RUSSIANS TO DRILL IN THE GULF OF MEXICO?

These kinds of stories are disturbing on a multitude of levels. Ask yourself a simple question. Why would a source of oil much closer to the shores of country A be off limits to country A, which is already in dire economic straits, while country B, a traditional cold war enemy of country A be permitted to access that oil?

Country A is the United States and country B is Russia. Via the Washington Times:

The Obama administration is poised to ban offshore oil drilling on the outer continental shelf until 2012 or beyond. Meanwhile, Russia is making a bold strategic leap to begin drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico. While the United States attempts to shift gears to alternative fuels to battle the purported evils of carbon emissions, Russia will erect oil derricks off the Cuban coast.

Offshore oil production makes economic sense. It creates jobs and helps fulfill America's vast energy needs. It contributes to the gross domestic product and does not increase the trade deficit. Higher oil supply helps keep a lid on rising prices, and greater American production gives the United States more influence over the global market.

The Op-ed goes on to explain how Obama wants the United States to shun oil and go green. As we all know, Obama's claims have been that going green is necessary to save planet earth from man-made climate change. If Obama is so concerned about Al Gore's earth saving mission, why would he not raise a stink about Russia not only refusing to get on board with that mission but slapping Al Gore and the United States in the face by doing it in the Gulf of Mexico?

In fact, the likes of Obama and Gore continue to reserve their anger and derision for their own citizens who disagree with them.

Read the whole thing.