Obama shifts stance on offshore drilling

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-18-2005
Obama shifts stance on offshore drilling
127
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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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 08-05-2008 - 3:27pm
Did you mean to give me a rasberry?

 


 


I disagree with you, but I'm pretty sure

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 08-05-2008 - 7:32pm
Nope....thought I hit note!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2008
Tue, 08-05-2008 - 10:01pm
I apologize for my yelling and misdirecton of post.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 08-06-2008 - 3:45pm
Yes but the "free" education, the socialized medicine, the 6+ weeks of vacation, the "generous" maternity & paternity leaves are all paid for by john q. public - whether or not you believe that.

Patty.... 

 nana to:     Cait, Hannah

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 08-06-2008 - 3:53pm
You are absolutely right Sue, I have good friends in Germany, Sweden and England and ALL have to take very strenuous, difficult tests to get into that "free" college they're all talking about.

Patty.... 

 nana to:     Cait, Hannah

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-03-2008
Wed, 08-06-2008 - 3:57pm
But the thing is EVERYONE is entitled to these perks in these countries, not just a select few who can afford it.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-08-2006
Wed, 08-06-2008 - 5:53pm

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.

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-29-2003
Wed, 08-06-2008 - 6:59pm
How come oil prices are dropping now, with no offshore drilling having taken place??


 


Mich

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 08-06-2008 - 7:11pm

They are all able to take advantage of it here as well.

Patty.... 

 nana to:     Cait, Hannah

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 08-06-2008 - 7:19pm

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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