Obama shifts stance on offshore drilling
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| Sat, 08-02-2008 - 9:13am |
http://www.tothecenter.com/news.php?readmore=6547
Senator Barack Obama has wavered in his position on offshore drilling, saying that he may be willing to compromise on the issue, the Associated Press reports. The presumed presidential candidate had previously announced his opposition to offshore drilling but said Friday he would consider supporting limited offshore drilling if that was the way to get policy enacted that promotes more fuel-efficient cars and the development of alternate energy sources.
With attack ads criticizing Obama’s aversion to the drilling even as gasoline prices rise to $4, Obama has reneged his opposition, hoping that a compromise could put an end to policy gridlock on energy issues. “My interest is in making sure we've got the kind of comprehensive energy policy that can bring down gas prices,” Obama said in an interview with the Palm Beach Post. “If, in order to get that passed, we have to compromise in terms of a careful, well thought-out drilling strategy that was carefully circumscribed to avoid significant environmental damage -- I don't want to be so rigid that we can't get something done.”
Oil and energy have been a hot debate topic the past several weeks, leading up to the five week Congressional hiatus coming up. Earlier House Leader Nancy Pelosi refused to cave in to pressure to allow a vote on offshore drilling. It is unclear how Obama’s recent switch in stance will affect the Congresswoman’s steadfastness.
“The Republicans and the oil companies have been really beating the drums on drilling,” Obama said in the Post interview. “And so we don't want gridlock. We want to get something done.”

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I disagree with you, but I'm pretty sure
Patty....
nana to: Cait, Hannah
Patty....
nana to: Cait, Hannah
Taxes are higher, but they are hardly astronomical for most European countries. My bother is a citizen of the UK where the top rate is 40%, the top US rate is 35%. QOL issues like education, healthcare, family leave policies, retirement pensions et al are done differently. As a social liberal, I find many of the policies attractive and worthwhile to consider for the US, but I am also a fiscal conservative, so I will not support change without funding.
Though my taxes are lower than my brothers, I feel I have to save a certain portion of my salary to keep up with some of his benefits: 20% for personal retirement (401K) and annuities), 10% for colleges saving, 5% for healthcare. Obviously YMMV.
Mich
They are all able to take advantage of it here as well.
Patty....
nana to: Cait, Hannah
I think it's admirable that you feel it important to take a portion of your salary to save for college, health care, retirement and the like.
Patty....
nana to: Cait, Hannah
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