At the beginning of this month, Obama actually talked about a Compromise regarding his stance on Off-shore drilling.
'My interest is in making sure we've got the kind of comprehensive energy policy that can bring down gas prices,' Obama said..."
"'If, in order to get that passed, we have to compromise in terms of a careful, well thought-out drilling strategy that was carefully circumscribed to avoid significant environmental damage - I don't want to be so rigid that we can't get something done,' Obama said."
Not only does this show his focus on alternative fuels and power sources, it shows his absolute willingness to work "across the aisle" to compromise with Republicans to get things done for the people.
For this, I have great respect.
In addition, he:
Voted YES on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025
Voted YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Sponsored bill for tax credit for providing 85% ethanol gas.
Sponsored bill to notify public when nuclear releases occur.
Rated 100% by the CAF, indicating support for energy independence.
According to his Voting Record.
Obama On The Issues
Obama has a stable history and record of being concerned about the Environment and working for environmental protection.
His efforts on behalf of the environment have been so consistent and comprehensive, in fact, that LCV and the Sierra Club endorsed Obama in his bid for Congress this year over half a dozen other Democrats competing in the primary. Last month, the LCV named him a 2004 Environmental Champion, one of 18 sitting and prospective members of Congress to receive the award.
Obama is "by far one of the most compelling and knowledgeable politicians on the environment I've ever sat in a room with," Mark Longabaugh, senior vice president for political affairs at LCV, told Muckraker. "I've been playing national politics for more than 20 years and I quite literally can't remember one person I've met -- even on a national level -- who was more in command of facts, more eloquent, and more passionate on these issues than Sen. Obama."
John McCain has some good ideas, too, like offering tax incentives to people who buy zero carbon emission cars. I wish I could afford one.
For me, he is a bit too eager to expand our domestic drilling program without what I consider to be reasonable restrictions. I am concerned that,
unless it is specifically spelled out, lifting the ban on drilling will cause ecological damage that is not being taken into consideration fully. So,
I'm hesitant to back his energy plan. According to McCain's Voting Record, he:
Voted NO on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025
Voted YES on defunding renewable and solar energy.
Rated 17% by the CAF, indicating opposition to energy independence.
Rated 53% by the LCV, indicating a mixed record on environment.
McCain On The Issues
These 2 men are running for president. I think it's VERY important to look at their voting records of the past as well as their promises for our future.
