Comments on: Poll: Majority of Americans favor oil drilling in off-limits areas

By: Constance

Constance — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:50:53 +0000

Are you kidding me? Where did they go to do this poll, the lunch-room at Exxon Headquarters?? People really can't be this dumb. Have you looked out your car windows lately? We are swimming in our own filth. Enough is enough!!!

By: Jeremy-Columbus, OH

Jeremy-Columbus, OH — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:43:06 +0000

I used to have an appeal towards McCain, however forget it now. The man has completely gone backwards in the last two days I don't want hear him speak anymore. Drilling here will not solve anything, especially right away. It will take years to get this oil, more than likely ruin areas of this planet that are beautiful, and line every oil executives pockets with even more money. Give me a break Republicans how stupid do you think people are?

By: Billiam

Billiam — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:27:33 +0000

There is no shortage. There is only market manipulation. Bush is oilman, you go figure. Oil prices are bringing the country to its knees.
Is Bush trying to resolve the problem? No! If you want to see Bush act, say something about raising minimum wage.

By: Bella from Florida

Bella from Florida — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:27:09 +0000

We could have started drilling a long time ago. What is everyone waiting for. There is great technologhy available to do so without damaging the environment. I am tired of the democrats blocking everything and saying that we would not see the oil for 10 years. I believe if we do the Saudis and Opec would be forced to lower their prices. It would scare the heck out of them. So Yes, we should start drillin in our country.

By: Alice

Alice — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:25:23 +0000

Sure, because they think it will cause gas prices to go down in the immediate future. No one's talking about the longer range consequences.

By: Roger from CA

Roger from CA — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:05:39 +0000

I just shake my head in sad wonderment at the "well, times have changed" argument against the moratorium on drilling. I'm sorry, but if the premise of the moratorium is that there is a greater good and value placed on the integrity of our environment and vistas than in the relative little oil we can gain by messing with all that, how sad it is when some bump in the price of oil somehow makes that original premise "out of date." Was the value we placed on the eternal beauty of our oceans and beaches so low that $4/gallon is enough for us to chuck it all out the window???

By: Pepou

Pepou — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:01:34 +0000

It is very disheartening to hear that Americans would rather destroy their environment and beautiful country than change their lifestyle. This earth is the future of our children. To destroy it is a crime !

By: kids matter most

kids matter most — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:01:33 +0000

sure,may as well finish off the planet,now,and get it over with.i hope you people aren't parents.more concerned with your own lazy greed,and addiction to oil,than you are with the mess we're making out of our children's home.how sad.we deserve what we get.

By: Total Northern California Democrat for Obama

Total Northern California Democrat for Obama — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:51:45 +0000

Frank from SF said it brilliantly. There is nothing to add. Thank you, Frank.

By: Ken

Ken — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:51:04 +0000

Hitler ran an entire Army on Synthetic fuels and we need to mess up the everglades to keep buring Oil in 2030, You baby Boomers won't to deal with the crap your doing by 2030 Us Gen Y ers' will, let us make the decision on whether or not we should rape our country for profit.

By: Franky

Franky — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:47:21 +0000

"They don't care because they won't have to see it. Well, how would they feel with an oil rig in their backyard?" We can look in our backyard for oil??? I'll do it!! I'll do it!!! LOL!!! Ohhh and I'm baaack.....LOL!!!!

By: MLG

MLG — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:46:07 +0000

DRILL!!!! DRILL!!! DRILL!! DRILL! McCain/Huckabee 08

By: Emma, San Jose, CA

Emma, San Jose, CA — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:45:56 +0000

Before we are asked to give our opinion about oil drilling, we need to be provided with much more information about consequences, time lines, ownership and management of the drilling and consumption of the oil under the ocean. I think the jobs it could produce would be important, but I wonder if contracts would be made with foreign producers. That worries me.

By: FactCheck

FactCheck — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:43:09 +0000

Closing the Enron loophole would've cut oil prices by up to 50% because it would have prevented investors from speculating. Guess who voted against it? That's right, McFlip-flop. Guess who created the loophole? Right again, the wife of Phil Gramm, economic advisor for McFlip-flop.

By: Linda31

Linda31 — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:42:19 +0000

Bet they don't know that it will not make a difference in our pocketbooks for years to come.

