As a Canuck, you might be surprised to learn I watch your politics with earnest. Just as you have stupid politicians, so do we <g>.
However, I think that the release of the Strategic Oil Reserve was a STUPID move. I am not insulting Americans when I say that most folks don't think about what will happen a few months down the road, never mind next week.
The reality is that the distribution network, in the US, Canada, or New Guinea can only handle so much product at a time.
What, pray tell, is the sense of appeasing the American people by saying, "Hey, we've got extra oil, so let's use it up right away!"
Releasing the Strategic Oil Reserve was a political maneuvre intended to show that the Democrats have compassion. BUT, IN FACT, the oil in the Reserve won't get to you any quicker than any of the other oil in the world. The distribution network is over-loaded.
(You can only fit so-many Eskimos in a Volkswagen, if you get my meaning.)
What happens if the Middle East flares up and war breaks out? The Strategic Oil Reserve is intended for military use, not domestic consumption. If the Middle East were to declare war on the United States and cut off the oil supply, what happens if the American people have pissed away the Strategic Reserve?
What happens if the price of oil goes up to $40. a barrel instead of $30.?
By using the Strategic Reserve, the Americans will be using oil purchased at maybe $25. a barrel and replacing it with oil that might cost $40. a barrel by the time it is replenished.
Plus, the Strategic Reserve would only satisfy domestic needs for about a month. So, Americans get a month of relief and then they're back to the same old thing.
Bush's knocking Gore on the Strategic Reserve was well-founded and well-informed.
With all due respect.
canuck-l-head |
