The American Spectator

Reader Mail

p> A HEALTHY SHOCK br> Re: Quin Hillyer's Produce More Domestic Energy, Now! : /p>

Many thanks, Mr. Hillyer, for your comprehensive article on the current energy production impasse. Wouldn't it be the height of irony if Castro turned out to be the impetus for giving the cowering pols in D.C. the political cover to finally allow for the expansion of U.S. costal drilling? After all, it's now a matter of national pride that the U.S. can cause less environmental damage than the Cubans drilling 35 miles off of Florida. Thanks Fidel! You've done your bit for America's economy, even if Washington wasn't much interested in America's self sufficiency.

p>But in all seriousness, with the President fixated on CAFE standards for autos and trucks rather than hitting the political grand slam over the left's and the Dems' constant objection to more energy production, one wonders why Karl Rove is credited with being the policy genius of this administration. Somebody is not connecting with the base or the majority of Americans who want energy independence, and it's not those who write for or read TAS . Even some of the aforementioned political weenies in Congress seem to have woken up and appear to have actually authored some rational legislation that actually addresses the problem in a meaningful way. I do note however, my sarcasm notwithstanding, that the impetus behind states opting out of the off shore drilling moratorium revolves around one thing; and it's not the economic security of America. Rather, it's good ole fashion greed. Yep, a 50/50 split of revenue sharing to the states has a way of putting the high-minded rhetorical concerns of the environment on the back shelf, especially when big bucks are on the table. This is a classic example of the first principle of politics on display: "Follow the Money." Oh well, what ever it takes for Washington to finally do something right for its citizens. br> -- A. DiPentima /p>

If you paid $1.00 in 1973 for a gallon of gas, the inflation adjusted cost would be $4.42 now, assuming that there are no adjustments in state and local taxes since 1973. Gas is costing a lot more than I would like to pay, but at least we are not driving 55 miles per hour and lines or empty filling stations are rare.

p>I congratulate Mr. Hillyer on his emphasis on long term solutions but, he fails to explain how that can be turned into immediate gratification. Without leaders who are willing to forego the political credit until after their possible demise, we are without effective leadership.

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