Luke Puckett returns from fact-gathering trip to ANWR
Luke Puckett returns from fact-gathering trip to ANWR Save Email Print
Posted: 7:06 PM Jul 20, 2008
 Last Updated: 7:59 AM Jul 21, 2008
 Reporter: Marcie Kobriger
Email Address: marcie.kobriger@wndu.com
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Luke Puckett, the Republican candidate for Indiana's Second District, says he's happy to be back home in the Hoosier State.

He has just returned from a trip to ANWR in Alaska, where he says he debunked myths about oil drilling.

"The myths are that the Alaskans, the native Alaskans, do not want this," explained Puckett. "The myth that the caribou are hurting. The myth that we should not drill in a pristine environment."

Puckett says native Alaskans welcome drilling, that caribou populations have multiplied since drilling began in the area, and that the environment is barren.

Incumbent Joe Donnelly says he doesn't have to see it to believe his challenger's claims.

"He did not dispel any myths. Those were facts that were already known by most folks, and those facts are something where I support drilling. I support drilling in ANWR. Those are things that are known to everybody," Donnelly clarifies.

Puckett says Donnelly voted four times against the drilling and refining of American oil, and that Hoosiers are feeling the effects of his record, both at the pump and in the workplace.

"These 14-hundred jobs that were lost are a direct result of Joe Donnelly voting against the drilling and refining of American oil," Puckett states.

Donnelly says his competitor is mischaracterizing his votes.

"Our nation hasn't had a strong energy policy going back to the early 1970s. I'm trying to solve that problem in Congress -- that's why I'm a co-sponsor of a bill sponsoring drilling and exploration in America," says Donnelly.

While they disagree on what Donnelly's record means, both men agree drilling in ANWR might bring some much needed relief to Hoosiers.

"If our Congress would have the backbone to announce to the world that we’re going to deregulate, drill, and refine American oil, foreign oil companies would drop their prices so fast, we would be amazed," Puckett believes.

Donnelly is currently co-sponsoring the American Made Energy Bill.

It would repeal the ban against producing oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

