Super User Muddy Posted February 12, 2009 Super User Posted February 12, 2009 Research is a lot more than wishing.
Super User Long Mike Posted February 12, 2009 Super User Posted February 12, 2009 If you think that the U.S. is becoming completely dependent on foreign oil, you need to do a little research on what assets that we have available, but are off limits because of the alarmists. Has anyone heard of the Bakken formation? Most geologists are saying that it has more potential than the North Slope. Oil is our only short term alternative. Drill we must.
preach4bass Posted February 12, 2009 Posted February 12, 2009 I think we should take a two-part approach. Start researching alternatives now. This would create a lot of jobs, which Americans need. But, while we're researching alternatives, we need to remember that while Kenedy set a goal to put a man on the moon he didn't quit walking on the earth until it happened. Oil is what we use right now, and for the forseeable future. So, while we're researching alternatives, I think we should drill in America. This would create even more jobs in America, which again, we need right now. It would also lessen, and potentially end, our dependence on oil that comes from countries that don't like us very much. I don't understand why most people believe this is a one way or the other situation. Why can't we do both? Research now! Drill now! That sounds like the most viable option for both our present and our future.
Big Tom Posted February 12, 2009 Posted February 12, 2009 I don't understand why most people believe this is a one way or the other situation. Why can't we do both? Research now! Drill now! That sounds like the most viable option for both our present and our future. The main problem I have with this is that I do not feel like alternatives are being researched as much or taken as seriously as they need to be. I feel like some (those in charge) would rather make more money off of the exploitation of people and resources now. It seems to me like we sometimes lose track of the fact we are not the only people that will be here. I think overall, we should start taking some responsibility so this earth is still a decent place for those that come after us.
preach4bass Posted February 12, 2009 Posted February 12, 2009 I don't understand why most people believe this is a one way or the other situation. Why can't we do both? Research now! Drill now! That sounds like the most viable option for both our present and our future. The main problem I have with this is that I do not feel like alternatives are being researched as much or taken as seriously as they need to be. quote] No offense Big Tom, but you sound like a politician! ;D I just said that we should research alternatives as a part of a two-part solution. Your response completely ignored that point and focused soely on the oil drilling. Again, why can't we do both?
Big Tom Posted February 12, 2009 Posted February 12, 2009 I am no politician. I'm just a cynical college kid that reads too much. I didn't mean to come off in a way that seemed to crap on your opinion. I apologize if it seemed that way. I think we can find commonality in that the current system ain't cutting it.
Super User Muddy Posted February 12, 2009 Super User Posted February 12, 2009 Again, why can't we do both? Because It would splt already depleted resources.Mike said it best that the oil companies know where it is. Let them use thier huge resources to drill for it.
Super User SirSnookalot Posted February 12, 2009 Super User Posted February 12, 2009 Glenn has this right. In addition to crude futures, there are gasoline futures as well. There have been refinery issues . Tankers are not unloading crude because they are waiting for prices to rise. A lot of this has to do with building projects in countries like Dubai that are basing construction on $120 oil. They need $$ and the price will rise for sure. As far as drilling goes Americans will not see as much benefit as they think. Oil is sold on world market and China and India will pay whatever price. You don't think Exxon -Mobil will sell oil to us for $40 if they can get $100. I like to pay less at the pump like anyone else, especially in this harsh economic environment. The reality is cost inflated over the last 20 years or so would put gas well over $3.00 a gallon, also many autos today are getting double the mileage they did 25 years ago. We lay out a smaller percentage of our income on fuel than we did years ago. Once this economy turns around and energy prices start rising a good strategy is to buy energy funds to hedge against the pump. I've done this and it works. I spent 35 years in the commodities biz, not oil, but's all the same. Just my take on what's going.
Super User SirSnookalot Posted February 12, 2009 Super User Posted February 12, 2009 Alternate energy is the only answer ( we also need to learn how to make plastics without using petroleum) Google Sweeden and see what they are doing with hydrogen, it's fantastic. Brazil uses sugar cane for ethanol with great success. The United Staes is way behind the curve.
Super User cart7t Posted February 12, 2009 Super User Posted February 12, 2009 - Refineries have been cutting jobs, and thus production. That means there is less gas on the market, and consumers are seeing that at the pump. Indeed. I got 50000 news all mentioning the cuts in productions until price recovers. Also the stimulus plan isn't helping the price of oil. :-X But the stimulus plan is sending the stocks up for other industries as well. : Yes, sure wouldn't want big oil to lose a drop of the billions in profits they've been raking in the past couple years by paying some workers during a slow season. Just an example of why fuel should probably be nationalized the same as electricity. In this case, lots of folks out of work these days who can't afford $2 a gallon gas forced to pay it as they're out looking for a job. Yep, big oil doing the American thing all right, high prices were always completely out of their control. >
preach4bass Posted February 12, 2009 Posted February 12, 2009 Again, why can't we do both? Because It would splt already depleted resources.Mike said it best that the oil companies know where it is. Let them use thier huge resources to drill for it. I agree with you 200% Muddy. I say 200% because not only do I believe the oil companies should use their huge resources to drill for oil in America, I also believe the private sector is who should fund research for alternatives. We, as the American people, do a lot better job than the Government at just about everything else, why not alternative fuel research too? Going back to the oil, I don't think the problem is deciding who should pay for the drilling, I think the problem is getting the tree huggers to agree to the oil companies drill. It would be nice for the government to excuse the private sector, who comes up with a viable alternative, from taxes. But, I don't think businesses should pay taxes at all. I like the flat tax idea, but that is a topic for another thread.
Super User Root beer Posted February 12, 2009 Super User Posted February 12, 2009 You know what funny? People griped about all the cash the oil companies has and yet those people shop at Wal-Mart whom has more revenue then pretty much all the oil companies except for Exxon. Wal-Mart even beat Chevron and few others major players. Maybe Wal-Mart ought give back some of their money. Well, I believe this is my last post and the last thread I will ever read that has to do with oil and gas. It like being on a treadmill sure it fun and consume time, but it gets us no where.
Super User roadwarrior Posted February 12, 2009 Author Super User Posted February 12, 2009 Yep, gone off in a number of tangents. So, let's end it here. Goodnight Irene -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global moderator
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