Obama's Energy Plan Populist Pandering »
Posted by: Nixie 2 weeks ago157 Comments Report this Story
If Barack Obama hoped to ride a new wave of energy from his speech yesterday in Lansing, the Detroit News tells Obama that he hit a dry hole. Scoffing at his populist attack on oil companies, the editorial board compared his energy policy to those of Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter, which they didn' t mean as a compliment. They wonder where he plans to actually get more supply; a subject Obama avoided.
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Comments So Far: 157
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Nixie2 weeks ago
"The News addresses one point that has been mostly overlooked by the media in their coverage of the energy-policy debate. If we aren’t facing a supply crisis, as the Democrats insist by saying we can’t drill our way out of this, why release oil from the SPR? Doesn’t that in fact acknowledge that we need more supply on the market in order to lower gas prices — and shouldn’t we work to start building long-term plans to ensure good supply for the future?"
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Good question.-
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antibrainwasher2 weeks ago
Imagine the ignorant fast-talking and opinionated schoolyard bullies and jerks many of us encountered back in grade school. Now, they’re all grown up. That pretty much describes the bulk of political parasites that have infested the Republican Party over the last 20-plus years. The rhetoric and integrity of this once Grand Old Party has become deeply infected by some of the most morally bankrupt political and intellectual hacks in history.
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tiredofwhiners2 weeks ago
Very revealing about what often makes a liberal. I have long felt that it goes back to childhood. A kid who was picked on implants in his mind a picture of the bully/bullies who he hated as being a successful businessman, Republican or conservative intellectual regardless of whether his opinions and actions have merit or not. Then the liberal spends his adult life trying to get even with the imaginary enemy. It doesn't matter if the successful person wasn't a bully or has good ideas, because any idea put out by the perceived bully is deemed wrong without truly studying it in depth. Antibrainwasher personifies my theory. You would be well advised to think about it and see that possibly your thinking is clouded by hatred of an image in your mind.
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highlndr1 week, 6 days ago
Certainly T.Boone ******* does in fact say we cannot drill our way out of foriegn oil dependence. However, T. Boone ******* DOES SUPPORT more domestic drilling. I suggest you do the same and listen to t. Boone ******* opinions in their entirety and not cherry pick his statements.
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The "we can't drill ourselves to energy independence" is as disingenuous an agrument as the "it will take 10 years for the oil to reach the consumer if we start drilling now". Had ANWR been approved back in 1995 when the bill was placed before Bill Clinton for signature we'd have that oil available.
Can you imagine the same argument stated for the Apollo Moon Program? I wonder what Kennedy would have said? -
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tiredofwhiners1 week, 6 days ago
Anti: You trust an oil billionare? He is your typical greedy ruthless big oil man. He said we SHOULD drill offshore. You missed that part. He just wants to get in on the wind power action too.
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Nixie2 weeks ago
"Don’t expect any sensible conclusions from Obama, though. As the News notes, he’s selling the same populist pap we were fed in the 70’s about the eeeeeevil oil companies and the need to punish them for doing exactly what they’re supposed to do."
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And it worked so well in the 70's, right?-
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antibrainwasher2 weeks ago
The GOP has shown a gradual infestation of elitist money-obsessed socially retarded sycophants possessing the most putrid ideas about patriotism, reverence, governance and global citizenship. A disdain for intellect, insight and integrity was their moral compass. Only blind loyalty, winning and staying on message mattered. It was the political equivalent of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” and the false wisdom of their message was irrelevant.
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tiredofwhiners2 weeks ago
You are one of those who has a great knack for convincing others of your point of view. Your kind words are deftly designed to win over the GOP supporters or anyone who has ideas different from yours.
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highlndr1 week, 6 days ago
antibrainwasher,
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Interesting---However if you sustitute DNC for GOP you can make the same argument. Neither party can be considered a "moral compass" by any stretch of the imagination.
Keep drinking that DNC koolaid.
Michael
Democratic Party---represented by a Jackass since 1837.
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quackpot1 week, 6 days ago
Perhaps it did. Immediately following the solution of the crisis thanks, in part to Carter's initiatives, we had 20 years of stable oil prices.