The bill is in the first step of the legislative process.
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Posted by: Lori on Aug 23, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Go Luke go. Great to see a candidate talking common sense and actually doing something. Cong. Donnelly says Puckett did not debunk any myths with his trip? Really? Seems to me he debunk his party's platform on oil. It would be nice if WNDU covered this congressional race more.
Posted by: Marie Location: Star City on Aug 4, 2008 at 03:09 PM
It is amazing how concerned Joe D has become now that the election is upon us. What a joke! As for the 5 to 7 to 15 years crowd....why wait? what does anyone gain by NOT tapping our reserves? What do you fools want? $7 gas? $10 gas? If we all agree to work towards alternative fuels for the future, what the hell is the point in leaving all that oil underground? Leave it up to Joe Donnelly and Barak Obama to say whatever it takes to get elected - losers!
Posted by: DRILL on Jul 31, 2008 at 06:06 AM
DRILL DRILL DRILL DRILL DRILL DRILL DRILL DRILL in AMERICA!!!!
Posted by: Gee on Jul 30, 2008 at 07:56 AM
Anonymous, Black Gold is one of my favorite shows and I've seen every episode however I believe drilling a 3000ft well in Texas is much easier and faster than drilling with thousands of rigs deeper in the Alaskan permafrost. And besides you have to ship the oil from ANWR to the trans-alaskan pipeline and it takes time and money to build the new infrastructure. Anyway... drilling in Alaska won't hurt and I'm starting to change my opinion on the environmental effects but please don't call it a solution. It would help as much as a new gas station in your town will bring down you local gas prices with the competition it adds. And finally... I think we can all agree that oil is a limited resource. We like to think that alternatives will come one day to save us but you saw how fast the run-up in prices was. The alternatives might not be marketed fast enough to prevent the millions of people that would lose their jobs and homes when we reach the maximum sustained production.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 29, 2008 at 07:19 PM
ok where do people come up with 10-15 years to get oil from a hole into my local gas station?? Have you seen the show on TRU network called Black Gold? There are three oil rigs in head to head competition to drill and produce oil from three holes each in the same vicinity. They average 17 days from set up rig to flowing oil. it does not take another 9-14years to refine crude. Stop believing everything you hear on tv or online without checking for yourself. We would all vote differently if we were self informed instead of spoon fed information from "reliable" sources. I just wonder who will be the villian when "big oil" is the energy of the past. Will we see news stories and hearings regarding big sun and big wind? Change will happen when the market dictates it. Let some braniac come up with a new form of powering our lives and get insanely rich and then they will be our next evil controlling energy pusher.
Posted by: Chuck Location: mish on Jul 29, 2008 at 03:30 PM
No one knows Puckett now. No one will know him after November. Interesting that he's got that loser "Mitchies' Boy" Juan Mani-nogo as his campaign manager. Hee Hee Hee Pathetic
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 29, 2008 at 02:10 PM
It's anonymous again, probably the last, but I must respond to Tikaralee. Its not pride and arrogance if it is TRUE. We can do it better, but we're not out of oil, so why do it?? I am not in the energy business so I am not going to attempt to do something that has been making fools out of highly educated people for years trying to come up with a VIABLE energy source other than oil. the other point is also wrong.. I'm not sitting on my but, I work roughly 60 hrs/wk,full time college student,husband and father,and volunteer at my church. I would hope that that does not qualify as "resting on my butt just consuming". The only view I have of my America is the correct one..Thru the limitations of the constitution. I am free to drive my truck, suburban or whatever, just as you are free to criticize me for it. This is the greatest place on earth, REALLY. If you don't believe that, go somewhere else and see for yourself the suffering and misery, and finally the desire to be like US, U.S.
Posted by: Gee Location: South Bend on Jul 29, 2008 at 01:11 PM
The oil might have been on the way but the point is that it is so insignificant that it wouldn't have made a difference. People just need to look at the actual data instead for falling for made-up claims by the drilling proponents of trillions of barrels of oil in ANWR. According to the Energy Information Administration (US government) - we would at best keep the current production with that new oil. http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/servicerpt/ogp/fig_2.html. What puzzles me is this: If we have to spend trillions of dollars to bring all that new oil to market just so we can have that conversation 10-15 years from now, why don't we invest in in alternatives. There will never ever be imported wind or imported sunshine. Unfortunately some people see this just as an environmental idea - not an idea that would give us hundreds of thousands of new jobs and will make us independent.
Posted by: BD Location: Nappanee on Jul 28, 2008 at 08:47 PM
Gee...just think if Billary was actually doing his job a President vs. disgracing the Office of President and used some very basic common vs. passing NAFTA and banning drilling in ANWAR - the oil would already be on the way. BUT, let's blame Bush instead - that makes the most sense.
Posted by: I will tell you.... on Jul 28, 2008 at 05:45 AM
We are the greatest nation on earth as we have had men and women for the past 221 years who have fought and died defending a piece of parchment called the Constitution of the United States. It gives us the inalienable right to a word we take for granted everyday...FREEDOM. There is not another country in the world that has such a piece of paper. Of course a paper means nothing to some people. they just want their RV or new car or six pack. They are the sick sould who think only of themselves and to the devil with everyone else. They have lost the most important thing they have ever had and don't even know it, giving away their liberty with both hands to soothe their own personal egotistical personal agenda.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 27, 2008 at 10:29 PM
