Misfiring Neurons

Why I am ashamed to be a Republican

So I was reading on CNN today that the majority of federal land being leased to oil exploration and drilling companies sits unused while the administration pushes usage of new public areas such as ANWR. I also read that these companies were paying two to three dollars per acre for this land and using it to pad the books for valuation purposes. While I usually err on side of caution when it comes to information from CNN, certain facts here are just not refutable. While I don't think this amounts to an oil company land grab; I do believe that is nothing more than giving these companies access to the low hanging fruit. Why should they invest the money exploring the existing lands when they can go and cherry pick these easy pockets of oil? It is in most businesses nature to try to maximize their profit, so I can't blame them for this behavior. It is up to us our elected leaders to carry a torch of social responsibility, and I think this is another instance of us being let down.

posted by Barry @ 3:13 PM