:

" Now, fatherbob, you seem to have the same affliction that Harry Potter is suffering from. Either that, or you are er.. er... Harry Potter. "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 8, 2008 6:14 PM:

" He's already hit meltdown, fb. He has posted a comment on another thread under my name. I have asked the moderator to delete it, but will see if that happens. LOL!. I suppose I will have to point out what is mine and what is his. "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 8, 2008 8:52 PM:

" Iraq resumes oil exploration after 20-year break

Iraq said on Friday it was resuming exploration of its immense oil reserves after a break of nearly 20 years due to crippling UN sanctions, saying it hopes to double its proven deposits of crude.
.......
OPEC member Iraq hopes the squads will uncover deposits that will enable it to double its proven oil reserves, currently standing at 115 billion barrels of crude.
......
The International Energy Agency, in a report released in mid-2006, said only 10 percent of Iraq has been explored for oil and 60 percent of proven reserves are in undeveloped fields. "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 8, 2008 8:55 PM:

" The great oil bubble has burst

Telegraph.co.uk-
....the price of a barrel of crude has been falling: from a peak of $145 in early July, it came down to $117 and was trading yesterday at $120. That's almost a 20 per cent drop in little more than three weeks.

If the trend continues into September at anything like the same rate of descent, most of the inflationary spike of the past 12 months will miraculously have been sliced away. This is a dramatic reversal, and it is worth trying to work out why it is happening and what it means. "

RushBaby wrote on Aug 8, 2008 8:58 PM:

" US stocks surge on watershed dollar jump

FinancialTimes-

US stocks soared on Friday as the dollar saw its biggest one-day jump against the euro in eight years and oil prices plunged.

The moves marked a key reversal of a trend that many investors had followed profitably for months betting that high commodity prices would keep the dollar weak.

The dollar reached its highest in five months against a trade-weighted basket of currencies, while oil fell more than $5 to $114.87, 22 per cent below its record high of $147.27 last month. The S&P 500 closed 2.4 per cent higher in New York. "

miltmart wrote on Aug 8, 2008 9:59 PM:

" RushBaby, don't you know your last few posts are just proof of an evil Republican conspiracy to get John McCain elected? LOL!!!!!
***
Oh and Cognitius, I guess you missed (conveniently?) the part of my post where I said that politicians have been telling us the same thing about the need for a new energy policy for the last 30 years. I cited one example because the statement had been made that even if we started now nothing would happen for 10 years. ANWAR just happened to be a good example and fits the time frame. It's still a dumb argument whoever is putting it forth. Those on the left need to get over their 'hurt' everytime the sainted Clinton's name is brought into a conversation. And since you're so hung up on "Daddy Bush" implementing the order for no drilling, I'm quite sure you're now ready to give our current President credit for rescinding that order. "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 9, 2008 7:23 AM:

" Hey fb, it looks like the "new" poster has picked up the habit of accusing people of being someone else. I don't know about you, but I had wondered how long this would take.

Next thing you now everyone disagreeing with him will be a libtard, right?

Poor guy just can't help but go back to own natural style.

I do like the idea that he fashioned his name after the overweight, drug addicted homosexual blowhard Rush Limbaugh. The name seems to be the perfect fit for him, given his style. I wonder if he chose it because all those months he denied being a fan and finally figured out that the only way to come of out the closet, so to speak, was to change his name and finally fess up about his admiration for radio's number one drama queen? LOL! "

miltmart wrote on Aug 9, 2008 9:20 AM:

" HP wrote: "overweight, drug addicted homosexual blowhard Rush Limbaugh. "

Must be some more of that liberal humor I just don't get. But very pertinent to advancing your arguments. NOT! "

RavenH4 wrote on Aug 9, 2008 9:29 AM:

