So after spending a few days mulling over Black Mamba's response to the Obama oil drilling plan, I've come to a few conclusions of my own that I'd like to share. Essentially, like the bite first, ask questions later snake that she is, Black Mamba's assessment and reaction is instinctive and emotional rather than cold and calculated like any good reptile OR politician should be. To wit, Black Mamba summarizes her position as follows:
I dunno how I feel about this. I resist this because of my natural aversion to oil and the anger I have towards it because yes, I want to see them fail. I am bitter.
Now to her credit, she at least admits her bitterness and uncertainty - this alone sets her apart from 99% of the voting masses who are unaware of just how much their instinctive emotions cloud their rational judgement. Specifically, let's make one thing clear: we are not going to stop using any time soon. Most liberals in America, Black Mamba included, want us to cut oil out all together, like a bad habit. The fact of the matter is, its more like a blood thinner - its not good, but right now we need it to live. All oil reduction plans talk about reductions in the rate of growth of oil consumption growth - this is a far cry from an actual reduction in consumption. Now, none of this is unreasonable - its not even emotional. Its just cold, hard common sense. We're probably going to keep needing oil for the next decades - hopefully not much longer, but unfortunately not much sooner either. And considering just how vital it is to the modern economy, we need to do everything we can to ensure we have access to it.
Now, consider this: if we have oil production that's closer to America, we'll actually spend less on boat fuel to transport it. Massively less. If our goal is to reduce oil consumption, and our constraint is that its hard for us to change the structure of our economy right now, then building oil supplies closer to America is a great way to achieve our goals in spite of our limitations. Quite honestly, this is the type of common business sense that I've seen as characteristic of the Obama administration - its so simple, it makes you wonder why you didn't think of it yourself.
Next, notice how the article points out that actual drilling won't occur for years - most likely long after Obama leaves office, even if he goes for a double term. Effectively, he won't ever suffer any real consequences for this decision. Quite honestly, doing such a thing takes balls - especially when its the right choice for America despite popular opposition on both sides of the aisle. Specifically, despite the fact that the drilling won't occur for years, the boost to the economy will be immediate and effective - oil exploration is a costly business that requires lots of expensive equipment and technology, as well as lots of luck. Further, oil rig constructions contracts, as well as the construction of other infrastructure for oil processing and shipping will create lots of new jobs in the short term, as well as long term jobs to run the show. Quite honestly, if these coastal states are going to be able to fund education, they're going to need oil money. I'd rather that money get paid to Americans than to foreigners in the middle east, and I'd rather pay it in cash (US dollars) rather than blood. God, I sound so conservative right now. I'm kinda turned on. But seriously - this plan is cheaper and more realistic than any energy plan I've seen from any previous administration, that's for sure.
Also, notice that most of the oil drilling will be done outside the state's borders, so they won't get control over the benefits - no wonder the coastal governors are against these things. Of course, the oil rigs will be wayyyyyy out at sea, so very little in terms of coastlines, views, etc will be ruined by this whole affair. Not to mention, we aren't barbarians - the Caribbean is still generally a wonderful ocean. I highly doubt Martha's Vineyard or the Outer Banks are going to be endangered by drilling. And honestly, when was the last time you enjoyed the outdoors of Alaska in a manner that didn't involve your television?
And finally, before any of you get your panties in a bunch, notice one more crucial piece of information: the cost of producing oil in these areas, right now, at current prices, is not profitable. No drilling will happen until oil prices rise. Now, when oil prices rise, that generally does bad things to the economy - bad things our barely recovering economy really can't handle right now, like increased energy and transportation costs, less vacationing, cutbacks on frivolous spending, and other recovery nightmares. However, if oil prices rise, these Atlantic fields will suddenly become viable - the price will be right, and we'll get a whole bunch of new oil being produced close to home at less than the going rate. Essentially, by allowing exploration of these areas, Obama is taking out an oil insurance policy - if oil goes up in price, at least the American economy will benefit in some way, and that will keep us on the road to recovery. Yes, unfortunately that person (or more specifically, market sector) who will benefit would be big oil. But honestly - they aren't evil, just greedy, like everyone else in this world. Greedy isn't bad.
Consider this: as much as you may hate big oil and want it to disappear entirely, do you really think the American economy could suffer the complete loss of companies like Exxon Mobil, which at a market capitalization of 315B (as of this writing) makes it the most valuable publicly traded company. The entire oil industry is worth trillions of dollars - as much as idealism makes us wish otherwise, the fact remains: we need them just as much as they need us. And quite honestly, that's not a bad thing - oil is the one drug we need to bring closer to home if we're going to be able to kick the habit. Which kinda makes me question the "oil is an addiction" metaphor, actually...
Finally, I want to comment that Black Mamba makes an excellent observation about the bipartisan reaction to the announcement: members of both parties were pissed, which I actually find kinda hilarious. I think that means Obama is doing his job effectively - walking the middle line between both brands of extremism and keeping America sane. And Black Mamba is totally right - considering just what a conservative move this is for Obama, the Republicans are stupid to respond negatively to it. Essentially, they're getting what they said they wanted only a few years ago - are they really opposed to it now? Considering just what a long term decision oil drilling is, I'm not entirely sure I want it being decided by a party that seems to change its mind on the issue with every election cycle. Kudos to Obama for taking a controversial but ultimately well thought out stand on a tough issue - its the type of big balled leadership America needs right now.
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