Should We Drill Now?

In my opinion, yes. There is too much at stake not to. Simple economics show that greater supply means lower prices. Just "inflating our tires" is not enough. Yes, this will give you a little better gas mileage, but the point is being missed by miles.

By drilling on our own soil, we reduce our needs for oil from countries that are not always friendly to us. What happens if tomorrow they say, oil is now $200 a barrel? Or we're not selling to you anymore? Or another military action breaks out in the region? What do we do then?

The smartest thing for the US to do now is begin the process of drilling offshore, in Anwr and the oil shales out in the midwest. But our Congressional leaders say no. Why? They say it will take up to ten years before we can see a drop of oil from these regions. The oil people say two to five years. Regardless of how long it takes, we need to get started. If we had started drilling ten years ago, we would see the benefits today. Each day we wait is another day of dependence on foreign oil. According to the experts, we have enough oil in our own fields to last for decades. Let's get started.

At the same time we are drilling, we need to also invest in alternative fuels, wind, solar, electric, hydrogen fuel cells, nuclear, and whatever else the creative minds of the US can come up with. We need to lessen our need for fossil fuels, but it will be a long process. Let's get the oil we need now, and encourage the development of new fuels for the future.