What Do You Really Want?

There was a time when congress worked together. They had to to pass things like the civil rights bill or even lowering the speed limit on federal highways to 55 mph If you were a Democrat you most likely have to compromise with a Republican to get what you wanted passed. And vise-verse. Politicians gained fame by getting bills passed. Getting things done.

Today's politician believes admitting that your opponent has a better or good idea is political poison. So in the end nothing gets done even when the issues are as universal as energy independence. Compromise is the sign of the weak. Working in a bi-partisan way is to compromise on your principles. Even if credible arguments are made against your idea you can't change or evolve on an issue.

So it was no surprise that when Obama compromised on off shore drilling, in announcing his energy policy, he was attacked. Barack said if that is what had to be added to get a comprehensive energy policy focused on, alternative energy done, then so be it. (Sidebar)-Does anyone wonder why the oil companies don't drill on the tens of thousands of acres that they already hold leases on? Why do they have to drill in Santa's rain deer coral? Bastards!!)

Barack Obama has said from the beginning of his campaign that the reason that things are not getting done in Washington is because the atmosphere is so hostel. You have to disagree and be disagreeable. No compromising. My way or the highway, "I'm shaving this dog's ass you just hold its tail"... Got the last one from my father, he was pretty funny.


The Republicans in general and John McCain in particular, made fun of Barack's energy plan. Calling him a flip flopper. Mocked him by giving out free tire pressure gauges to the traveling press. They were referring to an Obama answer to a woman's question at a town hall meeting who ask what ordinary Americans can do to make a difference in lowering our dependence on foreign oil. He replied that Americans can do simple things like making sure their tires are properly inflated. The Department of Energy(that's the Bush administration), estimates that keeping tires properly inflated can help improve gas mileage by about 3.3 percent. It's one step the agency recommends to reduce fuel costs, along with removing items from the trunk, replacing clogged air filters and getting regular tuneups. By the way, the estimated savings in gas consumption if we all followed these simple steps, would be around 800,000 barrels of oil.

Off shore oil drilling, according to every expert, will take at least 7 years before they produce any oil. Then that oil produced will go on the world market not in straight into American gas tanks. Yet polls say that some 75% of Americans are for off shore drilling. So John McCain switched his position on off shore oil drilling and its the center piece of his energy plan. He wants a pump in every yard, every city, every hamlet, every valley and mountain.

Obama found himself making a political mistake by not jumping on the gas propaganda bus so he has included the ludicrous idea of getting gas from the strategic oil supply. For the most part he has been contestant on this issue. That we have to think long term in regards to energy independence. Telling people that there is really not many short term answers other than checking your tire pressure, keeping your car tuned and driving less.

If you believe that more off shore drilling is the silver bullet ending our foreign oil dependency. If you believe that building more nuclear power plants without finding out how to get rid of the toxic waste they produce. If you believe that the oil companies will be hurt and have to raise prices by sharing some of their record profits with the country that help make them rich, maybe you want a politician that tells you what you want to hear rather than what you need to hear.