who cares who trusts us or respects us. They ENVY us. If it is SO bad, why do we have people willing to die to get here. BTW, what do you do on a 100k income in kuwait, come here on vacation. If you look at a 5yr snapshot of any nation you can find a down cycle in economics,society or whatever. by YOUR logic all germans are evil because of hitler. same thing here...economies cycle and cycle. stay proud, prepare better for next time and enjoy the upswing that is to come...Nothing personal, but don't let your job or amt of pay or anything else dictate your mood. You are in control-don't be a victim of circumstances. Oh, my job won't be moving to china or india anytime soon, Im just a dumb truck driver. I dont think they can operate a commercial motor vehicle over the phone yet.
Posted by: Tikaralee Location: Warsaw on Jul 27, 2008 at 12:13 PM
To the last Anonymous guy. So because your ancestors worked hard for what they had, you can rest on your butt and just consume? Doesn't sound very american to me, the american thing to do would be to see it's not going to always be here and start looking for ways to make better options. To say to Brazil and France (places that are going energy independant) "We can do that, and do it better!" The only thing we keep being number 1 at is pride and arrogance with nothing to back up either. I don't hate my country, I love America, but I don't view her as my mommy who can do no wrong, I see her as an adult, as someone I admire who has faults and maybe needs some suggestions to work thru them.
Posted by: Todd Location: South Bend on Jul 27, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Well Anonymous...say what you want now..we will see how you feel when you loose your job due to outsourcing to China or India. We are not the greatest nation, we were at one time though. Our dollar value is now mocked and devalued, our nations leaders are disrespected and untrusted by others, our flag is burned and we pretty much big in more product then we export. There is a small little country in the Arab nation that provides China with over 10 percent of their oil who's economy makes the US look poor. Their average citizen makes 100,000.00 per year starting. So tell me Anonymous, what exactly makes us the greatest nation right now?
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 26, 2008 at 08:47 AM
hey todd, china sucks. thats why they use so much less than we do. we are the greatest nation in the history of earth, we should use the most oil. stop feeling guilty about our hard earned prosperity. We've worked incredibly hard for generations to get where we are today and now a bunch of america haters filled with guilt and shame want to take that away. Sorry, but my family has come too far to not be proud of their accomplishments. Drill more sweet NATURAL oil. Here, now. Why does everyone think oil is so bad? Prove that is isn't replenishing itself now. Show me why we MUST switch to gimmick "renewables". Im all for alternative energy IF it is better than oil and I don't have to drive some shoebox deathtrap to take my kids to school. Ever see a lithium mine, Clean car my A%$# Nasa uses the area around the mine for lunar rover simulation. I gotta go, I can see my suburban from here and I just have to go take a needless drive around town. See ya
Posted by: hey steve on Jul 26, 2008 at 04:44 AM
There is more oil in Alaska than there is in the Mideast! "Running out of??!!" Won't make a difference at all? Look around you...Just the "talk" of offshore and Alaska drilling has brought the price down 26 cents a gallon! What a moron!
Posted by: justin Location: mish on Jul 25, 2008 at 08:48 PM
DRILL DRILL DRILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: steve Location: south bend on Jul 25, 2008 at 03:26 PM
ANWR will make no difference at all. Renewables are the way to go. Using more of what we are running out of (oil) is not the solution. Alternative energy is and will create more new industries than everything put together in the last 100 years. I say unleash the power of capitalism in regards to renewable energy.
Posted by: Todd Location: South Bend on Jul 25, 2008 at 02:04 PM
Lets not drill and work on our 200 million barrel a day obsession we have. Does nobody see the problem when the next largest consumer...China, only uses 50 million barrels?
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 25, 2008 at 05:28 AM
Makes no difference if it's the 80's or not. More Oil means cheaper prices. Thats the way the market works. I know demand is going up. That is what is keeping the price UP. China and India are using it at an alarming rate. That is why we have to produce MORE to keep the price DOWN. We have not found 1/16th of the oil that is out there yet. DRILL, DRILL, DRILL and DRILL more. That will bring the price down. Opec weilds more power because we don't show them that WE can drill too. We just keep importing more of their oil every year. I say produce more here.
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Jul 24, 2008 at 04:23 PM
Looked at a calendar lately? This isn't the 80's. OPEC weilds more power than ever. Global demand is up. A pipeline in Nigeria gets blown up, it moves very little voume and the price of oil jumped $5 a barrel. On the flip side, increases in volume have liitle effect because everyone knows, long term, demand is only going up. It's like pretty girls in a bar near closing time. They only gte more and more popular.
Posted by: Hey "book" smart on Jul 24, 2008 at 03:39 PM
Opec DUMPED oil onto the world markets as soon as Reagan opened the federal lands to the oil companies back in 1980. The price fell like a rock.The same thing will happen again. More oil=cheaper gas. Got it college boy.
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Jul 24, 2008 at 01:32 PM
If you had been in an economics class of any kind, you would know that supply and demand do not work the same in a price and inventory controlled environment. Say we pump 1 millions extra barrels of oil, OPEC can pump less to offset our increase. Then they raise the prices to offset any decreased production. This is pretty basic stuff. Do you get this or should I type slower? There's no charge for your "ejukation" by the way. Thank God you're not doing any peer review yourself.
Posted by: Hey Chaz Off on Jul 24, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Everytime some so-called college "ejukated" idiot opens his mouth he is looking for a "peer reviewed journal" written by another so-called "ejukated" moron. READ THIS.. "Supply and Demand" Make more (supply) and the price (demand) drops. Hello...there went 4 years of economics in college out the window! LOL!
Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on Jul 23, 2008 at 03:49 PM
When's the last time your government gave you a cut of anything? The two tax rebates under Bush are the only time I can recall anything like it, and it's just smoke and mirrors compared to all the money the government TAKES from us. (At least taxes went down under Bush.) Getting a cut of the oil profits sounds good on paper, but is sure to be offset by the next President's tax increase.
