Freedomswatch.org Has A New Video & Asks For Your Help
July 31, 2008
Freedomswatch.org
The only thing standing between Americans and lower gas prices is an intransigent leadership in Congress that won’t allow a vote on legislation to increase American energy independence by increasing American energy production. Check out our web ad nearby and then help us do something about it.
According to the Wall Street Journal, “at least 65% of America’s undiscovered, recoverable oil, and 40% of its natural gas, is hostage to the Congressional drilling moratorium.” American energy exploration would not only reduce prices immediately, but would also create thousands of good-paying jobs.
Here at Freedom’s Watch, we’ve been taking the fight to those obstructing American energy independence. We are in the midst of a multi-week effort of phone calls into about 30 congressional districts urging members to support legislation to allow for more energy exploration right here in America.
Over the July 4th holiday period, we ran radio ads in 16 districts educating constituents about votes against domestic energy exploration these members have taken, and urging them to contact their representative.
These efforts are working; we are really getting under their skin! Liberal congressional leaders are so angry and scared of us, they’ve launched a new web page devoted to attacking us and our supporters – folks like you.
The Sierra Club – which says “We’re better off without cheap gas” – is also responding to what we’re doing, running radio ads supporting five Members of Congress who are blocking energy independence.
We have much more in store for the liberal obstructionists – but we can’t do it without your help! TV, radio, and phones cost a great deal to produce and get on the air. A contribution from you will help us defray the cost of these types of projects and allow us to run additional ads to ensure that there will be an honest debate on the issues conservatives care about.
So please, help us by taking a moment right now to make a contribution to Freedom’s Watch.
So Much for Non-Partisan – Oil Drilling IS Partisan
July 31, 2008
As we have said before, we believe that high gas prices are a non-partisan issue. Our purpose was not to promote one party or another, but only the idea of lower gas prices. So why is it that the Sierra Club and MoveOn.org are teaming up against McCain on the no-drilling issue? Do they like poor people to pay high gas prices? You lower and middle class citizens remember this when you go to the polls this November… The Sierra Club and MoveOn.org want HIGHER GAS PRICES… and they are supporting Obama and Democrats.
As much as we hate to say it, this has become a partisan issue. Shouldn’t be, but it is. Why would the party of, by and for the little people be opposed to domestic drilling which would bring down gas prices? MoveOn.org has claimed they bought and paid for the Democratic Party… they own it… and they set the agenda. I guess we the people don’t count anymore.
From Washington Post.com
Environmental and liberal groups are teaming up to attack Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) on oil drilling today, with the Sierra Club and MoveOn.org both airing television ads linking the presumptive GOP nominee to major oil companies. [Our reply - SO WHAT? Who else is going to bring in the oil and refine it? Al Gore? - Editor]
While several Democratic-aligned groups have yet to launch independent expenditures this year, environmental groups are planning to run a costly effort to elect Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) despite McCain’s historic support for a federal cap on carbon emissions linked to global warming. McCain has cast erratic votes over the years on several environmental issues, and has infuriated green groups with his support for offshore oil drilling and a federal gas tax holiday. [Another demonstration that Democrats and their supporters are against lowering gas prices for the rest of us... something that a federal gas tax holiday would do IMMEDIATELY! - Editor]
Each separate ad buy will cost six-figures, according to the groups, with the Sierra Club airing its ad statewide in New Hampshire; as well as in Denver, Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland and (that famous battleground state) DC. That ad suggests “Big Oil companies have our economy and politics in a choke hold” and McCain’s answer to rising gas prices is “another $4 billion giveaway to Big Oil.” Obama, the group argues, “has a plan the breaks the grip of Big Oil.” Earlier this week, the group launched a six-figure radio buy in swing states. [And when those jobs that Big Oil provides go away because the tax incentives are done away with, who will be complaining again? That's right, folks. You and me! After all, the politicians have a job! - Editor]
Go to the website to read the entire post.
MORE On the Sierra Club Commercial
July 31, 2008
We recently posted an article about the Sierra Club commercial supporting McNerney of Pleasanton, CA and asking you to call to support his position on not drilling offshore.
Politicker.com reported on July 27, 2008
The environmental group Sierra Club is launching a radio advertisement Monday praising several freshmen congressional Democrats who are engaged in competitive re-election races this fall for what the organization says has been their aggressive stance against oil companies. Amongst those members the Sierra Club is defending is U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Stockton).
They continue:
“All this week, you’ll be hearing about the billions of dollars in record high profits the big oil companies are making,” an announcer says in the 60-second Sierra Club spot entitled “Rolling in It.” “They’re raking it in while we’re feeling the pain of four dollar a gallon gas. Let’s face it — big oil has our economy, our energy policies and our politics in a strangle-hold. But Congress still has a chance to break that hold, to pass legislation that provides price relief and helps hard working families instead of the oil industry.