By: Some Thoughts

Some Thoughts — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:42:14 +0000

Unfortunately there are two major obstacles abut drilling for oil that are within the oil companies themselves. One, it is very expensive to drill for oil, make the support structures needed to drill, ship, and refine it, distribute it, etc. Second, as oil companies are profit maximizers and oil has a very inelastic demand (quantity demanded does not change much with a change in price), decreasing price and increasing their quantity supplied will in fact cause them to make less money.

Additonally, as an oligopoly supply market with a non-differentiated product, it is very easy for the different firms to engage in collusive activity that isn't direct. Generally the way it works is that the largest producer sets a price and the other firms set theirs in a general area around it.

Simply put, the oil companies will increase their supply as long as they can maintain current profits and only to the extent of maximizing production at their already active production facilities. Then, if demand at their current price continues to rise enough, they will consider expanding production facilities. This is due to the fact that the two main costs are from building more buildings (drilling stations, refineries, etc.) and staffing them. The more they make, the more it costs for them.

By: Mike Florida

Mike Florida — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:41:04 +0000

How many of the 57% live in coastal areas?
I am also being hurt by the high gas prices, but I would still rather see us invest in research into other fuel sources. ie wind ,solar ,hydrogen. We wont even see a drop of oil from any new drilling for 5 to 10 years.

By: The straight talk express??

The straight talk express?? — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:39:45 +0000

John McCain completely flip-flopped on this isue. He supported the ban on offshore drilling for years. Now he completely changes course because he thinks he can win a few votes.....pathetic.

By: John Smith

John Smith — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:38:52 +0000

America NEEDS to get over this military mentality! There are tons and tons of people who have and continue to serve this nation:

1. What about teachers who shape the minds and hearts of our youths for the future?

2. What about parents who toil each day to keep some of us alive?

3. What about the factory worker who is there on a daily basis to build things for the nation?

4. What about judges, lawyers and any law-enforcement agency involved in keeping our laws and communities safe?

5. What about farmer, without whom we will all die of starvation?

Have all these people not served this nation equally as the military?
Members of my family have lots of military members, but this nation is forgetting ours who have equally continued to serve this nation!

By: tom, boston

tom, boston — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:36:32 +0000

The same majority LOVED the thought of stealing Iraqi oil and supported the War gladly.

they deserve every bit of hardship and then some that they have brought on themselves.

where's justice for the iraqis murdered, maimed, or humiliated?

America will keep paying, and paying , and paying.

By: Linda Smith

Linda Smith — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:33:07 +0000

We need to do what we can to bring the price down.
Maybe we need to change things.

I am glad you post this information.

Very very interesting.

Linda
attentiontodetailgifts.com
letspartnerforresults.com

By: Anita from Arizona

Anita from Arizona — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:32:40 +0000

Its basic math, which some people have a problem with. DEMAND is the issue, not SUPPLY. Nothing will change if we drill off the coast now. You won't see any changes for about 5 to 10 years and then it won't last because we'll run out of that in 3 years. Yeah, sure. Alternative fuels are the way. Can't someone invent a device that can lower the use of gas in my car now? I'd spent money on that and get relief from the gas pumps right away.

By: CJ

CJ — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:31:59 +0000

McCain, Bush, and now overcooked Crist are saying the offshore drilling is good and will help when they first disagreed and said we are addicted to oil. Hopefully everyone will wake up to these spindoctors fairy dust and realize that we will not see any significant savings until many many years from now, and it won't be that much when we do. This idea of drilling offshore won't fool the American people no more than the stupid gas tax holiday---all gimmicks to get someone in office. At least the windfall profits tax from Obama will force energy companies to think twice as well as allow America to start building up reserves to start investing wisely in alternative fuels. People may not like Obama personally, but in November everyone will have stark choices to make: Stay in Iraq and continue fighting or withdraw to pre-surge levels; Focus on the economy to actually get a energy policy in place or don't. It's as simple as that-which candidate will best benefit your family in the long run on all of these issues.

By: won't save YOU a dime

won't save YOU a dime — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:31:57 +0000

Drilling here and there won't lower gas prices ... it will only continue to make Bush' s fat-cat oilmen pals richer .... nothing more.

We need to create a sustainable and renewable energy program and only then will be a strong nation once again.

By: BIFF, BIFFINGTON...

