Nancy Pelosi now says she’d be open to a vote on offshore drilling. (PHOTO CREDIT: AP PHOTO)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has changed her mind when it comes to allowing a vote on offshore drilling.
Until now, Pelosi has called the idea a "hoax" and has refused to allow it to come to the floor for a vote, but now she's suggesting she'd be open to just that. But there are strings… lots and lots of strings.
Pelosi says a vote on offshore drilling would have to be part of a larger energy package that included things like releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Pelosi indicated that she might even back a package that includes drilling – if things like renewable energy resources are also included. Plus orthodontic work for her grandchildren.
As Americans got hammered with record high gas prices this summer, Republicans have been pushing hard for a vote to lift the ban on offshore drilling. Some Republicans even stayed in Washington during the summer recess to continue to demand the vote. It's one of the few issues the American people seem to agree with the Republicans on – which is why Pelosi decided to change her mind. It changes with the wind direction and the wind on offshore drilling began blowing against her. A recent poll shows 69% of Americans favor offshore drilling, just 30% oppose it.
Pelosi is following in the footsteps of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, who also recently reversed his position on the issue – saying he'd be open to drilling if it's part of a larger energy package. And John McCain also opposed offshore drilling before changing his mind and supporting it, too. Don't you love how they all stand firm on their principles?
Here’s my question to you: Should the ban on offshore drilling be lifted?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Steve from Atlanta writes:
Don't lift the ban. The American people support it because they want cheaper gas. People rarely can see beyond their bank accounts. What's best for the future is to have high gas prices and move towards alternative energy. Cheaper gas doesn't accomplish that. We elect leaders to do what's best for society long-term, not what makes the whining masses happy short- term.
Vicki from Overland Park, Kansas writes:
The ban on offshore drilling should be lifted after the oil companies prove that there is no oil on the sites they already lease. Also, they should agree to build new refineries and agree to not sell the oil to other countries.
Lisse from Tucson, Arizona writes:
Read this week's New Yorker. Offshore drilling will provide 18 months of oil in what is a world market... Worth it?
Ken writes:
Just where are we going to drill offshore for oil? Within the palatial estate views of the power elite or where we second class citizens live? You can bet your Benjamins on this answer!
Russ from Illinois writes:
Yes, Jack, it should be lifted, providing it's part of a larger plan for renewable energy and if the president releases oil from the reserves. The Dems are giving ground and now it's time for the Republicans to give a little as well.
Tim from Vero Beach, Florida writes:
Dear Jack, No, it shouldn't be lifted. The black goop is destroying our environment, save what is left for grease. We need electric vehicles now. We hate the oil companies and the oil men who keep slithering their way into the White House, Congress and the Senate and we've had enough.
Stephen from Pensacola, Florida writes:
Lift the ban, if you want to permanently destroy Florida's housing market: Imagine the rush to buy Gulf Front, Drilling Rig View condominiums.