Oil Drilling and the Environment

I am more than a little disturbed at the controversy over drilling for the underground oil reserves we are fortunate enough to have in this country and protecting the environment. As a former spelunker (caver) and hiker I believe in preserving the environment as much as possible. When I was being taught about caving by my grotto (caving club) we were always taught: Leave nothing but footprints, Take nothing but pictures. And that is what we did! I love being down under the earth in a cave. Unfortunately, my knees and back no longer allow me to enjoy those adventures. I love to hike but have not been able to for about a year and a half due to two knee surgeries. But I love the outdoors: camping and canoeing included. I said all of that to make a point: I love nature. I don't worship it!

It has been proven that we have plenty of oil in parts of this country. It bothers me that we are so dependent on foreign oil when we have so much right here under our noses. Why should we keep giving our hard-earned money to overseas governments and tycoons when we could boost our own economy? God allowed us to have these resources for a reason! I think it's bad enough that I have a hard time buying American-made goods as it is, without also having to buy foreign oil. This is the greatest country in the world and one way we can keep it great is to break away from the dependence on foreign oil. As I said in a previous post, with the scientists and engineers we have in this country, I can not believe that we can't find alternative sources of energy faster than we are.

He who holds the purse controls the money. What's more important? Whether we dig a hole in the wilderness where no one lives or under the sea where it will never be seen, or whether we are controlled by a government that is often anti-American and doesn't really care about anything but taking our money?

I say, wake up America! We have the opportunity to, at least, help ourselves in this situation. Surely, we can do this while making as little impact on the environment as possible. It may take a little common sense, but I believe in this country and I think we can do it. And I think we must do it for the good of our freedom and our children.

That's my opinion, what's yours,

Richard

P.S. Please add your part to yesterday's story.