BIFF, BIFFINGTON... — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:31:55 +0000

red33 said:
If Clinton had not vetoed the bill authorizing drilling 10 years ago, we would not be in the fix we are now. We need to stop this insanity, which is going on in our Democratic congress. Remember, they have alot of money, and care nothing that we have to pay more for fuel.

RED.... HOW COME THE REPUBLICANS DID NOT RAM IT THROUGH WHEN THEY HAD THE HOUSE, THE SENATE, AND THE WHITE-HOUSE FOR SIX OF THE LAST SEVEN (AND A HALF) YEARS??????

answer..... BECAUSE THEY REALLY COULD CARE LESS ABOUT DRILLING.... if it would make them more money, they would do it.

controlling the price via speculation keeps it high.... more drilling would lower it in about 10 years... there is no reward nor incentive for the oil companys to do it.... which is why... when they had the chance....
THEY IGNORED IT!

By: tom

tom — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:31:21 +0000

This is because most people don't know anything about the issue. First of all, if you end up granting more leases, that doesn't mean the Govt. will have the authority to direct5 sales domestically. Much of the oil wil go oversees as exports, which will give bigger profits to Big Oil and although it will help our exports and increase the crude supply, it won't do anything to increase refining capacity.

Use the leases you have and build more refneries. expanding the drilling leases is a stupid gimick.

By: Tyler

Tyler — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:28:55 +0000

Jenna,
The US has about 2-3% of the world's oil. Definitely not more than Arab countries. Drilling will have no effect. There is drilling in Canada, it's $5.20 a gallon.

By: michael

michael — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:27:12 +0000

Again some Americans areTRULY uninformed. If you do decide to drill for oil you wont see ANY of it for a long long time. Then the demand will be so great from India and China etc etc that it still wont be enough...get real.. forget oil think about other energy sources that are indeed self fulfilling and will promote a healthy planet..Stop thinking so short term for God's sake!!!! That's how George W got in for a second term..and a lot of good that did!!!!

By: College student from Florida

College student from Florida — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:26:14 +0000

I don't trust the oil companies. How do we know they aren't raising gas prices on purpose for this reason? How do we know it'll benefit us and not them? When will be stop listening to everything President Bush says? I mean serious? Is 4000+ American troops dead, economic catastrope, global anti-American sentiments among a tall list of things not enough. If they go through with this and something terrible wrong happens, I'm just going to laugh. Once again no one listens to the democrat so sad.

By: charles Ingrasci

charles Ingrasci — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:24:24 +0000

Drilling benefits are very long term and nearly inconsequential. Best estimates are that if all areas were opened for drilling, gasoline prices would drop about 1% by 2027 ($.04 per gallon). American oil goes onto the world market, not to the USA. This is another Shell game.

By: Hispanic For McCain

Hispanic For McCain — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:22:59 +0000

Once again why are we fighting as you can see McCain has better Ideas than OBAMA. I said before and I will say it again Puerto Rican voted for Hillary Clinton not Barrack Obama. The puertoRican people knows that Obama will never do anything for the Puerto Rican People. Just ask the Puerto Rican in Chicago they don't like him. John McCain will pick up most of the Puerto Rican Votes in NY, NJ, CT, MA. FL and all of Bronx, and Man NY. My whole famaily is Democrate but will not vote for OBAMA.

McCain 2008
Hillary Clinton 2012

By: BIFF, BIFFINGTON...

BIFF, BIFFINGTON... — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:22:01 +0000

DRILLING WILL NOT SOLVE THE GAS PRICE CRISIS…. The only thing that will stop the price gouging is to shut down the SPECULATORS… IF THE OIL COMPANIES WANTED TO DRILL, THEY COULD HAVE EASILY GOTTEN IT THROUGH CONGRESS WHILE THE REPUBLICANS HAD THE HOUSE, SENATE, AND PRESIDENCY FOR SIX OF THE LAST 7 1/2 YEARS… ADDITIONALLY, the oil companies ALREADY haveTENS OF THOUSANDS OF LEASES FOR MILLIONS of ACRES they are currently NOT drilling on. (BECAUSE THEY DON'T "WANT" TO DRILL !) DON'T YOU GET IT??? WHAT IS 'THEIR' MOTIVATION TO DRILL????? "LOWER" PROFITS? IT IS THE EXCACT SAME SCENARIO AS ENRON !!!!! SHUT DOWN THE ENRON LOOPHOLE (which is really a full blown law) AND YOU END THE "OIL SPECULATORS"…… END THE SPECULATION, AND YOU CUT THE PRICE BETWEEN 33% AND 50% BY "DEFLATING THE ARTIFICIAL BUBBLE" ….. this is the only immediate relief available..... and the republicans block the democrats each time they try to close this loophole/repeal this law!

