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Suncoast Pasco News

Why Not?

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MICHAEL N. MATTIA

Published: May 24, 2008

Editor:

Politicians of all stripes, from national to state to local, are all parroting the current catch phrase, "energy independence," while doing everything in their power to make sure it doesn't happen.

Build additional oil refineries? No, we can't do that. Build additional nuclear electricity-generating plants? No, we can't do that. Drill for oil in 0.1 percent of the Artic National Wildlife Refuge? No, we can't do that. Drill in the eastern Gulf of Mexico? No, we can't do that. Drill off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines? No, we can't do that.

Why not?

The politicians' answer: Environmental Concerns. If these politicians really meant what they say – an oxymoron – then the logical extension of their "environmental" argument would be to shut down every existing oil well, offshore drilling operation; power plant, coal-fired electricity generating station and oil refinery in the country on the chance that an accident might happen.

The incumbent Washington politicians are a major cause of our energy problems and they refuse to become part of the solution. With the protection of campaign finance reform legislation it is virtually impossible to turn them out of office. What better arguments for term limits?

Michael N. Mattia, DDS
Tarpon Springs

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