Posted by: Todd Location: South Bend on Jul 23, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Actually there is proof Homer...history clearly shows that the oil producers protect their profits very closely and react to any threat that would cost them money. They are already starting to drop prices now because the demand has shrunk some lately. That is the best proof yet.
Posted by: Mike Location: Elkhart on Jul 23, 2008 at 11:01 AM
How would we get to work on a rainy day, Buck?
Posted by: Homer Location: Plymouth on Jul 23, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Do you think that drilling in ANWAR is going to help us any ? Who is going to do the drilling, Amao and the other old companies are multinational companies. The only way this could lower our fuel prices any is if all the oil that's pumped out of ANWAR stays in the USA. I don't think that the oil companies will do this, it will be sold to the highest bidder and part of the profits will go to help tryng to get losers like hime elected.
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Jul 23, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Everyone keeps talking about how drilling will lower prices. Can you show an actual study, like a peer reviewed journal or paper founded on scientific and economic fact, that backs that up. The only papers I have seen have been published by the government, once again hand picked by Bush, and they all say that the impact of drilling would be almost non-existent. Any gains would be quickly lost, and that the largest gains won't be seen for about 15-20 years when the wells hit full production. And yes, I have taken a courses in macro and micro economics. Unfortunately laws of supply and demand don't apply the same way in an artifically manipulated market like oil. Demand will never go down in the global market. It will only ever increase. We can't increase production enough to offset the rest of the world's demands. Never in a time of war have so many, complained about so much, while being asked to sacrifice so little.
Posted by: Leo Location: Granger on Jul 23, 2008 at 08:06 AM
In the past years since the Democrats have controlled congress, they have voted time and time again against drilling in the US and off shore. We could have had this problem solved had the bills that were put before them, they would have passed. Also, it takes fuel to supply all the plastic that we use. Every plastic bag, everything that is overly wrapped in plastic (small items in big plastic bubbles), plastic jugs, plastic, plastic every where. Enough talk congress, Do something! I will certainly vote for Puckett, he is one man grouped with others who will be for us...not the big oil companies.
Posted by: Hey Mike.... on Jul 23, 2008 at 06:08 AM
Chaz is a product of the college of SOCIALISM, (or what is taught in school today) where the Govt. runs everything. He does not understand economics in a free capitalist country like the United States. Isn't it interesting that now that there is talk all across the country of drilling in America the price of gas has come down 16 cents a gallon? Forget Chaz. he is a govt. lackey who understands govt. school books, not real life.
Posted by: oh Chaz Location: California on Jul 22, 2008 at 06:12 PM
We don't need a solution right now. We need relief. Drilling provides relief. You say it wouldn't have an effect for years, but the simple fact is speculation carries weight. The solution can be found in a combination of both using less but also by using some domestic, not an either or proposition. Not sure if you've noticed the change in techonogy. Hybrids haven't been available to the public all that long, and there are plenty of ideas brewing. Whether its drilling in Alaska, Florida, or in the middle of the ocean it doesn't really matter. Tapping into more supply will effectively allow prices to drop. It doesn't matter if its an American drilling or an Arab or Serb, it takes the same amount of time to drill and process. That said, it puts pressure on the rest of the world who is meeting lower demands(though, admittedly, not much) and would drive prices down throughout the global market. Ever take an macroeconomics class, chief? Mike... touche.
Posted by: Buck Location: S on Jul 22, 2008 at 02:48 PM
None of you have said anything about alternative solutions. Produce electric cars and more utilize solar power!
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Jul 22, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Who's being negative? Simply shouting rah rah isn't going to fix the problems Mike. neither is drilling. Drilling only delays the problem. I know we can fix the challenges we face but only if we realize what the challenges really are. The problem isn't that we import too much oil, it's that we use too much oil. There are 2 solutions: use less or use more domestic oil. Using more domestic oil is fine until it runs out and then we're in the same position. Of course until then, the oil companies still won't lower the price and claim they don't set the prices. The oil that the citzens own will be given away to the oil companies to make money off of the citizens that owned it. Imagine if someone said that we're going to take your driveway, give it to this company, and they're going to charge you to park there. Sound good to you? It's the exact same thing. We own it and we'll almost give it away. I say we just subcontract the companies to drill for us and we get a cut of it.
Posted by: Todd Location: South Bend on Jul 22, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Lets face it folks...we are the biggest consumers of oil and it is pretty embarrassing. We are only getting what is due to us. Does anybody else see a problem that we consume over 100 million barrels a day more then any other country..even those who have more of a population then we do? And Dustin...where are you at..you always disappear when I challenge your facts with Donnelly. Is your research really taking that long..or are you licking your wounds again?
Posted by: Mike Location: Elkhart on Jul 22, 2008 at 09:59 AM
See Chaz I don't think I'm misguided. I just don't like to sit around and be an pessimistic arm chair quarterback. I can see that having a conversation with some people is sometimes just not worth it. I don't think you have a positive bone in your body. As I sit and read a lot of your comments on other things you have wrote, in fact I know that's true. See I like to think just the opposite. Things really look like a mess right now, but this is not the first time and it won't be the last. We've made it through before and we will make it through again. Punishing oil companies for making a profit is not the way to do it. Getting government in the oil business is not the way to do it. Drilling is a good start. We can take the bull by the horns and lead wherever we have to. But we have to be optimistic about it.
