IT'S THE HEATING COSTS,STUPID

After over a year without posting, I'm finally compelled to vent about an issue common to both the Adirondacks and Bush Alaska that is not being mentioned in the press: heating oil costs. Yes, I know it's the "driving season" coming up, so gas prices get all the attention. But around the corner, is a disaster waiting to happen that will make the recent foreclosure stats pale. My son, who takes care of the house in Newcomb, NY recently paid $3.73/ gal. for heating oil- that's before this latest spike that today closed over $133 per barrel. Come this fall, that is going to seem like a bargain if this trend continues. Here in Bethel, AK we're holding our breath as the first oil barge of the season hasn't come in yet. Conservatively, the price will go from $4.50/ gal. to over $6.00, based on the increase that Dillingham, AK has already experienced. More than likely, by the time the last barge of the season in Sept. arrives the price could be $8/ gal. Heating a 1400 sq. ft. house could run $1000/ month. There aren't many budgets that can stand that kind of an increase. The Governor and the legislature in Alaska are working on a plan to reduce electric costs by as much as 60%, and give residents $100 per person per month for one year to offset the higher costs of energy. Sounds good, but it costs as much to heat a house with one person as it does 10. So bigger is better I guess.
The State of Alaska now is running a surplus of 5 BILLION DOLLARS due to a tax increase on oil producers here in the state. There are only 700,00 people, that's approximatley $7100/person. Of course, the Democrats don't want to give the money to just anybody, they want the "poor" to get relief. Well, I got news for them, the pool of poor is going to get alot bigger.
As for those in New York, your fuel taxes are already up there, and I'm sure you'll not see any relief.
This pathetic situation can be laid at the feet of the national Democrats- they have stood in the way of building refineries, oil and gas exploration and nuclear power generation with the hopes of wind-mills on everybody's house, I guess. The lack of a sound energy policy over the last 35 years has brought us to this point. The Repubs don't get a pass on this either-joining with the Dems to prevent ANWR drilling is shameful. Had Clinton not vetoed the drilling in 97, the oil would be flowing today. It's not the answer but it's the mind set that matters. Self-reliance is one of the cornerstones of American society. We are problem solvers, we're not defeatists.
Finally, this year's general election is one of the most important in our lifetime. Although on some social issues there isn't alot of difference between Obama and McCain, on the fundamentals of the economy, national security and our relationship with other countries, there is a huge difference. The significance of this election has 2 main points to be considered. The next President may have 3 Supreme Court nominations which are lifetime appointments. Obama could drastically change the balance of the court severely to the left, and the effect would be forthcoming for years. The other issue is the size of the majority in the Senate. Should the Dems get to 60 seats, even a Republican President would be impotent by way of being able to break filibusters. They would be able to stuff their agenda down people's throats without worrying about the Repubs trying to block their proposals. Game, set, match!
Should they get the Presidency and the 60 votes, the damage they will do to this country will be generational, and that's what they're after.
People need to get educated as to the significance of this election, not for their sake but for their children and their children. This country would be unrecognizable to the Founders should the Dems get both their wishes.

Bethel, Alaska.