By: Dominic MacCormack

Dominic MacCormack — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:18:49 +0000

This is sad news. Really quite depressing. To the Americans who were in this poll, who think that opening up oil drilling in pristine, off-limits areas will do wonders for our economy and drastically reduce oil prices: think again. To the Americans that belive more oil supply is the asnwer to our problems: think again. To the millions of Americans who are failing to see the long-term impacts of increased reliance on oil: think again.
I say think again because oil is the product to which we are addicted. It is a finite resource, and in a few years, especially at our rate of consumption of oil, we are going to be faced with the exact same situation–lots of demand, and not a lot of supply.
We truly MUST invest in renewable energy on the order of billions of dollars. This is money well-spent. Money that will go towards energy production that a) doesn't affect wildlife; b) does not contribute additional greenhouse gas emissions into the earth's atmosphere; and c) ensures that our future, our children's future, and our grandchildren's future is not dominated by war and conflict for the few drops of oil that are left.

We must also demand from our elected leaders that sustainable transportation options are available for people. That means hybrid buses, electric light rail, bicycle rental programs, walkable communities, subways...there are so many options.

You may save a few cents a gallon if new reserves are explored. Are those cents worth gambling the economic future of our country, the stability of our atmosphere, and the safety of our world? Any intelligent, thoughtful, and sensible person would say no.

Please, do the world and future generations a favor and think about it.

By: Ratgurl

Ratgurl — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:13:47 +0000

A poll of oil-Baron Americans? I seriously don't know a SOUL who is in favor of this drilling!

By: Robert in Seattle

Robert in Seattle — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:13:14 +0000

Less Jobs. More Wars. Higher National Debt. If you make $250,000 or more per year, and have invested heavily in big oil, McShame is your man! (at least until he changes his position again)

The best "Yes, I mean No, I meant Yes" man!

McShame 08!

By: richard

richard — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:11:10 +0000

why even bother asking states in the inland of the country. They have no say!

These polls should only be asking residents that live in states with ocean views, as they would be the deciding factor to vote on this.

I can guarantee the west coast is off limits. Florida as well.

By: Gene

Gene — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:07:29 +0000

I personally think we should drill for oil here.. as long as it can be done safely. The problem is that people think this will fix the gas prices right away.. and it won't. It'll take years for this to help.. but I say better invest in the future because who knows whether alternative energy sources will be running full speed ahead in 5 or 10 years.. better be prepared.

But I personally believe that we should be exploring other energy sources as well.. and I'm not talking about ethanol. Wind, Hydro, and solar can provide enough electricity to run our whole country if we develop the plants and harness them properly. Even nuclear.

Believe me.. I'd love to give the Saudis the finger and say now what are you gonna do? Then when their economy collapses.. maybe buy one of those artificial islands in Dubai

By: BW

BW — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:04:36 +0000

It amazes me that the right is always for one solution that is always correct and the only one that is. As the oil companies are those which are the ones engaged in drilling it is they who are not drilling…primarily because of the economics. It’s cheaper to continue to tap existing oilfields than bear the capital costs of exploratory drilling, new drilling equipment, etc. I further disagree that corporations will simply fold given new costs of business…if Ford tomorrow doubled their fuel economies on their vehicles they would quickly corner the market on all new vehicle sales regardless of the price of oil. I simply believe that the free market will only promote that which allows for the highest profit margin…it is incapable without regulation of foresight into what is best for the long term. Forgot the windfall profits tax…simply end all corporate welfare afforded the oil companies and provide it to emerging alternative energy companies and industries. Mandate fuel economy improvements in all new vehicles. The continued belief that we are entitled to static, low prices will continue to guide us down this road of failure and continue to saddle our children with the costs.