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In fact the oil prices were stable until 2003 when Mr. Bush went mucking about in the Middle East.
Lesson: mucking about in the Middle East brings destability which brings high oil prices. -
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injest1 week, 6 days ago
Nixie
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"Don’t expect any sensible conclusions from Obama, though. As the News notes, he’s selling the same populist pap we were fed in the 70’s about the eeeeeevil oil companies and the need to punish them for doing exactly what they’re supposed to do."
And it worked so well in the 70's, right?
LOL, way back then I worked in gas stations out here in Cal.
Was the odd/even days nation wide or just Cal?
OMG the gas lines flashback.
Jimmy Carter wearing a sweater telling us to inflate your tires!-
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mesodude1 week, 6 days ago
"Jimmy Carter wearing a sweater telling us to inflate your tires!"
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--this is exactly the attitude that's sandbagged efforts to conserve and to invest in alternatives. There are a lot of different ways (some large and some small) we can conserve but those on the right just have a gay old time shooting down everything that doesn't involve drilling. ;-( -
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flyonthewallzz1 week, 6 days ago
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1973_oil_crisis
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I know Wikipedia sucks!
But I think Nixon was president in 1973.
"Many politicians proposed gas rationing, such as the Governor of Maryland, Harry Hughes, who proposed odd-even rationing (only people with an odd-numbered license plate could purchase gas on an odd-numbered day), as was used during the 1973 crisis. Several states actually implemented odd-even gas rationing, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Texas. Coupons for gasoline rationing were printed but were never actually used during the 1979 crisis. "
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1979_energy_crisis
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pc252 weeks ago
FTA
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"Draining the [Strategic Petroleum Reserve] would drop consumer fuel costs for the short run, as would any sudden increase in supply. But then what? Once the reserves are gone, prices would go back up, and perhaps even higher because the reserves ultimately would have to be replaced.
Oddly, although Obama’s proposal shows he recognizes the impact of supply on prices, he remains hesitant about lifting the congressional ban on off-shore drilling."-
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nostalgia2 weeks ago
Well certainly! Let's drain the Strategic Petroleum Reserve during hurricane season
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That would only make sense to someone who doesn't consider the possible consequences of their actions -
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antibrainwasher2 weeks ago
Surely, the neo-Republican nightmare of the last 20-plus years has destroyed the original legacy of a political party that early in its development was on the cutting edge of progressive ideas, genuine patriotism, diplomatic integrity and credible stewardship of the public trust. More than that, it has deeply corrupted the integrity of our nation. The consequences of this corruption may result in the natural death of a political party that infected itself
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ind061 week, 6 days ago
Digital tire gauges sell on Amazon.com for $10, non digital ones for as little as $7.94.
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I respectfully submit, with gas at approximately $4 a gallon, anyone who cannot afford $10 for a tire gauge and 50 cents for a little compressed air probably cannot afford to be driving at all.
The good folks at NASCAR also recommend we all check our tire pressure as a way to achieve the best mpg's possible. NASCAR, those elitist swine! :D
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antibrainwasher2 weeks ago
However, there is genuine evidence that diverse Americans want to end this destructive parasitic relationship. If there is any possibility that a President Barack Obama can fully wake us from this long national nightmare affirmed by the second President Bush, and covertly revered by Senator McCain, America might have another chance to become a stronger, wiser and more united nation. This is my solemn expectation as a been-there-done-that former Republican slave, who is now an emancipated and clear-minded confirmed Independent.
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tiredofwhiners2 weeks ago
Yes, vote for McCain and drill here, drill now would make America greater than ever before. However you would be the last person in the world who would be good at uniting anyone with your rude, nasty attitud and very clouded mind, much like some bullies I encountered when I was a kid. Obama would be second last.
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Spinward1 week, 6 days ago
It's actually funny. It goes like this:
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Interviewer: So, antibrainwasher, what do you think about Obama's energy policy?
abw: That ******* Republican party is a bunch of *****! Always ****** and ******** to the point that ********* happens! Then Republicans *********! I tell ya, the GOP ********** *********** and has corrupt ********** in office!
NO CLUE what Obama's energy policy is.
