CTA rarely deviates from its pro free market message regarding smoking bans, however; this issue is one that affects every American consumer and voter.
U.S. Democratic lawmakers blocked any attempts by Republican lawmakers to allow exploration and drilling of domestic oil sources........thereby insuring a serious supply shortage of domestic oil, and subsequent increased fuel prices at the pump. To add insult to injury, Democratic lawmakers then call for a Capitol Hill recess, ensuring that free market exploration is dead for another session. Not to mention the fact that the Democratic policy of no new U.S. oil production means we will continue to be enslaved by foreign oil.
This move was a gross miscalculation by Democrats. Failing to understand that Democrats as well as Republicans are equally raped at the gas pump these days, Democratic lawmakers seem hell bent to cut off the supply of fuel in some warped, delusional belief that we'll all dispose of our combustion engine cars and immediately purchase an electric vehicle. Nevermind the fact that the technology for such a pipe dream is decades away.
Rather than see the glass as half empty, I applaud this move by Democrats. It's an absolute gift to Republicans and free market enthusiasts to make such a bold manuever prior to elections. Every Republican in every election and locale needs to capitalize on this anti-energy tactic put forth by Democrats as the very reason Democrats must not be elected to any position in 2008.
Tired of $4.00+ / gallon gasoline? Republicans are the party trying to increase domestic supply, Democrats on the other hand block such efforts, and eventually are Absent Without Leave.
According to this story, Pelosi and congressional Democrats think voters are too stupid to blame the shortage of domestic oil and high gasoline prices on their party who plan to further blockade any vote to increase domestic drilling.
"....Democratic insiders said that Pelosi and other party leaders were “not rattled” by the GOP floor rebellion, and at this point, it’s not clear if the Democrats will even pay a (political) price on energy....."
"....There is no crisis on our side of the aisle,” a top House Democratic leadership aide said. “We have a plan (block any future domestic drilling for oil which would otherwise decrease gasoline prices), and we will stick to it....."
Update: 2 hours after writing this post B. Hussein Obama announces he may be willing to allow limited domestic drilling. This guy will do or say anything to get elected depending on the polls. Example: All during his brief career Obama has been extremist, rabid anti-second amendment; but after the recent pivotal Supreme Court ruling he does an about face saying he believes the Second Amendment does allow Americans the right to bear arms. In reality he doesn't and he never will, this guy is an empty suit who will do or say anything to get elected, if elected however; it can be assured he will turn back to his socialist, anti-free market, anti-Constitutional ways.
Additionally, bringing this issue full circle; Democrats support and implement smoking bans 3 to 4 times more often than than their free market Republican counterparts. For proof one need only look at B. Hussein Obama's PR campaign consultant GMMB which admittedly only supports Democrats, and names Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's front organization (CTFK) among its clients.
To learn more about the pop sensation that is Barack H. Obama read the new best selling book Obama Nation.