" RushBaby, I believe miltmart is right about this; all of that good news is obvious propaganda pumped out by this evil Administration to divert attention away from the squalor in the streets that we encounter on a daily basis.
I for one cannot navigate my way to work on any given day without passing by hordes of poor homeless degenerates living in dumpsters and defecating in the parks. Why, just yesterday, I tripped over two beggars right outside the Public Aide office. I quickly gave them two one hundred dollar bills to supplement their breakfast of 80 proof nourishment as I whisked myself away to my desk where I spent the day on the phone as the evil government listened in on my calls as my individual rights eroded in the winds of this totalitarian regime.
I just wish there was a way to collect more taxes from all of us rich people, so we could fix these problems. Thats why Ill be voting for Obama. "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 9, 2008 5:20 PM:

" Sorry that I offended you when I described the Repug hero, miltmart, but I noticed you didn't try to insult our intelligence by denying any of it. LOL! "

Cognitus wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:18 AM:

" even steven:"So, what's Obama's plan? Um... put more air in your tires. What a Dukakis in the tank moment! "
Some people can not see beyone and oil
derrick. Properly inflated tires will save millions of gallons of gasoline a year. Why sneer at it.
e s implies that this is the ONLY proposal Obama has made, which is not the case.
even steven is "running on flat". "

Cognitus wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:23 AM:

" Raven:"" Far from a distraction; drilling is the solution. In fact it's the ONLY solution."
Raven seems to believe the earth is nothing but a big ball filled with oil.
He seems unaware that the supply is finite; we will eventually use it ALL and maybe we should start to think about the future.
Further, he seems unaware that we have only a tiny percentage of oil on US territory where WE can drill, and if we hurry to use that up, we will then be COMPLETELY subservient to the Big Oil Countries. "

Cognitus wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:37 AM:

" Just a Soldier:"" I hear a lot of people talking about alternative fuels and hybrids and it all sounds great, but recently my wife and I inquired, just for fun, about the price of the hybrid Tahoe (with a growing family, we just can't get by with a Prius).
Sorry about your growing family, but there are easy solutions to that: stop
drilling.
You would be surprised how much room there is with a Prius. We spend a month in a cabin in Colorado which has nothing beyond furniture; we take EVERYTHING from pillows to pots and pans, and it fits into the Prius -- which incidentally in the year since purchase gets an average of 45.5 mpg, probably half and half city driving and driving on western highways at high speeds. {But I do check the inflation of my tires.} "

Cognitus wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:54 AM:

" Raven:But let's never ever consider Saddam's long track-record of illegal WMD possession, use, and development, nor his long history of disregarding a multitude of U.N. resolutions to comply with disarmament. And let's certainly never consider Saddam's long standing human-rights abuses nor his relationship with dangerous terrorist organizations in a post 9/11 world."
OOPS, I thought you were talking about N Korea. So come to think about it, since N Korea has been more uncommunicative than Saddam, why didn't we attack them.
Remember only a few years ago, Saddam was our friend. Remember the pictures of Rumsfeld kissing his ... ring when he was our friend. N Korea has NEVER been out friend. Human Rights abuses?? I don't think N Korea has been a model for human rights; in fact their people are Far More regimented than was the population of Iraq.
Georgeie simply attacked the wrong country on 2 counts: First, re the source of the 9/11 bad guys, he should have stayed in Afghanistan until the job was finished and second, he should have attacked N Korea. Why did he do this? Because he wanted to prove he could do a better job in Iraq than Daddy did, and ended up with his xxxxx in the wringer. "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 13, 2008 8:26 PM:

" As someone pointed out here a while back, the reason Bush won't go after North Korea is that he is a bully and a coward. Everyone knows bully's are cowards and only pick on someone they know they can beat. Saddam was an easy target for the tough little cowboy. "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 20, 2008 7:38 AM:

" Iraq to Sign $1.2B Oil Service Deal with China
Xinhua Financial News Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Iraq will sign a $1.2 billion oil service contract with China to replace a production-sharing deal agreed under Saddam Hussein, an Iraqi newspaper quoted oil minister Hussain al-Shahristani as saying on Tuesday.

The oil minister is travelling to China at the end of this month to discuss the deal, which was orginally signed in 1997 between Iraq and the China National Petrolium Company

And they are going to use the income from that to repay the US for the war, as was promised by the Bush Administration. (wink wink) "