Why The U.s. Needs To Drill It's Own Reserves, And Keep One Eye Open...

[DYoung]

(CNN) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Thursday he is recalling his own ambassador from Washington and expelling the U.S. ambassador from Venezuela.

President Hugo Chavez said he was making the moves "in solidarity with Bolivia and the people of Bolivia."

"He has 72 hours, from this moment, the Yankee ambassador in Caracas, to leave Venezuela," Chavez told a crowd of supporters.

The president said he was making the moves "in solidarity with Bolivia and the people of Bolivia."

Bolivia's Evo Morales accused the United States Thursday of fomenting a coup d'etat by rich eastern department landowners against him, the country's first Indian president.

"We have seen reports about President Chavez's remarks but have not received any official diplomatic communication," said Gordon Duguid, a State Department spokesman. "Our embassy in Caracas is looking into these reports."

Also Thursday, Chavez accused the United States of having backed a coup plot against him.

"When there's a new government in the United States, we'll send an ambassador," he said. "A government that respects Latin America."

Earlier Thursday, Chavez said he has uncovered a U.S.-backed plot to remove him from power.

"It's the empire that's behind this," he told supporters in a nationally televised address. "They go around looking for a way to stop our revolution and, with it, to strike all the processes of change that are occurring in our Americas, in the Caribbean, in Central America."

Chavez then played a four-minute tape of what he said were conversations among current and retired members of the Venezuelan military discussing whom they could count on to support a movement against the presidential palace.

Chavez, who was briefly detained in a failed 2002 coup attempt, said the former plotters "are the same people involved in this coup attempt. Behind them is the American empire."

But he said the presence of two Russian warplanes on Venezuelan soil for a training exercise "is a warning" to the rest of the world that Venezuela's allies include Russia and other countries.

Chavez added that, should any country in Latin America be overthrown, he would interpret that to be "the green light to undertake military operations of any sort in those countries, and restore power back to the people."

And he had a message for President Bush, beseeching him, to "go wherever you have to go and leave the Latin-American people alone."

He added, "If they kill me, my God, I don't fear for me, but for what comes after."

Oh wait... It get's better-

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- Lawmakers loyal to President Hugo Chavez gave final approval on Thursday to a bill allowing the Venezuelan government to seize total control of the nation's fuel distribution.

Presidents Rafael Correa of Ecuador and Hugo Chavez of Venezuela discussed oil issues last week.

Under the law, distributors including subsidiaries of British Petroleum, Exxon Mobil Corp. and Chevron Corp., will have 60 days to negotiate the sale of their businesses to the government or face expropriation.

The National Assembly, which is controlled by Chavez allies, approved the legislation with a near-unanimous vote. Seven lawmakers belonging to Podemos, the only opposition party represented in the 167-seat assembly, voted against the bill.

The law permits Venezuela's state-run oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela SA, or PDVSA, to take over all wholesale fuel distribution, but allows 67 percent of the country's gas stations to be privately owned. It also forces wholesale distributors to sell storage tanks and gasoline pumps to PDVSA.

Under Chavez, the socialist government has nationalized Venezuela's largest telephone, electricity, steel and cement companies and has assumed majority control over four major oil projects.

Notice the "red" in the clothes, hats and gloves. Coincidence? I think not. <_<

Critics say the move could cause shortages at gas stations because the government is not prepared to take full control over distribution. But Chavez has defended the law, accusing operators of making an easy buck at the country's expense.

Angel Rodriguez, a pro-Chavez lawmaker, said PDVSA plans to spend $325 million to acquire 1,200 fuel transport trucks currently owned by private wholesalers.

The remaining 10 percent is controlled by smaller Venezuelan companies.

Trebol Vice President Orlando Gonzalez said wholesale fuel distributors would cooperate with Chavez's administration as the state takeover proceeds, but they hope to remain active in the business.

"We will continue making alternative proposals to continue operating without being wholesalers," Gonzalez said. "The game isn't over.

________________________________________________________________________________

Why this guy still in power?! With Russian warplanes in his country, and with him threatening to distribute oil at his own discretion, and with Russia controlling much of Europes oil, we need to drill our own here in the U.S., while looking for alternative fueling of our vehicles and homes. Whomever becomes the next President of the United States, is in for a tall order. But hey, if Obama comes into power, expect a Socialist government much like the one in Russia, and now in Venezuela.... Sleep tight tonight, for the world will be a different place tomorrow.....

[theGreatSot]

Thanks for posting those two articles. Both topics I know almost nothing about and would like to know more, I'll have to go do my homework. I've been spending an hour or two a day on CNN for the last 2 months. I just don't think that McCain/Palin are the way to go. I'd rather not see them attack Russia and start WWIII, but I do agree that the US needs to change its dependency on oil in a very major way.

[DYoung]

Thanks for posting those two articles. Both topics I know almost nothing about and would like to know more, I'll have to go do my homework. I've been spending an hour or two a day on CNN for the last 2 months. I just don't think that McCain/Palin are the way to go. I'd rather not see them attack Russia and start WWIII, but I do agree that the US needs to change its dependency on oil in a very major way.