Posted by: NO. on Jul 22, 2008 at 09:45 AM
The oil companies are in the business of FINDING OIL and extracting it from the ground. If they see the opportunity to explore and hence drill, they will be all for it. It puts Americans to work and that is what we should be doing. Not pandering to the Arabs and ALGORE wannabe loons like Chaz wants us to. All the while we pay through the nose for 65% of our "imported" oil.
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Jul 22, 2008 at 09:10 AM
Do you think maybe, just maybe, the oil companies have a reason to lie or exaggerate?
Posted by: Todd Location: South Bend on Jul 22, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Joe..gas is sold on local market conditions. It is not unusual to see such a difference across town, even. Fuel stations make their money off of the pop and other items they sell...very little off of gas. One should stop and think where is the last place they have purchased gas that does not have at least a small store in it....except Swifty of course...I have no idea how they make it.
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Jul 22, 2008 at 08:04 AM
Greta idea Holly. Why shouldn't the citizens at least get a portion of the money for every barrel of oil pumped? They do in many of the mideast countries. We simply subcontract the oil companies to do the work for us and let them keep some of the profits but not all.
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Jul 22, 2008 at 08:02 AM
Mike, your patriotism and faith in your country is admirable but misguided. Look around you. Besides the poor, how many people are really cutting back in a ny signifcant way? How many peopel do you see driving around suburbans, expeditions, hummers, etc. with only one person? Why are the people arguing the loudest for drilling the ones that stand to make trillions and the poor that they've suckered in to thinking that the drilling will help them? The rest of the world won't care if american drills for oil more because they know they can sell it to China and India or the rest of the world. We get almost 60% of our oild form Canada anyway. There is no way we can ever get all the oil we need from the US alone. And on of the "side benefits" of going to war in Iraq is that the US oil companies have now been able to sign long term oil leases in Iraq. Now the oil companies will start getting to keep much more of that $140/barrel. That's a happy coincidence isn't it?
Posted by: Hey Socialist Holly on Jul 22, 2008 at 05:49 AM
The USGS "facts" you presented are all bogus. The 16 Billion Barrels are what have been found "so far" by the government. All of the oil and drilling companies say that there are over a trillion barrels there, maybe more. Of course you can't explore as a bunch of tree huggers won't let the oil companies in. If you gave the govt. the job of drilling for oil, it would take 2 years for them to find a drill bit, and then it would cost 10 times what the private sector could buy it for. Been to the post office or BMV lately? OH! They are so efficient! LET THE OIL companies drill. THEY know what they are doing.
Posted by: Gee on Jul 21, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Stef, I agree but we're not just going to run out. All oil wells in the world will not stop producing at the same time. We will reach a peak of production - the point where the new capacity is outstripped by the decline of older fields. It has happened on a regional level and it will happen on a global level. The lower 48 states peaked in 1971 at almost 10 million barrels per day and has been going down ever since despite all the new technology http://www.theoildrum.com/files/US%2048%20States.png The same is valid for Alaska, the North Sea and Mexico. All these declines have to be offset from somebody's increased production just to break even and it's getting harder and harder every year. The world consumes 85 million barrels or to make it easier to understand, that's 5406 Olympic swimming pools worth of oil every single day. I don't know when it will happen but if we don't break the addiction soon (and that means starting now) we'll be in very serious trouble to say the least.
Posted by: Holly Location: Elkhart on Jul 21, 2008 at 07:57 PM
First I want to point out a few more facts about ANWR. According to the USGS there is at maximum 16 billion barrels of oil in ANWR. While that may sound like a lot it is almost nothing when you compare that to American's consumption of oil. It would last us approximately 2.2 years. Now consider how long it would take to explore, extract, and refine that oil to get it to American consumers. It would take years. Thirdly, follow the money. At $140 a barrel, 16 billion barrels comes out to $2.24 trillion dollars!!! Now you start to see why so many are so anxious to get into ANWR. My final summary is this: drill in ANWR. Drill on all government owned land for any fossil fuel you want, on one condition, that the government does it. All of those resources are ours, the American people’s. And I am tired of being ripped off. That oil should be drilled for and the proceeds should go to us. That could easily pay for a national health care plan and many other projects to help us.
Posted by: Mike Location: Elkhart on Jul 21, 2008 at 05:40 PM
Chaz, we are AMERICANS! When the chips are down,that's when we are at our best. One million barrels a day is not a drop in the bucket,it' a good start. You have to crawl before you can run. And the reason I think that it will go down instantly is because that will put the rest of the world on notice that we have decided to change things. Especially OPEC! Most of the countries in OPEC only have oil. Once we start going after our own, we won't have to depend on those idiots anymore. Also the oil companies do not set the price. Oil traders do. Now if a barrel of oil is bought by an oil company at $140 a barrel,that's 3.33 a gallon before they have done anything to it. So by the time refine it, bring it to market, and the little guy gets some for it, that doesn't sound like that much now does it. They can't refine it fast enough to get it to market. It looks to me that the demand over whelms the supply. THAT'S why the price is high. Check out the laws of supply and demand.
Posted by: Loving Parent Location: Elkhart on Jul 21, 2008 at 04:16 PM
I'm sure I saw all of Luke's "facts" in an e-mail a week or two ago. I wonder if that is where he thought up his trip idea. As far as Donnelly's votes: What other "pork" was attached to the bills he was voting on? Sometimes it is better to vote no on the bill that only has a couple good things and several bad added to it.
Posted by: Jack Location: Michiana on Jul 21, 2008 at 04:14 PM