By: Ellie in Aurora, CO

Ellie in Aurora, CO — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:03:12 +0000

Nooooooooooo! Do we still not get it? We were on the right track during the gas shortage of the 70s – buying smaller cars, and trying to conserve. If gas becomes less expensive, people will be back to Hummers and SUVs! No more oil! Figure out a way to convert our gasoline engines to running on salt water, and have the Feds pay for it. In the long run we will be better off. Stop the madness! This plan will only help the oil people, and make us less inclined to change. Unfortunately, it takes a crisis like we currently have before people get smart. I'm not rich, but will be willing to pay extra for gas, and use more public transportation until there are non-polluting alternatives.

By: frank from SF

frank from SF — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:09 +0000

Spare me- How short-sided. This will do nothing but ruin the environment and line the fat pockets of Bush and Cheney's rich oil friends. For once, we need to think about long term solutions, like improving mass transit, developing alternative fuel sources. Why is it that Americans always take the easy way out.? No universal health care, etc. Why can't we be progressive in our thinking and our actions? Take a page from the European countries. I am beginning to think that the US Education system is so bad to keep our citizens ignorant.

By: Kevin McGreevy

Kevin McGreevy — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 23:59:45 +0000

With the advances in drilling technology today, it only makes sense for the United States of America to drill for domestic oil, unless you get some perverted joy in giving a clown dictator like Hugo Chavez more U.S. money to support his anti-American rhetoric

By: I used to be a Democrat

I used to be a Democrat — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 23:59:45 +0000

Those Demoncrats who saying "drilling won't solve the oil crisis" are fools. What are you just going to sit there and do nothing? That's what Obama wants to do. NOTHING.

Not only do we need to drill more offshore, but anywhere in America that has oil. AND we need alternative energy sources produced by Americans in America.

The new Demoncrat party is grossly pathetic and severly overrated.

By: Phil, FL

Phil, FL — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 23:59:42 +0000

Hybrid and Hydrogen and Electric vehicles are available.

Each individual CAN and should take responsibility.

Enuff said.

By: Jenna

Jenna — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 23:56:07 +0000

The drilling will take part over 50 miles from shore, you can only see up to 11 miles from the shore. China is drilling their now, we can not continue being dependant on the Middle East and send our money there to fund Terrorist Organizations. We need to lower our energy bills, I know I certainly do. I dont have 20,000 to go out and buy a Hybrid!

Democrat for McCain

By: Robert in Seattle

Robert in Seattle — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 23:56:02 +0000

Perhaps the US should seize the assets of Big oil, it's CEOs, and freeze speculation until we get a commitment for additional refining capacity, a reduction in gas prices now, and a firm commitment to invest in hydrogen fuel cell, plug in electric, and renewable energy technologies. Oil will run out, we need to become not just foreign oil independant, but oil independant.

By: kim hussein taylor portland, oregon

kim hussein taylor portland, oregon — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 23:55:19 +0000

if you want to know the REAL reason you pay $4-plus at the pump, and why offshore drilling is completely unecessary read the:

US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations' report on “The Role of Market Speculation in rising oil and gas prices"

you will be sickened by what you read. it's very dry, but it is VITAL that all americans know the TRUTH!!!! this has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do wtih supply and demand.

In this time of high US gas prices, why has bush EXPANDED the SPR to over one billion barrels?? This is not in the best interest of u.s. citizens, but it IS in the best interest of bush and his oil buddies

By: David Goldman for OBAMA

David Goldman for OBAMA — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 23:53:48 +0000

BUSH & MCBUSH TEAM WANT TO GET THAT

LAST DROP OF BLOOD FROM US,

OUR NATION AND OUR PLANET.

YOU LET THEM & YOU WILL FULLY DESERVE

WHAT IS FOR CERTAIN TO COME.

By: Typical White Male

Typical White Male — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 23:52:58 +0000

Oh, by the way, I love how you Obamabots minimize Polls when they don't favor Obama! By the way, how old do you have to be to post, because so of these comments sound like they were written by a 4th grader?

By: Typical White Male

Typical White Male — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 23:49:35 +0000

See that's the problem with you Obamabots....no forsight. It's not all about right now. So many people are just soooo anxious to elect the first African American President, they see nothing else. I wonder how many of you would be such a die hard Obama fan if you didn't know his race?

By: John

John — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 23:48:51 +0000

My staff says the voters want to drill off shore. So, now I am for it even though I have always been against it in the past and even though I realize that it will have zero impact on gas prices.