Letters to the Editor for Friday, July 11, 2008

Published: July 10, 2008

Do the oil-supply math, writer argues
For all those interested in solving our energy crisis, and in particular, the enormous run up in prices unparalled in our history, the mantra of “Drill, Baby Drill” rings exceptionally hollow in light of the actual facts of our situation.

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If you add all the untapped oil reserves available to the United States from its own self-contained resources, you would come up with between 2-3% of the known world’s resources. That’s adding in ANWR, off shore and everywhere.

Now add in the fact that we use 25 percent of the world’s yearly output. Our own government’s energy information agency and other oil industry analysts agree that tapping into all our known untapped reserves would garner little more than a drop in the bucket towards our actual use, which is the main driving force of our current costs.

While it might be true that some ease in this scenario might have been realized by increased refinement capacity, all of that capacity would have been erased by the emerging economies of China and India. If we started today and went wide open for drilling and production, which would take 10 years to receive the benefits of, we are dealing with an ever-dwindling supply and growing need. Thankfully, there are a number of technologies already invented and in use in other countries, that can save us from this dilemma, and cure, or greatly reduce carbon emissions. It is time we get our heads pulled out of the Saudi sand and propose solutions that can solve, rather than exacerbate, a whole host of difficulties associated with oil. We cannot have an oil-free future by tomorrow, but I would rather invest the next 10 years in an actual solution. The pain of that kind of transformation will be tiny in comparison to the ludicrous path of “Drill Baby, Drill.”
MICHAEL A. WHORLEY
Lynchburg

Why the slams?
It is a puzzlement why many, maybe most, Republicans believe their best strategy for winning the upcoming presidential election is to issue e-mails and write columns like the one printed in The News & Advance on July 6 in which columnist Charles Krauthammer slams Barack Obama’s evolution as a presidential candidate.

Perhaps, Mr. Krauthammer could have used his energy and journalistic talents to extol the virtues of his own candidate.

I expect we will continue to see both candidates adjust their positions on most issues as they have access to more data, and as the various situations evolve.

Thank goodness. I suspect this nation is looking for a charismatic, articulate leader, one who aspires to the highest standards, and who inspires us to follow suit. No matter who wins this fall, he will need to alter his position on numerous issues — these are the dynamics necessary in this supremely complex world order. I respect both John McCain and Obama, but come November, I will vote for Obama.
KAY PUTNEY GANTT
Lynchburg

A terrific Fourth
To the staff at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill Memorial, my family and I would say thanks for a terrific Fourth of July celebration.

We arrived early and were able to spend some time wandering the grounds after the brief rain shower. My kids especially enjoyed making nails in the blacksmith shop with Matt and Trey Killmon. I think my wife liked talking with the ladies in the kitchen. (Who knew you could roast a turkey on a string?) My personal favorite was the famous speech delivered by Patrick Henry’s sixth-great-grandson. He was very gracious and allowed anyone who wanted to take a picture or ask questions. Also, I’ve seen many firework displays in our area over the years, but I’ve never seen one as good as yours.

Congratulations to all of your volunteers on a job well done! We will be back for sure.
PETE PAGE
Lynchburg