Donnelly come lately. What a flip and flop. He made the wrong choice and not is trying to act like a Republican. Joe won't make the right choice in the future and be back at his old ways. If Joe knew this information why didn't his votes and words reflect it in Washington where his election is funded by the lawyers?
Posted by: Stef on Jul 21, 2008 at 04:10 PM
Everyone here can pick which facts to quote and state and we're not going to change anyone else's mind. One thing that I hope we can all agree on is that the oil is going to run out someday. When? Hard to say but it will. Our world will come to a crashing halt and wars will break out when it does. Is that the future that we want? We MUST do everything we can to find alternative fuel sources. Personally, I'm saving for a hybrid.
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Jul 21, 2008 at 03:59 PM
How does where the info comes from effect the quality or content of the info itself? I could have just as easily linked to a radical right wing website like FoxNews.I don't believe what Bush says Anonymous. That's the point. Bush said that even though the people he chose to run the DOE say that the price wouldn't drop, he still thinks it will. Nor do I believe that the oil companies will tell the absolute truth when they say that it will only take 5 years to get oil flowing. They got billions of reasons to lie. Mike, why do you think that annoucing drilling would lower the prices? You know who set the price of oil in reality? OPEC. I think they know more about drilling than you or I and they understand 1 million barrels a day is a drop in the bucket and won't matter a bit in teh long term. DON'T READ DEADLY ROAD TO POWER. (I haven't read it, I just don't like Harry spamming the board non-stop with his drivel.)
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Jul 21, 2008 at 03:24 PM
I absolutley disagree with Donnelly. He's falt out wrong and is simply pandering to the people. He's taken money from the Blue Dog PAC which are basically republicans as they vote with Bush them so often there's little difference. Unfortunately Joe D is lesser of 2 evils. That doesn't make him my ideal candidate by any stretch of the imagination. Right is right and wrong is wrong though and I'm not afraid to say which is which no matter who it is. Republican or Democrat. Label doesn't matter. Ideas and actions do. And Drew, demand from China and India have gone up dramtically in the past 5 years. Just because you didn't see it doesn't mean it's not happening.
Posted by: Joe Location: Edwardsburg on Jul 21, 2008 at 03:17 PM
A bit off subject here, but, can anyone tell me why gas is priced at $3.93 in Coloma, MI today and $4.08 in Granger/Mish/SB at the same time? Local vendors are pushing these prices up and up and up!!!! FOR NO REASON, SAVE GREED!!! Please. Save as much gas as you can. Let the managers of these stations know we're on to them. Cashiers are just pawns, let them alone. But tell managers of gas stations to COOL IT with the price gouging!!! BTW, Mr. Puckett, buying peoples votes with free gas is 'Ol time politickin' if'n I've ever seen it! Way to change things! You can't buy a drink on election day during polling hours, maybe we should close up the gas stations, too. I can see it now, "Vote for ME. Free gas for every vote!!!"
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 21, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Chaz, since when do you believe anything Bush says?
Posted by: trent on Jul 21, 2008 at 02:48 PM
So Chaz why would you go to a radical left wing website to get a republican dept of energy quote? You just as well go to wikipedia or your own website.
Posted by: Mike Location: Elkhart on Jul 21, 2008 at 02:47 PM
Once again, Chaz, who stand for what's wrong with about everything in this country, get his FACTS from a liberal web site. AMAZING! Go to Think Progress home page and look at who they bash. Chaz, I don't mind discussing the facts with you, as long as they are that. But you bring up web sites like this and you call this fact? Oh, and for your information, Republicans had control in '96 not '86 the way you claimed. Clinton was still president at this time if you recall. Chaz, you also forget that this is AMERICA,the greatest nation on the face of the earth! If we just announce that we are going to drill the price would drop immediately! It wouldn't take no 4 or 5 years like you say. But then again, you have a history of bashing Bush anyways. Talk about bias!
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Jul 21, 2008 at 02:46 PM
I'd also be curious to know who paid for this trip and who has contributed to Puckett's campaign.
Posted by: Todd Location: South Bend on Jul 21, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Oh give me a break Dustin. Joe's views change every time the wind does. I can count at least four changes on gas prices alone. Can you explain his voting record compared to what he says in front of the cameras? He has yet to sponsor a bill by himself that is successful and keeps jumping on the band wagon lately for press on co-sponsored bills. His VA hospital deal was a total flop, he slapped our police in the face by voting against hate crimes for police officers (lucky it passed), and for such the VA supporter he says he is...he has voted for very few major VA bills compared to his counter parts. People need to wake up and look at his record and start asking questions..like why he voted to support cloning.
Posted by: Hogwash Chaz on Jul 21, 2008 at 02:13 PM
You are dead WRONG. Oil exploration in Alaska in tha past 2 years has provided proof that there is more oil in Alalsk than there is in Saudi Arabia. THAT should have OPEC shaking in their sandals. Drill in America. Bring the price down for we working men and women.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 21, 2008 at 01:20 PM
Chaz and Dustin, careful what you say. Donnelly is starting to realize we need to drill and now he's saying the same thing. You're not disagreeing with him, are you?
Posted by: Drew Location: Goshen on Jul 21, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Some of you may be interested to know the PROFITS of oil companies are not going up as much as you would think. Though revenues are increasing dramatically, the price of production and transport has also gone up. They aren't taking home as much money as you'd like to think, though the media portrays it differently. I don't agree that they should make as much as they do, but its called ecomomics... supply and demand. In regards to blaming China and India for the rising prices, they aren't the ones driving Hummers and Escalades and Suburbans around. Outside of Asia, I spent a month in Europe and saw ONE civilian truck and it was American made. Most people rode bike or walked or were driving Smart cars or the like. What are people in the rest of the world driving? There may be a lot more of citizens, but they drive fuel efficient vehicles, mopeds, or ride bikes to work (Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo). We're the big buyers, our demand is much higher. Why do you think we pay more???