“Call Congressman Jerry McNerney… Thank him for standing up to the oil companies. Ask him to keep voting to end the billions in government giveaways to big oil, to crack down on the price gouging that’s keeping gas prices so high, and to invest in renewable energy and give consumers more, cleaner energy choices.”
The last 2 paragraphs sum it up nicely:
“I don’t know what’s more remarkable – that the Sierra Club is actually defending high gas prices, or that the politicians responsible for today’s record gas prices have finally found a constituency happy about it,” Freedom’s Watch spokesman Ed Patru [hero] said in response to the ad. “The fact is, every member of Congress who votes against more domestic production is out of touch, and Sierra Club is defending the indefensible.”
McNerney, a first-term incumbent, is facing a battle for re-election against former state Assemblyman Dean Andal.
Obama Says “tune-ups and inflating tires can save as much oil as we can produce by drilling!”
July 31, 2008
Huh? Who is this guy and who is that guy behind the curtain? Someone has to be feeding Obama this baloney, and it is going to cost him the election!
They are Losing – Sierra Club Runs Ad
July 31, 2008
You know they are losing when the Sierra Club runs ads on a conservative talk radio network! And you know who is responsible for holding up new drilling when they name Congressman McNerney and give his phone number to let our voices be heard!
We called, but not with the message that the Sierra Club wanted! The sweet intern who answered was reading from prepared Democrat talking points, the same ones we got from Pelosi’s office, Feinstein’s office and Boxer’s office! Coincidence? We think not! Something is going on here and it needs to stop now.
The Sierra Club used be to a legitimate organization that was interested in sane environmental policy. But as with many things, their cause has been corrupted and taken over by extremists who want to hurt our energy situation AND our country’s economy.
Say it isn’t so. But what else can it be when they are okay with drilling where there is no oil, but not where there is? At least that’s their sentiment in the US. We keep hearing how Bush is in league with OPEC, but doesn’t the Sierra Club’s policy actually promote foreign oil interests? We’ll answer that question for you: YES! It’s not good to drill domestically, but it’s okay if they drill in the deserts of other countries.
This is insane and must stop. Please call Congressman McNerney’s [clueless] office (925-737-0727 – please be respectful). They will ask for your contact information if you want a response from him, but this is gate-keeping. Only his constituents will be heard… so if you are not from Pleasanton, California, don’t bother to leave your name and number.
Strange as it sounds, though he makes laws that affect the whole country, he does not want to hear from the whole country!
Annie’s Inferno Blog
July 31, 2008
Another blog of interest:
http://kimexplainsitall1944.typepad.com/annies_inferno/
Now This is GREAT News!
July 31, 2008
The Heritage Foundation reports in its Morning Bell: According to the Public Policy Institute of California, for the first time in three decades, 51% of Californians favor more oil drilling off the coast.
SFGate: A majority of Californians favor more oil drilling off the coast, according to a statewide survey released Wednesday, for the first time since oil prices spiked nearly three decades ago.
The support by 51 percent of residents polled this month by the Public Policy Institute of California represents a shift caused by renewed Republican advocacy for drilling as well as motorists’ reaction to soaring pump prices, according to the pollster.
With high oil prices and calls from President Bush and Republican presidential aspirant Sen. John McCain to open coastal waters to domestic production, support for drilling has jumped, particularly among Republicans, the poll says. Support increases with age and is slightly higher among men than women.
But as the price of oil hovers around $120 per barrel, double the cost a year ago, support for drilling has increased even among Democrats and independents, says the survey of 2,504 adult residents polled across the state July 8-22.
At the same time, more than half of the Californians surveyed believe that the effects of global warming have already begun and pose a serious threat to the state’s economy and quality of life.
This is a good sign. California is one of the more liberal states with huge environmental concerns. But we believe this percentage is only going to get larger as the price of gasoline continues to hover around $5 a gallon! Keep the pressure on your representatives. Take Action Now!
The Truth About Oil Spills
July 30, 2008
Talk about drilling offshore and anyone opposed will bring up oil spills. Just how often do they actually happen? I mean we hear about them on the news and see the animals being rescued, but what are the actual numbers? So I went to Jane Va Ryan, our API expert and asked for specifics. The answer was very enlightening. Here is her response:
I do have answers for your questions, and they come from highly regarded third-parties. First, the National Academy of Sciences reported the following information about spills and seeps for the years 1990-1999:
Amount of oil spilled from offshore operations = 0.18K tonnes. Amount of oil spilled from natural seeps in North America = 240K tonnes (To convert these figures to gallons, multiply by 300 roughly.)
The US Minerals Management Service has compiled some additional data that might be useful to you: Domestically, the OCS produces about 1.4 million barrels of oil per day. Since 1980 less than 0.001% of that has been spilled.
