Why did Obama think the Arctic was environmentally sensitive but not the Gulf of Mexico?

[Karmadillo]

http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/obamas-drilling-speech/

<edit>

So today we’re announcing the expansion of offshore oil and gas exploration – but in ways that balance the need to harness domestic energy resources and the need to protect America’s natural resources. Under the leadership of Secretary Salazar, we’ll employ new technologies that reduce the impact of oil exploration. We’ll protect areas vital to tourism, the environment, and our national security. And we’ll be guided not by political ideology, but by scientific evidence. That’s why my administration will consider potential new areas for development in the mid and south Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, while studying and protecting sensitive areas in the Arctic. That’s why we’ll continue to support development of leased areas off the North Slope of Alaska, while protecting Alaska’s Bristol Bay.

more...

These pictures suggest he was pretty clueless on the issue. Maybe politicians who govern for the oligarchy aren't capable of being guardians of the environment.

[polichick]

1. Government officials are supposed to LEAD - not enable corporations...

...or pander to uninformed citizens who ignorantly yell DRILL BABY DRILL.

This country hasn't had a true leader as president in decades - and look at the mess we're in, from the economy to the wars to our precious environment.

[Karmadillo]

6. But, but, but the stock market was up today. Isn't that enough?

nt

[mdmc]

2. the left bashed bush too long for Obama to nuke ANWAR

perhaps the time is now..

[Atman]

3. The entire fucking planet is "environmentally sensitive."

When are these people going to realize this?

:banghead:

[ProSense]

7. "When are these people going to realize this?"

When Americans give up their cars and get serious about passing a climate change bill.

[amborin]

10. like the current, proposed disastrous climate change bill?

[AllentownJake]

13. The one written by Enron before it went poof nt.

[AllentownJake]

12. Put the money into a european style rail system

and make the roads safe for scooters and small vehicles like them and you can have mine tomorrow.

[Karmadillo]

15. If we put money into a european style rail system, the terrorists win.

nt

[tXr]

4. Because it's surrounded by red states who didn't vote for him (except Florida)?

And the oil fields are more important than the environment?

:shrug:

[Bluebear]

5. How can you "BALANCE" the need to protect America's natural resources??

[Karmadillo]

9. Hard one to answer, although I imagine someone who once promoted liquid coal

could probably come up with something.

[QC]

8. Because his first instinct is always and everywhere to split the difference.

He's even worse about that than Bill Clinton was, which is really saying something.

[Karmadillo]

11. It will probably only happen in a computer simulation, but it would be

interesting to see what would happen if we elected a member of the Democratic Wing of the Democratic Party to be President. Splitting the difference with an emphasis on a rightward drift doesn't seem to be the way to go.

[AllentownJake]

14. It is the only way to win an election

Haven't you heard?

The people are not ready, despite the fact that 40 years ago Richard Nixon who was to the left of this guy environmentally and economically was elected in the opposition party.

So STFU or Sara Palin will be elected and eat your children.