I'm no activist, but...

I DO think we have a sizable issue in this country. We all know that gas prices are through the roof. And we all also know that this country is quite dependent on foreign oil. The link to the right goes to a site where you can sign a petition asking Congress to open up more domestic drilling. Obviously we will eventually run out of oil but the technology to use alternate fuel sources simply isn't ready. Domestic drilling and production would ease the cost of oil while we develop these technologies. Taxing "windfall profits" like many politicians want to do will only drive the costs higher because oil companies will find it harder to compete with OPEC. The industrial revolution in India and China are the primary reason for the current oil prices, not the 5-10% profit margin of companies like Exxon-Mobil. And for all of you concerned about the effects of domestic drilling on our environment... responsible companies are already practicing safe, zero-spill drilling practices. While bringing in an oil rig and producing the well does disturb wildlife minimally... once the network is in place, wildlife returns unhindered.

Granted, more domestic drilling means job security for my family personally. But the issue is much larger. And, while you should research the facts for yourself, Keven is not a corporate oil man. He is not making millions of dollars if we drill here in the US. We still pay $4+ for gas to run our vehicles just like everyone else. But, he does know more than the average guy about what it means to drill here. Job security, lower oil and gas prices, minimal environmental impact and less dependence on Islamic terrorist countries. Sounds like a win-win to me!

For those of you Colorado residents, our Governor Bill Ritter (with environmentalists whispering in his ear), is doing everything in his power to slow the drilling here in Colorado. Meanwhile, last year one of the five major oil companies pumped over 66 million dollars into Weld County's economy ALONE! Tourism will not generate those kinds of jobs and economic growth. And two of the biggest opponents to his ideas are landowners here in Weld County who each have 2-3 rigs drilling on their land year-round. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it! That's information you won't hear from those opposed to domestic drilling.

Now, with that said. All of this depends on what the Lord would have for us, of course. But, I don't think it pleases Him for us to sit back idly and let our economy suffer while we throw our hands up as if there is nothing we can do.

Okay, I'm climbing off of my soapbox now! Thanks, Keven, for all of the insightful information. Never knew a roughneck could be so smart, did ya?! ;)