Zac- I agree! We're kind of in a boat that has no direction right now. What frustrates me even more is this-

1. Hurricane Ike may be something that will open the eyes of more Americans. The potential of a Gas shortage has stations boosting prices up by as much as 2.00 OVERNIGHT!!!! It's taken a long time for oil to come down, and in two days time it looks to start climbing and possibly peak once more.

2. We have our reserves here. OPEC has even stated that there is no need for oil to be at 70.00 per barrel!! That's OPEC saying this! They're not stupid. They know that if we even STRAT to drill and build more refineries, that'll put them behind, so what will they be forced to do? Put more oil on th emarket thus, dropping the price per barrel.

3. Oil speculators on the floor at the TYSE and teh NYSE, are driving oil up! There HAS to be a ceiling as it pertains to energy futures. The next President would be wise to enact something that forces these regulators to stop rising fuel costs because someone farted in Saudi Arabia, so oil just got bumped an extra .75 per barrel....

4. A Cold War is coming. This time it won't be Nukes, or the threat of Nuclaer War. The next war will be fought on who controls the most energy, and what they can do with it. Mark my words.....

[TD-1536]

3. Oil speculators on the floor at the TYSE and teh NYSE, are driving oil up! There HAS to be a ceiling as it pertains to energy futures. The next President would be wise to enact something that forces these regulators to stop rising fuel costs because someone farted in Saudi Arabia, so oil just got bumped an extra .75 per barrel....

4. A Cold War is coming. This time it won't be Nukes, or the threat of Nuclaer War. The next war will be fought on who controls the most energy, and what they can do with it. Mark my words.....

The oil speculators are starting to pull out, that's why the price of oil has dropped. It's an unregulated commodity (thanks to Enron) that speculators took advantage of earlier this year. Once the strength of the dollar returned and oil consumption dropped, the price of all commodities has started to drop significantly - even Gold. Congress has sat on their hands about closing that loophole and it needs to be rectified now to prevent this from happening again.

I have my own whacky opinions of what the next four years are going to be like, and it ain't pretty. It's partly why I've been arming myself, stock-pilling and re-evaluating my priorities.

[DYoung]

The oil speculators are starting to pull out, that's why the price of oil has dropped. It's an unregulated commodity (thanks to Enron) that speculators took advantage of earlier this year. Once the strength of the dollar returned and oil consumption dropped, the price of all commodities has started to drop significantly - even Gold. Congress has sat on their hands about closing that loophole and it needs to be rectified now to prevent this from happening again.

I have my own whacky opinions of what the next four years are going to be like, and it ain't pretty. It's partly why I've been arming myself, stock-pilling and re-evaluating my priorities.

That's why it's so imprortant to go out and vote this year! I'm waiting until Americans in general will say, "enough is enough", march onto capital hill and throw those self-rightous idiots on their *****. Some might laugh at that remark, but I think it may come to fruition sooner than people think.... I'm tired of these politicians trying to extend their terms, and taking care of their own backs, instead of watching those Americans the seat that they're currently in.

[Daetrin]

I don't think drilling more is what we need. As seen in Europe cars can easily get 65mpg. Americans just need to be more frugal about the resources we have. We're a very rich country but waste quite a bit.

We need to change our wasteful ways rather than blaming foreigners for our ills.

[Caomhanach]

I don't think drilling more is what we need. As seen in Europe cars can easily get 65mpg. Americans just need to be more frugal about the resources we have. We're a very rich country but waste quite a bit.

We need to change our wasteful ways rather than blaming foreigners for our ills.

Yeh, why have a Hummer just to take the kids to school or get the groceries... Stupid if you ask me so yes the resources are being wasted... Once the silly 'God given right to cheap gas' attitude is ditched and a more reasonable attitude of fuel conservation and better fuel consumption comes about, the better...

Also, the reason the dollar is getting stronger is because of what is happening this side of the pond, but more in reflection of the recession and problems in the Eurozone, this drives the price of the euro down and the dollar up...

[TD-1536]

US consumption is a HUGE problem that many Americans really don't understand the impact of. I HIGHLY recommend you rent/NetFlix the film "The 11th Hour". There is no way you can watch this and not say we are ******. The bottom line is, we consume way too many resources that the Earth can not sustain. As countries like India and China become more like the US, it will reach levels that will cause serious problems... that's probably when that next proverbial "Cold War" for energy will take place.

[Daetrin]

It's already begun. Why do you think China doesn't give a rip about genocide in the Sudan? It wants the oil. Who has some major field development rights in Iraq? China. Who's moving fast into Nigeria? China. Why did the west do nothing when Georgia was invaded by Russia, during the Olympics no less? Because Europe needs the Russian gas.

Americans are asleep at the wheel. The world is changing very fast around us, but most choose not to educate themselves, or pay attention.