Posted by: Sue Location: Mishawaka on Jul 21, 2008 at 12:34 PM
I am all for drilling in ANWR as long as it doesn't hurt the environment.
Posted by: Terry Location: Mishawaka on Jul 21, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Nice work Luke. I appreciate a candidate that does his homework prior to setting forth a plan. Luke is absolutely correct in stating that the price of oil would drop if congress would lift the order on ANWR. The psycological effect on speculators that the U.S. is actually doing something to prevent oil prices from rising further would have an immediate effect on the futures commodities market. For those who wish to blame someone for the hefty prices at the pump, start with the Democrats in congress, like Mr. Donnelly. Big oil is not the cause, just the beneficiary.
Posted by: Drill, conserve, insvest in aternative energy Location: South Bend on Jul 21, 2008 at 11:52 AM
The experts disagree on how much of an effect on oil(therefore gas and heating oil) prices, but I say drill. If the dollar can be strengthened, and we can stop our out of control spending(public and private debt), maybe we can turn this around slowly. Drill in ANWR, and off the coast of America. Let's invest in solar, wind turbines, and ethanol from sugar, not corn(6 times more ethanol from sugarstalks),and most of all conserve as much energy as we can..
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Jul 21, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Bush own Department of Energy with his hand picked cronies say that opening up ANWR would only drop the price of oil by 75 cents a barrel. Opening up ANWR and the outer continental shelf to drilling would hsave about $2.25 off the price of oil by 2025. Hardly a significant savings. And that is from the replubican department of energy! http://thinkprogress.org/2008/06/18/bush-oil-drilling/ Also, offshore drilling permits are expanding at a huge rate. The number of off- and on-shore drilling permits has exploded in recent years, going from 3,802 five years ago to 7,561 in 2007. Between 1999 and 2007, the number of drilling permits issued for development of public lands increased by more than 361%. http://thinkprogress.org/wonkroom/2008/06/18/bush-offshore-oil/
Posted by: Dustin Location: Mishawaka on Jul 21, 2008 at 11:06 AM
So Puckett comes back from ANWR more convinced than ever that we should drill. What a shock! I never saw that coming. This guy has one issue: drill in ANWR (coincidentally the same issue that a dozen other GOP challengers are harping on this year). Puckett is selling everyone a batch of snake oil. Gas prices will be high through Labor Day and beyond, even if we drilled yesterday. What guarantee do we have that this oil, if found, would stay in the good ol' US of A? China and India are the countries that have driven up demand; I am sure they would like some of that oil. Do you think the oil companies WON'T sell to the highest bidder? That is why oil prices are through the roof. By the way, Puckett blaming the Monaco layoffs on Joe Donnelly is the worst kind of political opportunism. That kind of finger pointing is a desperate attempt to get votes and will do nothing to save those jobs. If we drilled in ANWR yesterday we could not save Monaco this year or the next.
Posted by: Mitch Location: Mishawaka on Jul 21, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Gee..I think you are somewhat right, but we don't have to worry about China. There is one specific country that supplies a large part of their oil. They are not about to loose that selling power. The Alaska oil will stay in the US. It will be controlled. Wikipedia is not an authoritative source. Anybody can change a post on there. We have banned it in college research.
Posted by: Glenn Location: Nappanee on Jul 21, 2008 at 10:56 AM
As always, Chaz is dead on. At full production, ANWAR drilling isn't projected to even impact oil *futures* until 2012. And even if production is ramped up there to meet the highest speculated output (which isn't possible until 2027), we have no guarantee whatsoever that OPEC won't cut their production to match. Are there any other useless planks in Puckett's platform? I certainly haven't heard any. Or may I run for Congress saying I'll make it illegal to strangle bunnies? For what it's worth, I'm a registered Republican. But it doesn't look like I'll be voting a straight ticket any time in the foreseeable future.
Posted by: Todd Location: South Bend on Jul 21, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Actually Chaz...it is the Democrats that are saying 7 plus years. The oil companies say they can do it in 5 or less. Even 5 percent will have a significant impact on prices. Look how much oil prices rose when the hurricane hit the gulf and took four or so platforms off line. Joe still needs to answer to his voting record in several areas...including Hate Crimes, Veterans Affairs, and Education. He says one thing for the popular attention, but his public voting record shows a different side of him. Go look for yourself.
Posted by: Wally Location: Cassopolis on Jul 21, 2008 at 10:53 AM
More oil from someplace other than where we are getting it now is of course the answer. We need oil. I'm addicted to water too. Your attack on the oil companies is mi guided, they account for very little of the $4 plus a gallon. Did you know the government gets way more than BIG OIL? We need to Drill Here, Drill Now and PAY LESS! We could use more refineries too. They are being stopped by nutcases. Congress is at the center of this and must be held accountable for the cost of Gas going through the roof. Maybe you should ask about the unaccountable $3 plus per gallon and not the 18 cent or so that goes to BIG OIL.
Posted by: Dave Location: Nappanee on Jul 21, 2008 at 10:46 AM
I'm all for opening up more oil fields. But then the oil companies won't be able to sell it for as much of a profit, and the fatcat CEO's won't be making their 17 million dollar bonuses. But don't get me started on that - the real problem here lies with the market speculators who are making millions of dollars, while the rest of us are struggling to keep our gas tanks full to get to work everyday. I'm glad to see Congress is taking a step in the right direction by trying to crack down on it - but I'm afraid it is too little too late. They should have started years ago. Monaco is only the tip of the iceberg I'm afraid. Meanwhile, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. It's slowly getting to the point where there is no longer going to be a middle class in this country.