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nostalgia2 weeks ago
LOL
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The Detroit News actually expects logic and well reasoned positions on energy from Obama and Pelosi??? -
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silvera2 weeks ago
I listened to Obama's Lansing speech and it made a lot of sense. Even if they allowed wholesale drilling off the coast right now it would take 7 years to realize any oil and that would only be a small percentage of what would be needed and It would do nothing to alleviate the present crisis. As usual, Big Oil would be the only winners. The real panderers are those that say otherwise. As opposed to McCain, Obama has a plan, he can speak in complete sentences, and he doesn't talk out of both sides of his mouth. The Right is still giggling about the out-of-context, out-of-date tire gauge speech but it's all they've got. No substance, no ideas, just cute little jokes, innuendo, and slime.
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BTW, let me shoot the messenger...this poorly written, amateurish, editorial appeared in the Detroit News, Michigan's fish wrap equivalent of Fox News. Some may even call it a newspaper.-
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tiredofwhiners2 weeks ago
Can you name a plan Obama gave to lower gas prices soon?
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The fact that we would start developing our oil now would impact the oil futures market immediately. However there's not much that can be done about the oligarchy known as OPEC. They adjust output so their price can be realized and impact prices in the intermediate term.
What is not a plan about drilling here and starting now?
The plan to develop clean alternative energy is agreed on by McCain and Obama and most of us. That is long term and doesn't address the near term situation.
The tire pressure plan is still a minor thing as far as solving the world's energy problems. Only one of hundreds of suggestions, not a comprehensive solution. Sorry I can't help giggling about the tire pressure thing I've known about for 35 years. And that I should teach my kids Spanish? I'll have to tell that to my younger Son who is learning German and tell him to switch. It just strikes my funny bone.
Ridiculing the right is the same thing you detest about ridiculing Obama. Be a little above that and try to convince others of your good ideas.
Fish wrap Detroit News? I go by the article I read, and what do you call the N.Y. Times? Few even read newspapers any more and for good reason. Most are fish wraps (except your favorite paper of course).
Last of all, why does my spell checker keep underlining Obama? They better get with the times.-
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Spinward1 week, 6 days ago
"Can you name a plan Obama gave to lower gas prices soon?"
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--- No. I checked my tires and they still wanted full-price for the gas! I even explained to the guy that I was promised the price would be lower if I check my tires and he refused to budge! I turned him over to the Obama campaign and they asked him for a donation in exchange for a chance to see Obama in person! So, if my guy wins, maybe I'll get my discount next time.
"Last of all, why does my spell checker keep underlining Obama? They better get with the times."
--- My spell checker underlines it, capitalizes it, puts it in bold... and closes all other open windows out of respect! What's wrong with yours?
Truly, getting better all the time. LOL -
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mesodude1 week, 6 days ago
"The fact that we would start developing our oil now would impact the oil futures market immediately. "
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--This makes no sense to me whatsoever. Why would people making record profits be motivated to react "immediately" and take a pay cut based on oil that won't materialize for at least 10 years? That simply defies logic. If I was a business man who thought my days of making a windfall were numbered, I'd *raise* my prices. Oh wait...That's exactly what's been happening since oil companies realized their benefactors were beginning to lose power. And as more Republicans have retired or been indicted, etc, the prices have gone up, and, up, and up.
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quackpot1 week, 6 days ago
Using 30% less oil is FAR FAR FAR more realistic that trying to produce 30% more via domestic drilling. Using 30% less oil is a REALISTIC goal - one that the city of New York, with its Republican Mayor is in the progress of implementing.
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There is no secret think tank, Wolfie. Even the hard nosed REPUBLICAN New York Business people know about ways of realizing MAJOR energy savings.
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Will13132 weeks ago
Actually Wolfie.. if comes DIRECTLY FROM THE Department Of Energy.... and policy formulated at the SECRET CHENEY energy meetings...
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maybe that's why you're so ignorant of their findings ... after all they were SECRET...
