The Coastal Journal - Commentary

Commentary

Obama’s Shift to the Center

by Desi Shiran
Coastal Journal contributor

Some are critical of Obama because he says that visiting Iraq, consulting with Generals and troops on the ground might influence his opinions. Would it be better if he stated that no facts, and no opinion, no matter how well-informed, will ever cause him to modify his position on Iraq? Do we really want a leader with the mindset, "I've said what I said and that settles it once and for all."? Obama prefers a timetable for troop withdrawal. That preference puts him at odds with the Republican establishment that equates a timetable with surrender.

Facts about ANWAR Oil Drilling and Refinery Usage

by Chris Cornell
Coastal Journal contributor

According to the latest USGS Alaska Wildlife Reserve survey, the best case senerio would lead to an extraction of 16 billion barrels of oil. That’s 2.11 years worth of oil, assuming we could get it all out of the ground, which never quite happens. Once the ANWR oil reached peak production, the benefit would provide a 50 cent drop in the barrel price. That benefit would last for about 3 years. A report issued by the Energy Information Administration said that if congress gave the go-ahead, drilling went smoothly and peak production was reached on schedule by around 2025, the result would be that the US could import 66 percent of its oil from abroad, rather than 70 percent. These figures indicate that ANWR drilling would not significantly relieve our dependence on foreign oil.

Winter Heating and Gas Crisis: Send Your Stories to Washington

by Tom Allen

Summer in Maine has just begun, but it is the coming winter that occupies the thoughts of Maine families and small businesses. My Congressional office has received hundreds of calls from Maine families and businesses who are desperate and scared about how they will survive this winter. Gasoline, heating oil and diesel prices are rising at a record rate, and by the time winter arrives they are likely to be even higher. Maine families and small businesses will be forced to make difficult decisions about heating their homes, putting gas in their cars and feeding their families. They need and deserve help from those benefiting most from the current energy crisis.

Main Menu