[oneijoe]

I believe each American should have basic health coverage, whether they choose a one payer system or choose their own plan. I believe in progressive taxation. I believe dialogue and diplomacy, even with "enemies" is a necessary and vital aspect of foreign policy. I believe "drill, baby, drill" is not an energy policy, but rather a crude oil heroin fix, short sighted at best, irresponsible at worst. I believe, with Emerson, that "foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds"... of course, policies evolve, get tweaked and the like as they move through different stages of evolution.

Do you also subscribe to O's opinion on strict progressive limits on carbon emissions for utilities ? If so...the coal-based economy in this part of the country will dry up because electric utilities won't be able to burn coal profitably. When that happens, VERY LITTLE will be left in EKY to allow origination of wealth.

"Drill baby drill" refers to more than searching for domestic sources of oil. It also refers to producing native NATURAL GAS. Fortunately for EKY, NG is almost as plentiful here as is coal.

A little dose of reality for you. It is NOT YET POSSIBLE to provide the electricity needs of this country using "renewable sources". While I agree we need to progress towards that goal long term (30-50 yrs), we can't lose sight of our needs in the immediate future (now - 30 yrs).

The U.S. has enough NG and coal reserves to supply this country's needs for more than 300 years. I can't understand why Obama is against using them (vs. foreign oil) until our energy needs can be met with nuclear, solar, and wind sources. Natural gas is 80% cleaner burning than oil. It makes no sense why he doesn't put it CENTER STAGE.