Here we go again
Okay, so no conservative worthy of the label is happy about John McCain's presidential candidacy. But just when angry Americans reacted to the gasoline price tipping point of four dollars per gallon, just when Barack Obama's silly tire pressure energy policy has been exposed, just when majorities of residents in California, Alaska, and every Gulf state demand offshore drilling -- the wheels fall off.
The best issue McCain has in the upcoming election has just been knee-capped by five "moderate" Republican senators.
This is deplorable because voter discontent over high gas prices has given conservative candidates nationwide a boost in tough races. Obama is now being pressured into an energy debate, a debate in which he will not be able to explain his shifting and confused policy proposals. Now, it may not matter.
"Bipartisan" means Democrat Party gain
This past Friday, the usual RINO suspects - Senators Lindsey Graham, John Thune, Saxby Chambliss, Bob Corker and Johnny Isakson - along with five Senate Democrats, announced a "sweeping" and "bipartisan" energy bill to break Washington's energy "stalemate." Hardly. But they did aid and abet Obama and every anti-drilling Democrat in Congress.
"The scheme intends to pay for all this in part by raising taxes on us - and on oil companies."
Obama is tickled over the weakling Republican sellout because it is a Democrat Party dream:
New oil and gas production on offshore federal lands is left to state legislatures, and then in only four coastal states;
The regulatory hurdles are huge;
The plan bans drilling within 50 miles of the coast -- putting off limits some of the most productive areas;
The postage-stamp-sized drill site in Alaska's vast, oil-rich Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is still off-limits;
Giveaways are planned to the tune of $84 billion in tax credits, subsidies and federal handouts for alternative fuels and renewable energies; and
The scheme intends to pay for all this in part by raising taxes on us - and on oil companies, thereby assuring a devastating hit on America's economy and guaranteeing a reduction in energy exploration.
On hearing about the proposal, Obama was giddy with happiness while McCain was left to mumble why he, of all people, wasn't more enthusiastic about a "bipartisan" effort on energy, especially one that includes "drilling."
Harm enough to spread around
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has been hung out to dry. McConnell worked tirelessly to stem GOP losses this fall and deny a filibuster-proof Democrat Senate. His efforts to highlight Democrat opposition to drilling has kept energy in the news and laid the groundwork for GOP candidates to use the issue to their advantage.
All that good work has now been lost.
Vulnerable Democrat Party incumbents, both congressional and gubernatorial, are stronger now against their pro-drilling opponents in the upcoming elections. Vulnerable Republicans, both congressional and gubernatorial, have had to back off their strong energy arguments. Instead of fighting on their energy merits, they now run the risk of losing elections.
And oh, by the way ... Not one of the five "moderate" Republicans who sold out for this travesty is facing a tough election this year. Senator Lindsey Graham is supposed to be a great friend of John McCain. Perhaps "Maverick" McCain is now reaping what he has sown.
These five palsied senators, so-called Republicans, have done much to ensure a veto-proof Democrat Party Senate majority, America's first true socialist president, tax increases, and at best, an anemic economy for years to come. If only they had the fortitude and vision of the House's conservative Republicans who are still battling with Nancy Pelosi, demanding energy and drilling debates.
If only.