Not that Republicans would ever let little things like "facts" get in the way, but...since early 2009, U.S. oil production has been increasing, the first time annual increases have been noted in over 25 years. In reality, there's little the U.S. government can do to control gas prices, but the GOP might want to think twice about using the term "Drill Baby Drill", when looking at the basic facts about domestic oil production.
Gas prices are on the rise. Of course that means the GOP sees blood in the water. Every other line of attack against Obama has been falling apart for the GOP, so why not, right? Republicans already have a rich history of trying to resonate with voter’s wallets and pocketbooks, by politicizing something that nearly all Americans deal with every day.
Given Republicans COMPLETE lack of concern for the environment (or our children’s futures…don’t get me started), the mantra of “Drill Baby Drill” comes out from the right EVERY time gas prices creep up a little bit. EVERY time gas prices creep up, the GOP blames Democrats for overregulation of oil and gas drilling. The GOP presidential candidates today are spouting the same nonsense that was spouted 4 years ago by McCain and Palin in during the 2008 campaign. The facts of oil and gas exploration and drilling under Obama don’t support the same old GOP rhetoric, however.
U.S. domestic oil production declined steadily for over 25 years…until early 2009, when U.S. production began to increase. Hmmm…what happened in early 2009? Oh yes, that’s right, that’s when Obama took office. NO, I’m definitely NOT saying there’s a direct correlation. However, it IS quite laughable to hear Republicans talk about Obama as being some evil mastermind behind rising gas prices, when it is under his administration that domestic oil production has risen for the first time in a generation.
The rise has more to do with technological improvements in oil access, and discoveries of new fields such as in North Dakota, than it does with politics. In fact, there’s VERY little a sitting U.S. President can do to control oil prices. U.S. domestic production is a drop in the bucket on the global market. We could open up the Arctic Slope National Wildlife Refuge for drilling, we could dramatically decrease regulation of drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, we could wring EVERY LAST DROP of oil from American lands…and the impact on global markets still wouldn’t significantly alter the prices you pay at the pump.
Global demand for oil is rising, particularly in the booming Asian economies of China and India. The people and countries of the Middle East seem hell-bent on self-destruction. These are issues a sitting U.S. President has little control over, and are the MAIN reasons why oil prices have risen so sharply.
“Drill Baby Drill” may sound like a “winner” to GOP candidates. Given the utter ignorance of most Americans, “Drill Baby Drill” also WILL resonate on the campaign trail. But we’re already increasing domestic oil production during the Obama Administration, and prices have continued to rise.
Just remember, GOP, your turn is coming. The next time a Republican is in the White House, gas prices will continue to rise. What will be your excuse then? Also realize, ignorant American voter, the ONLY thing “Drill Baby Drill” is going to get you are locally devastated environments where your children and MANY subsequent generations won’t even be able to drink the water or breathe the air without serious health consequences.
Try looking at the actual facts behind U.S. domestic oil production, global oil prices, and the price you pay at the pump, before blaming one party or one president.
