I have read several e-mail messages concerning the benefits of offshore drilling. As I understand it, U.S. oil is sold on the global market at global prices and there is no guarantee that it will be reserved for U.S. consumers. It most certainly will not stabilize oil prices or make us self sufficient for carbon-based fossil fuels. New offshore drilling will take at least two decades to be in full production and these areas have only limited oil potential. The oil companies have made record profits during this time of inflated oil prices. When oil prices are high enough, it will be very profitable for them to harvest oil shale in the Rocky Mountains, in a region with potential oil reserves equivalent to (or greater than) Saudi Arabia. The oil companies will charge global market prices, which will rise as global demands increase. Imagine the global market price with the inevitable and extraordinary growing demands from India and China, as millions of people in these countries move toward a higher socioeconomic status. In the meantime, the U.S. needs to develop alternative fuels and a much better energy policy based on fuel efficient vehicles, rapid transit and conservation. Our present gas hog vehicles must eventually be phased out and not replaced.

I am not voting for John McCain because he has repeatedly supported the Bush administration's failed policies during the past eight years, one of the worst presidencies in the history of the United States. By worst I mean incompetence, dishonesty, and corruptness beyond any administration I can remember. The Bush administration has deceived Americans with an illegal and poorly conceived war in Iraq. The cost of this war in lives of American troops and innocent Iraqi civilians is atrocious. It has ruined the American economy and has put the U.S. into enormous debt with China. The real estate market has plummeted, resulting in loses of billions of dollars to average home owners. The Bush administration has also elevated the threat of anti-American terrorist groups throughout the world. President Bush has been a disaster when it comes to environmental issues, not to mention the treatment of foreign prisoners and victims of Hurricane Katrina. He has repeatedly appointed incompetent people to high government offices.

I'm not sure why President Bush has made so many bad decisions. Perhaps his religious beliefs have clouded his judgment when it comes to intelligent, secular decisions affecting the future of our beautiful planet. Perhaps he lacks the intelligence and foresight to make these important decisions that affect all of our lives. Or maybe he is a puppet that has consistently received bad advise from his staff. The Republican Party agenda regarding stem cell research, abortion rights for women, and the teaching of intelligent design in science classes is untenable in my opinion. And then there is Bush's lack of diplomacy and generally hostile attitude toward Iran, another potential quagmire from which the U.S. may never recover. If there was ever a time when our country needs a new direction, it is now. I just don't see John McCain leading our nation in this new direction. Even my neighbor, a staunch Bush supporter and World War II veteran is NOT voting for McCain! I believe President Bush and Vice President Cheney should be impeached. In addition, they should go to prison for their crimes against humanity, along with other top level officials of the failed Bush administration.

The September collapse of major investment companies such as Merrill Lynch and AIG, and the staggering decline of the U.S. Stock Market, is yet another example of the poor judgement and incompetence of the Bush administration. John McCain is also responsible for this economic disaster. During his reign as a U.S. senator he has been a staunch advocate of deregulation. It is precisely the lack of regulation that has allowed these companies to grow, make fraudulent loans, and become unstable. Now, the financial status and retirement plans for thousands of hard working Americans are at risk because of dishonest investment executives and blundering Republican leaders.

What about John McCain's running mate Sarah Palin? Her ecological and pro-oil company views are similar to those of George W. Bush. In addition, she is a Christian fundamentalist that fits the Republican Party conservative agenda perfectly. In fact, her selection suggests influence from leaders of the radical religious right wing. If she is elected vice president, I see more of the same policies of the Bush administration.

Please read the following article I wrote for the North County Times several years ago. My sentiments about the Bush administration's Iraq policy still apply.