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.shtml
You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer. -
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tiredofwhiners1 week, 6 days ago
Any successful stock or commodities trader will tell you that well known public announcements and events affect prices. Later, if that event doesn't materialize, the price tends to correct to the pre-event level. That could happen if congress doesn't lift its drilling ban. There is no question in any trader's or economist's mind that an increase in supply does impact price. Just as a change in demand does too. The experts you are talking about are losers when it comes to giving sound advice re investing. They simply present one facet of the overall picture. My recommendation is to NOT go long on oil for now. Maybe later.
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fsev411 week, 6 days ago
The constant name calling and wild ranting from both right and left gets rather tiring even if it is somewhat entertaining at times. It would be nice to compare the two candidates most current policies on oil and energy. side by side and try to come to some type of agreement. That's actually the way our government is supposed to work. What's best for the country should overrule what's best for the party.
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What I understand of Mr McCain's policy currently is to drill wherever we can as fast as we can and build forty nuclear power plants. I've heard nothing about conservation measures or alternate sources of energy and I'm not sure where he stands right now on ethanol. That drilling would cause speculators to drive the price of oil down immediately is at best speculative.
On last inventory of Mr OBama's plan he calls for immediate conservation measures (inflate the tires etc) and release approximately 10% of the strategic reserve light sweet crude immediately to draw down prices more quickly. It calls for replacement with a like quantity of heavier oil in the reserve as quickly as possible. The heavier crude is not as easily processed and not all refineries can handle it currently. He also calls for more investment in alternate energy sources to help reduce the need for petroleum based fuels. Although the windfall tax scheme has been bantered about the last proposal I read was a repeal of certain tax breaks given to oil companies. This is a pretty broad policy
Although the argument can be made that the oil company profits are not out of generally accepted business parameters (8 to 10%) I feel that far and away the majority of middle and lower class Americans (that's most of us) strongly feel that oil industry profits and the salary of oil execs is obscene when many Americans don't know how there going to pay for their next bag of groceries.
If you want to correct any of these points or offer counterpoints it would be nice if it would be done in a civil manner without name calling.-
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willottica1 week, 6 days ago
"oil company profits are not out of generally accepted business parameters (8 to 10%).... most of us) strongly feel that oil industry profits and the salary of oil execs is obscene"
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Over and over again, people defend the oil industry profits as being reasonable return on investment. Only 8-10% they say. But that's profit. Already taken out are the salaries of the executives. The 8-10% is the return seen by shareholders, after the execs take their cut.
Many republicans repeat and repeat the fact that the profits made by the oil companies are reasonable. I would argue that they're not. This profit that is returned to share-holders is not nearly high enough when you compare it to the salaries made by oil industry executives. They're pulling all the real profits and redirecting them to their own salaries, thus reducing the amount that gets returned to the company and the share-holders.
You would not believe the excess that I observe where I live (Calgary, Canada -- an oil town). The number of high-end sports cars appearing on the roads, the multi-million dollar mansions being built, and the tens of thousands being thrown away to gambling in casinos. Meanwhile, all that extra money means the cost of living goes through the roof and those not riding the oil train are struggling - homelessness in our city has risen into the thousands, many of those families with children. -
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Spinward1 week, 6 days ago
Thanks for your thoughtful post.
I don't wish to rebut anything you mentioned, but expand a little.
Windfall profits taxes were enacted during the Carter administration and they proved to help foreign oil compete more effectively against American oil... with several bad, unintended consequences. One of which amounted to less American oil being produced. Did prices drop? Not even a little.
CEO salaries are famously used by the class-warfare crowd, but what percentage of the oil industries profits go toward executive salaries? Negligible - fractions of a percent. Compared to foreign oil shieks, American CEOs are terribly underpaid.
Another point that many skip is when they blame oil company profits for the current prices. If we are buying a gallon for $4, the profit is 32 cents. CLEARLY, the doubling of the price of gas from $2 to $4 is not profit.
In our state, Our Democratic governor has pushed through a 50 cent per gallon gas tax in addition to the 50 cents the state already gets... so $1 of the $4 is state taxes... nobody cares about that. Funny thing is, she ran for office saying she would help the poor, but a gas tax hurts poor more than the wealthy, so we're still trying to figure out what she meant - sorry, that's a whole different story.
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