Here is the information about the amount of oil spilled from marine accidents and offshore production. These figures were reported by the National Academy of Sciences for 1990-1999: Oil spilled from offshore operations = 0.18K tonnes. Oil spilled from tank vessels and non-tank vessels = 7.8K tonnes.
Offshore operations spill significantly less oil than waterborne vessels for a variety of reasons — better technology, strict environmental performance standards, very stringent safety requirements, and the fact
that most oil from offshore platforms moves to shore in pipelines and is not carried by tankers which can become involved in shipping accidents. It’s also important to note that despite the fact that two Category 5
hurricanes, Katrina and Rita, plowed through major US offshore oil operations in 2005, the federal government reported no significant offshore oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico. The technology has improved,
and the risk to the environment has been reduced greatly.
While we have faith that our earth can clean up messes like this on our own and there really is no risk to the environment in the long run, we appreciate the information and now have the facts on oil spills. Thank you, Jane.
Don’t Let the Lull in Oil and Gasoline Prices Fool You!
July 30, 2008
Now that oil prices have dropped about $20 a barrel from a high of $145, notice that gasoline prices have dropped about $0.20 a gallon. But don’t be fooled. If we elect the wrong people this fall, don’t be surprised if we end up with $6 a gallon gas by the end of the year. YOU’VE BEEN WARNED!
According to polls, energy costs is the number one issue on people’s minds right now. But as is human nature, once the price starts to fall, it’s easy to think the problem’s solved, and they lose interest. Don’t be fooled. Remember, gas was under $3 a gallon not that long ago. Does this mean that $5 a gallon gas is the threshold?
Townhall has another article this morning by Harry R. Jackson, Jr. in which he talks about the effect of high gasoline prices on the poor. Though high gas prices is an issue that hits everyone, those without the means are hurt most. He says:
Two weeks ago, more than two-dozen civil rights, African-American, agriculture, senior citizen, and veteran advocacy groups came together to begin the STOP THE WAR ON THE POOR Campaign. We announced our support of legislation of any kind that will increase domestic energy supplies and decrease energy costs for our domestic poor. We especially like the Americans for American Energy Act (HR6384), which offers significant short-term and long-term solutions to our energy woes that amount to economic enslavement of the poor. The increase of African-American and senior groups speaking out on this issue is a new and unexpected twist in this debate. Evidently, it has made a lot of people nervous on Capitol Hill.
My premise for continuing my comments from last week is that no one has realistically taken up the cause of the poor in the discussion of energy policy. I hope that the information here will inspire you to join a growing army of justice-minded Americans that believe we should not turn over our national checkbook without knowing the specific return on investment we will receive for our efforts. Further, environmental justice must include consideration of the domestic poor who live in New York, Chicago, and DC. This faceless and voiceless group must be represented.
If gasoline prices rise to $6/gallon, the situation will financially destroy many vulnerable citizens who are living on the edge in this challenging economic environment.
He goes on to list some facts and figures that are very compelling. Read the article here. It is our opinion that a new energy policy rises above the partisan politics and should be a non-partisan issue.
Environmentalists’ Hold on Congress
July 30, 2008
From Townhall, July 30, 2008 by Walter E. Williams:
Let’s face it. The average individual American has little or no clout with Congress and can be safely ignored. But it’s a different story with groups such as Environmental Defense Fund, Sierra Club and The Nature Conservancy. When they speak, Congress listens. Unlike the average American, they are well organized, loaded with cash and well positioned to be a disobedient congressman’s worse nightmare. Their political and economic success has been a near disaster for our nation.
For several decades, environmentalists have managed to get Congress to keep most of our oil resources off-limits to exploration and drilling. They’ve managed to have the Congress enact onerous regulations that have made refinery construction impossible. Similarly, they’ve used the courts and Congress to completely stymie the construction of nuclear power plants. As a result, energy prices are at historical highs and threaten our economy and national security.
What’s the political response to our energy problems? It’s more congressional and White House kowtowing to environmentalists, farmers and multi-billion dollar corporations such as Archer Daniels Midland. Their “solution,” rather than to solve our oil supply problem by permitting drilling for the billions upon billions of barrels of oil beneath the surface of our country, is to enact the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 that mandates that oil companies increase the amount of ethanol mixed with gasoline. Anyone with an ounce of brains would have realized that diverting crops from food to fuel use would raise the prices of corn-fed livestock, such as pork, beef, chicken and dairy products, and products made from corn, such as cereals. Ethanol production has led to increases in other grain prices, such as soybean and wheat. Since the U.S. is the world’s largest grain producer and exporter, higher grain prices have had a huge impact on food prices worldwide.
Read the entire column here.
Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, a syndicated columnist and occasional guest host for Rush Limbaugh. His website may be accessed at http://www.gmu.edu/departments/economics/wew/.
