Let's solve the oil spill problem first, THEN move on with new exploration. Or, we can risk a second "spill." How would that work out for "big oil"?

Editor's notes: regarding this mess in the Gulf, it is apparent that the issue of drilling for oil in the "off shore" has been complicated and, for the time being, it is good that it is. The comments from the Washington Post (below) present a few of the issues that need to be considered before drilling off shore moves on to its next chapter. Of course we need oil and we need oil from off shore drilling. Of course, oil is not an "addiction," it is a source of energy that is needed by this country (and others) in the development of its economy. Of course, alternative sources need to be developed (hydro, natural gas, cleaner burning coal). The transition from oil to the three sources mentioned will take forty years or more, we are told. Midknight Review believes that this transition to hydro, natural gas and cleaner burning coal may take the better part of a century because of the anti-industrial environmentalist radicals crowd. In fact, unless and until radical environmentalism is given the critical review that it so richly deserves, we may never solve our energy supply problems.

Out here in California, the socialist radical Marxist capitol of the world, the social justice and radicalized environmentalist campaigns have driven this state over the edge of financial destruction. If you do not live in California, you have no idea just how bad things are in this state. The energy "crisis" that has handcuffed this state's productivity and industrial expansion is man made. There is NO ENERGY CRISIS in Californian. It is all by the design of the Big Government, pro Marxist, crowd. The environmentalist enemy has prevented the construction of dams, water basins, canals, and below-ground water table replenishment systems for nearly 40 years. We cannot develop desalination facilities, converting sea water into fresh water. We cannot run windmills for fear of killing a few birds. We cannot deforest our uncultivated land, preferring the uncontrollable summer burn season the rest of the nations reads about each and every year. We cannot construct systems that collect fresh water (rain and snow) into specially constructed basins that infuse this fresh water back into the underground water supplies. Wells, for example, that were 40 feet deep 45 years ago, are 200 - 300 feet deep today, in many areas of the state. No concern for "affordability" comes to mind with those who pass energy legislation and, so, residential energy bills will average $350 on the cheap side to $1000 a month or more on the comfortable side. Understand that "cheap" translates to 85 degree settings for the house, lots of fans, and washing our clothes after midnight to avoid power outages. Rather than build a stinking dam, PG&E comes up with the great idea of "unplugging your appliances." This "communist" run company actually runs TV ads that propose to teach the citizens of the state on how to save on their monthly energy bills: DON 'T USE ANY ENERGY is the primary message of these commercials. Duh !!! How intelligent is that? OF COURSE YOU SAVE MONEY ON ENERGY IF YOU DON'T USE ANY ENERGY. That "stupid gene" we talk about? Well, it is a major factor in the creation of "new and innovative" energy ideas, out here on the Left Coast. In fact, one wonders how these idiots learned to walk upright AND pass legislation all in the same lifetime.

But, back to the oil issue. Midknight Review understands and admits to the need to figure out what happened in the Gulf before we move on with new construction and exploration. Understand that there are intelligent people who fear that if this oil "leak" (Hey !!! 2 million gallons a day is no 'leak') is not brought under control within the next two weeks, we may may never stop the flow. It is to "big oil's" best interest to solve this problem at all levels before running the risk of creating a second and concurrent problem. Could you imagine how much damage could be done with a second and similar leak? "Big oil" would never drill again, anywhere, anyhow. And Midknight Review would lead the charge !!! Partisan politics needs to take a breath. We have to have oil. No matter what you think of oil, it is that which makes the wheels go round - for the time being. The fact remains, however, that a second major oil "leak" anywhere off our coasts would spell the end of new off-shore pursuits. No other single source of energy is more needed and more destructive to the environment. If increased supplies of hydro-energy, cleaner burning coal and [especially] natural gas will solve the problems oil exploration and drilling cause, let's double down and get after "the program." ---- jds.

The Post article, adds to our opinion with some info regarding the political issues involved;

From the Washington Post and Dan Eggen:

The calamity illustrates the overwhelming influence of oil on the politics of Louisiana and other Gulf states, in which lawmakers of both parties have generally maintained enthusiastic support for offshore drilling in defense of one of the region's bedrock industries. In Louisiana, the sector provides more than 300,000 jobs and handles about a quarter of the oil and natural gas consumed in the United States, according to industry estimates.

The oil business strongly favors delegations from key Gulf states in its campaign contributions. Lawmakers from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama received an average of $100,000 from oil and gas companies and their employees in the past three years, according to data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics and analyzed by The Washington Post. That compares with $30,000 for lawmakers from other states.

Local Republican and Democratic politicians say they try to balance the interests of the industry and of conservationists while being mindful of the central role the region plays in supplying oil and gas to the rest of the nation. Many gulf area lawmakers also say BP must be held responsible for the economic impact of the spill on the commercial fishing and seafood industry, which has come to a halt because of the disaster.

"We need to find that balance between 'drill, baby, drill' and 'spill, baby, spill,' " Melancon said in an interview. "We need to figure what it is that needs to be done so we can move forward."

But Michael Brune, executive director of the Sierra Club, said many elected officials in the Gulf states "have very close, cozy ties with the oil and gas industry. That habit is hard to break even when disaster is staring them in the face."

The Deepwater Horizon rig, leased by London-based BP and owned by Transocean of Switzerland, suffered an explosion on April 20 about 50 miles southeast of Venice, La., killing 11. The spill has poured tens of thousands of barrels of oil into the gulf.

The disaster has prompted growing pressure from environmental groups and some Democratic lawmakers to slow or halt the pace of oil exploration along the coastal United States. Last week, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar halted offshore drilling permits and canceled hearings -- including some scheduled in Virginia -- until officials complete a review of the incident.