In response to comments.....

Thanks for posting your point of view Anonymous (see comments to previous post). As a clarification, based on statistics posted by the US Energy Information Administration, between 1982-2007 Alaska crude oil production accounted for as much as 24.78% (1989) and as little as 14.52% (2007) of the total crude oil produced in the US (on and offshore); not 20% of what the US consumes. You may have meant this in your comment, but I just wanted to clarify this point. US EIA website

As US oil consumption has increased the amount produced here (US) is less and less significant to our overall use. We don't have the reserves to significantly improve on this and anything tapped today is roughly 10 years away from the pumps. One question, can we continue our rate of consumption and not harm the humans, (i.e. the basic needs to sustain human life), for generations yet to come? Clean air, clean water, and unpolluted places to live. I'm pretty sure at this is point (sadly) the rest of the species aren't a part of this picture for most people. Although caribou are delicious and worth keeping around.

If our country must continue over-consumption, why not move toward renewable sources of energy? Aren't we more progressive than in 1973? Why not? Do you think a United States leading the way in renewable resources is a positive way to move from foreign sources and toward a cleaner environment? Creating jobs, advancing education and boosting the economy?

As I stated in my original post, I'm only asking people to think critically about their vote, the candidates, and our country. I'm not looking for an argument here, just want to urge the general public to think. Anonymous, we obviously differ in our opinions but I thank you for your input.

I certainly don't know all there is to know about either side of the crazy two party system we have and never claimed to. A politician is a politician and that will probably never change. It seems we all need to do some serious thinking before November. What are the most important issues to you, the US citizen? Which candidate speaks to your concerns and why? How important is National and International experience? World politics? The war? The economy?

In response to the second comment, I'm not sure what fuel and food prices are where you live but I paid over $5.00 per gallon of gas this summer and $7.00 for a gallon of milk. Funny we should produce crude oil in AK but pay the highest fuel prices in the country. Makes a person ride their bike more or drive less, which aren't bad things. I should ride more anyway. So yes, the Alaska Resource Rebate was helpful and most people I know plan on using it for heat/gas this winter. Thank you Governor Palin and Alaska State Legislature. I am putting mine towards a battery bank, inverter, and solar panel system. According to the information posted by Anonymous 1, passing pipeline legislation certainly didn't rest on Biden's vote or no vote 35 years ago but our country could depend on your vote in November.