Posted by: Chaz the fool... on Jul 21, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Oil comes out of the ground immediately. I have worked in the oil fields in OK and TX and know that the price of oil would plummet if we drilled our OWN for a change. Opec would get worried and produce more of their own stock (they are only running at 60%) and the price at the pump would plummet. Don't listen to the tree huggers, they want you to WALK to work.
Posted by: well...? on Jul 21, 2008 at 10:27 AM
So...NOW Mr. Switcheroo Donnelly wants to drill in Alaska? It figures. It actually takes someone to go there to debunk Donelly's myths about drilling our OWN oil for OUR people and to put Americans back to work. Come on JOE! DRILL IN THE USA for a change.
Posted by: Debbie Location: Lakeville on Jul 21, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Wake up America! We all know that the oil companies run this country. They can put everybody out of business if they want to. I hope that Luke will drill there and keep the oil in our own refineries and keep OUR oil here in the States!!!!
Posted by: Gee Location: South Bend on Jul 21, 2008 at 09:12 AM
I'm not against drilling in ANWR because I don't think there would be any significant damage to the environment but those of you that think any amount of drilling in this country will lower the world oil price are living in denial. Nothing would stop the oil companies to export that oil to China. The best thing it can do is to partially offset the declines in Mexico and Russia and that means higher oil prices in the long run no matter what we do on the supply side. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak_oil
Posted by: mike Location: elkhart on Jul 21, 2008 at 08:57 AM
I have been up there, I worked at Kuparuk river field on the north slope of alaska. I can tell you from first hand experience, the animals are fine, and they are absolute nazi's about environmental stuff up there. You cannot step foot on the tundra, you cannot harrass animals, if any oil spills on the ground you have to dig down below the spill. Then the affected dirt/snow, whatever time of year it is goes in a bag, the bag is sealed, and taken to a disposal facility. I am not saying accidents and spills cant happen, but the impact on the environment is very minimal. I have watched the caribou walk under the pipes, I have seen them lay under the pipes to either find shade or heat in the winter. Believe me, the caribou, bears, foxes, birds etc are just fine with us up there. It is time we start getting that oil out of the ground.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 21, 2008 at 08:48 AM
Pay down our 9 trillion dollar debt to strengthen the value of the dollar and see what happenes to the price of oil. Drilling is just a simple answer to a complex problem.
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Jul 21, 2008 at 08:45 AM
If you go looking for solutions to a problem from the same people that got you into the mess, it's doubtful you'll ever get out of the problem. Our dependance on oil comes from the oil companies using lobbyists to control the politicians and getting them to let big oil drill for more oil. Think big oil is intersted in getting us energy independant? Not at all. They wnat us to become dependant on big oil in the US as opposed to big oil from the middle east. It's like a pimp trying to steal a hooker from another pimp by treating her well until she comes to work for him. Use your head's people.
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Jul 21, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Luke Puckett is a fool. Joe Donnelly was elected in 2006. Had they started drilling in ANWAR on January 1st of that year, the earliest oil would have come out of the ground is in 2013. To say that the jobs lost at Monaco are a result of Joe's votes is a lie and Puckett either knows it or is a fool. If you want to blame the failure to drill in ANWAR on anyone, how about the republicans that had controlled the congress and senate for almost 20 years until 2006? As for ANWAR, it will produce less than 5% of the oil we use every day and won't come on line for at least 7-10 years. Why are the only people pushing for drilling there are the ones that stand to make billions from doing so? Also, it would be nice if the oil companies would either drill on the leases they already hold, or if they're as worthless as they say they are, turn them back over to the people of the US. You know, the true owners? But that would require a level of honesty about the situation they don't possess.
Posted by: Tikaralee Location: Warsaw on Jul 21, 2008 at 06:25 AM
There is nothing saying if we drill the oil has to stay here, and neither will they put that in writting (because that stiffles oil companines abillity to earn profit), They have 38 million OTHER acres of land they lease they could be drilling on they aren't, even if they approve this today they aren't going to start for at least 6 months from now, then we don't have the refineries to handle an increase of production. Why is it everyone says we have an addition to oil, and everyones answer is more oil? You don't give a coke fiend more coke to help his addition. Yes gas is high, the oil companies are going to keep them high, we're never going down to the cheap prices we had, it's long since time to find a different solution.
Posted by: Todd Location: South Bend on Jul 20, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Hmm Joe...I did not know those faces, and I am a somebody. I think it is great he went to visit something so he knows more about it before he would vote. What Joe fails to mention is his bill is brand new and only in the first stage of development. Joe is a reactive guy instead of proactive. His views and voting will show that. His opinion changes with what is popular. IE his constant shifts in how to deal with high gas prices...just a few weeks ago he said that drilling would not lower prices soon..now he is saying it will help. Luke also dresses for his job..unlike boarder line slob Joe who is rarely even in a tie or combed hair.
Posted by: Dude Location: Middlebury on Jul 20, 2008 at 08:36 PM
I say lets drill in the ANWR, we need to start getting our own oil, the ANWR has alot of oil to offer and we should take advantage of it and go after it, it would help bring the gas prices down.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 20, 2008 at 08:02 PM
I'm no tree-hugger, but the fact is the oil in ANWR would be, by most estimates, 1-5% of our current daily oil usage. It's not going to change the price more than a few cents, if that. Go ahead a drill it, but don't expect miracles.

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