Path to Prosperity or Road to Ruin?by
Suzann Darnall
That is the choice voters must make in November 2012. Do we move back to the values and practices that made us the most powerful and successful nation on the planet? Or, do we keep spiraling ever further down into the pit of despair using the guidance system mapped out by Obama and the Far Left?
When Obama took office on 20 January 2009, the price of a gallon of gas was $1.84. Two years ago, on 7 March 2010, it was $2.75. Last year, 7 March 2011, it was $3.51. And, yesterday, 7 March 2012, it was $3.76. In some areas, the price of gas has risen a penny a day over the past month. Is this how Obama paves the road to prosperity? By littering it with ever increasing gas receipts? Is he trying to single-handedly shove us off our highways and onto footpaths or bike-lanes? Not because we choose to walk or cycle, but because we will ne unable to afford any other mode of transport?
I don't think my idea of a prospering America includes gas prices that have more than doubled in just over three years. Does yours?
I also don't think prosperity looks like cutting a check to northwest wind energy companies for NOT producing during peak times of both wind and water excess as winter thaws and March winds coincide.
Why are Obama and others on the Left calling for releases from oil reserves, asking Saudis to up production, suggesting we help Brazilian expand their oil production, but not increasing ease of accessing our own energy resources here in America?
Could it be that Obama and the Far Left really do want to push us over the precipice and destroy our ability to ever be energy independent? Do they want to eliminate fossil fuels from our energy grid that much? Looks like it to me!
In 2008 Obama, talking about coal-powered electric plants, said, "If they want to build [coal plants], they can, but it will bankrupt them." He also said, "Under my plan of a cap and trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket."
Then, just this past Tuesday he was confronted Fox reporter Ed Henry, "Your critics will say on Capitol Hill that you want gas prices to go higher because you have said before that will wean the American people off fossil fuels onto renewable fuels. "How do you respond to that?" The president, in a rather sneering derogatory manner responded, "Ed, just from a political perspective, do you think the President of the United States going into re-election wants gas prices to go up higher? Is that - [turning to the rest of the press corps] is there anybody here who thinks that makes a lot of sense? Look, here's the bottom line with respect to gas prices: I want gas prices lower because they hurt families."
But, everything Obama says or does shows that he does not want lower energy costs. Nor does his administration. Case in point, Energy Secretary Steven Chu! The majority of their comments tend to indicate the reverse. They want rising energy costs and further dependence on foreign sources as opposed to making use of our resources here at home.
In December 2008, when he was Energy Secretary designate, Chu said, "Somehow we have to figure put how to boost the price of gasoline to the levels in Europe." Gas prices at that time in Europe were averaging about $8. Now they are around $10. Yes, that's right! Obama's Energy Secretary wants to triple our gas prices. Do any of us really believe he is advocating this idea without the knowledge and at least tacit consent of Obama?
Obama and this administration are trying to take credit for increased oil production, but this is all production progress that was begun under the previous administration. And, it is taking place on private or state lands, where the federal anti-oil policies have limited impact.
The reality of the Obama energy policy continues to be such landmark decisions as giving $2billion to Brazil to produce their oil, denying approval to the Keystone XL pipeline, further EPA regulations, slowed-to-a-standstill drilling approval process, and the list just keeps on coming. Add to this his deep love affair with alternative energy and the green machine dream of the Far Left. Their outrageous idea of crony capitalism or government market selection gambling is not a path to prosperity or energy independence. How many failures like Solyndra and the Chevy Volt does it take to make the greenies realize that free market capitalism makes much more sense in picking winners and losers?
Meanwhile, down here in Texas, over the weekend, I saw a beacon of hope. Real hope! A light shining across the dismal landscape that Obama's change has wrought on America. I am talking about real light, too. The light created by the flames of natural gas wells. Let me tell you a little bit abut what prosperity looks like down here in Texas.
Prosperity is the sight of burning flames as natural wells are being sunk. Prosperity is a row of tractor trailers lined up for loading . . . at 8pm in the evening. Prosperity is a small community with new motels, due to the influx of business. Prosperity is seeing a community that last year looked run-down, with fresh coats of paint, active businesses, and updated signs. Prosperity is a billboard offering $5000 signing bonuses. Prosperity is restaurant after restaurant with parking lots filled with cars. Prosperity is Texas going back to work to provide energy for America!
Seeing those flames, those lit signs, and those truck headlights was like having bright spots scattered throughout the gloom created by the EPA and Dept of Energy shutting down access to America's natural resources. Those flames are putting Americans to work for products that Americans want right now. It is home grown energy. It is a lamp to light our way to prosperity . . . if we are wise enough to make the choice in November 2012 that will allow the lighting to continue.
In 2012 we must choose the right and choose the light! Otherwise we will be mired in the murkiness of Obama's failed policies, heading down a road to ruin with nothing to provide even a spark of hope to show the way back to prosperity. A road I believe to most assuredly to not be paved with good intentions, but paved merely with socialistic world views that deny freedom of choice to all in the Far Left's quest for control.
© Suzann C. Darnall, MARCH 2012, San Marcos, Texas
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