Also, many Americans still cling to the delusion that we are the mightiest country in the world, when we're not. Or that we're the sole superpower, when we're not. What's that song from Jethro Tull? "Living in the past..."

[TD-1536]

...Americans are asleep at the wheel. The world is changing very fast around us, but most choose not to educate themselves, or pay attention.

I suspect many are just in denial. It's what I've encountered when I bring these topics up.

[TK-9135]

Ahh... I see you guys are among the thinking!

I get so depressed when I visit the states. We need a turn around, better top brass and better education on what is going on.

Sadly most Americans know more about friggin "American Idol" than world events. ****, most of the kids I met here in the Navy under 23 can't tell you 4 state capitols, much less politics.

[TD-1536]

[Scootch]

Word.

In my opinion China is THE big kid on the block. This communist / socialist stuff is always popping up and once or twice every sixty or so years it heats up into a ****-storm. I get very uncomfortable when I hear these A-hole politicians puke up a bunch of commie agendas. There's something wrong with these people. There's something wrong with 95% of people I see every day driving their small-cox trucks around like it's cool, climbing all over each-other to be next in line for things as trivial as oversized fake ****. I trip out on it.

I agree with you guys about all this stuff. I fear for my boys and I anticipate hordes of "have-nots" coming to get me because instead of being a turd and expecting the government to provide for me I've actually worked hard and written my own ticket in life.

I guess if you find yourself in Bakersfield CA during the apocolypse answere the challenge with your TK-ID's or me and my boys will light you up.

[TD-1536]

...I guess if you find yourself in Bakersfield CA during the apocolypse answere the challenge with your TK-ID's or me and my boys will light you up.

Copy that.

[theGreatSot]

Yeah these Muslims attempting to gain the US presidency scare me. There's something wrong with these people.

Not sure what you're referring to with that statement. Barack Obama is not a Muslim. That's been proven, go look it up.

And even if he was, WHY is that a problem? The Islamic faith constitutes 21% of the world's population (second only to Christianity which makes up 33% and followed closely by non-religious/atheist at 16%). Islamic fundamentalists are like members of the KKK. There are just as many nut-job Christians as there are Islamic terrorists. Don't hold 1.5 billion people accountable for the warped view of a few.

Maybe what we need is a HUGE CHANGE instead of going with what's safe and convenient. We need something big to wake this country up and get it out of the downward spiral that it's currently in. Four more years of the same ******* policies isn't going to get us anywhere quick.

[TD-1536]

^

Agreed.

However, let's not make this a political debate, especially regarding the current presidential election.

Please keep your opinions regarding Obama and McCain to yourself.

[Scootch]

My apologies buddies.....I'm not a hater...really.

[theGreatSot]

^

Agreed.

However, let's not make this a political debate, especially regarding the current presidential election.

Please keep your opinions regarding Obama and McCain to yourself.

Sorry Mike, won't happen again.

[TD-1536]

well,there were some other comments before yours regarding Obama and McCain as well.

BTW - The Dow Jones is down 300 points as I type this. Energy problems aside, our economy and the entire economic system is of larger concern to me. That will be the next big disaster in my opinion.

[theGreatSot]

BTW - The Dow Jones is down 300 points as I type this. Energy problems aside, our economy and the entire economic system is of larger concern to me. That will be the next big disaster in my opinion.

At day's end it is down 504! I totally agree that the major problem we have to address is the economy. I'm pretty convinced that the 'trickle down' model doesn't work... Something's gotta give (hopefully not the stock market, though... I don't want to be waiting in line for bread).

[Scootch]

Me neither bro. You know I've noticed a pattern......kinda been paying attention for a while..... seems like every election year things go all haywire with the economy..fuel and grocery prices fluctuate for example. Naturally we become concerned. My old man refers to it as "Hand wringing" I truly value each of my fellow 501st member's opinions and feelings. This club has been a godsend for me. I sincerely apologize to anyone whom I may have upset with my earlier comments. I'll gladly erase the whole post if necessary. In the end it really isn't worth losing a bro over. We're still all in the same boat, on s**t creek, with no paddle.

I was about to halt a construction project over this Stock Market thing. I decided the best laid plans of mice and men are better off executed. Besides....life is too freakin' short!

Hey if we all end up communist this time next year all I wanna say is "CHEERS COMRADES!!!!"

[theGreatSot]

Yeah, but how do you say that in Chinese?

[Daetrin]

Tai bang le, tongxue!

[TD-1536]

I just read another news blog about the South American/Russian alliance... this could be really bad... like WWIII Bad. Why is the news not reporting this!? Anyone remember the movie Red Dawn?

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9/14/23.../344/986/599054

[dutchy]

I saw that flick, got it on dvd as well.

But do we want to become like the wolverines then and fight a fight you can't win..

I myself see a lot of changes going on as I am working in the Utility/ Energy buiseniss.

We really need to find alternative sources of energy and stop overconsumption. What really scares me are countries like India and China..imagine when all those people get a car or get plugged into the energynet.

Really frightening..