The End.

                  When I found out about the blog project over a month ago, I wasn’t very enthused to say the least. I couldn’t think of a topic that would possibly have enough news coverage or enough of an impact on me that I would want to write and read about it every day. However, quickly after just glancing at the news of the day I knew exactly what I would write about: off-shore drilling. Over the last six months, I, like many other Americans had followed the Deepwater Horizon spill coverage. Prior to this event, I never really thought about the dangers drilling in the open waters could have. I assumed there were enough precautions, rules, and regulations in place so that if an oil spill were to occur, not a lot of damage would happen. Therefore, previously I supported off shore drilling. I mean, logically, it seemed to me like more oil would mean lower gas prices… right? WRONG! 

                 I began my research, which turned out to be extremely easy and difficult at the same time. From the one side, off-shore drilling had become a daily news topic that left many questions lingering on citizen’s minds, “when will the drill officially be closed?” and “what endangered species has been found dead this week?”. It was a never ending battle that didn’t seem to even have an effect on the U.S. government, as nothing was being done. However, researching was also difficult as news articles prior to the spill and after the spill were completely different. Beforehand, more people endorsed off-shore drilling just as I had, because who doesn’t want to improve the US economy and lower gasoline prices while getting out of that mess in the Middle East? But after April’s destruction of the Gulf, people’s opinions on the matter swung to the other side of the spectrum. No one wants to be responsible for killing a dolphin, and nearly all articles and blogs after the spill were extremely biased.

                I’ve found this project to be extremely beneficial, not only in developing my writing abilities but it has also forced me to pay attention to the news topics that beforehand, I couldn’t care less about. I’ve realized these issues being discussed on TV, in newspapers, and in Washington actually do have effects on me. I can’t imagine gasoline prices being any higher than they are now. But at the same time, I don’t want my beaches to be covered in oil slick. By reading my blog, you can tell a definite shift in my opinion as I continued to research and find out more about the topic. In the beginning, I was very uneducated and assumed there were regulations on the oil industry by the government and therefore off-shore oil drilling needed to be stopped immediately. The propagandist images of the sea turtles and birds had definitely gotten to me. However, my views on the matter have shifted tremendously. Our country cannot exist without off-shore drilling, it would only worsen the economy and it would be disastrous for the dependent Gulf Region. In the future, to avoid another catastrophe, more government regulation on the oil industry needs to be in place.

                Call me pessimistic, but I just don’t see cars running off of anything but gasoline for many years to come. Off-shore drilling was one of the key issues in yesterday’s election. This will not change, I predict in the elections to come, and as energy sources dwindle down, the off-shore drilling topic will become even more important.

Links Post

Over the course of this blog, I've discovered several helpful websites that you should go to and further your knowledge of the off-shore drilling debate in the United States. Take a break from studying and check out these sites!
1. The New York Times- The New York Times have dedicated an entire topic to oil spills in the US. Almost daily you can find new articles on the debate, updates on the Deepwater Horizon spill, and news about the Alaskan oil front.
2. CNN- I used CNN as a news source while writing this blog. They also feature news stories weekly on the oil crisis.
3. ANWR- This is a government site on the Alaska National Wildlife Reserve and gives the statistical figures on the possible oil reserves there.
4. The Oil Drum- This is a blog on the off shore drilling debate in the United States. I found it extremely helpful as it pertains to political and economical aspects of the matter.
5. The Oil Spill Blog- This site is not quite as reliable as the other government and news sites, however it still educates and is up to date on the Deepwater Horizon spill.
6. Foreign Policy- This is an American magazine covering global politics and economics. It contains a lot of information on America's reliance on other countries for oil.
7. Energy Blog- This is a free-market energy blog that sometimes posts about the oil dependency in America. I find it very interesting to read about wind and solar power sources currently being developed.

The time to act is now

I know that you all have become dedicated readers to this blog over the last month, and as this project dwindles down I hope you all have grasped the message I am delivering: OFF SHORE DRILLING IS NOT THE ANSWER!!!!!. Unfortunately, we live in a country that is completely dependent on oil and it is not a reality to believe that our country could exist without US oil wells. Every industry in the United States relies on oil as an integral part of production. For example, did you know that it takes three quarters of a gallon to produce one pound of beef? I find this fact shocking, and just another reason why the time to act is now. And with the recent Deepwater Horizon spill plaguing the Gulf Coast, the time to act is NOW. We simply cannot continue building new oil rigs with the lax regulations and guidelines that have been enough in the past.

Furthermore, currently oil is plentiful and abundant in various regions that could lead to better US prices. However, are we willing to destroy the environment to get these resources? Not to mention, putting the time and money into exploring these regions will only delay alternative fuels in America from becoming a reality. The arctic region, specifically Alaska, has been under pressure to search for new oil fields. This national geographic blog by a nature photographer captures why this cannot happen in her photographs that speak a thousand words. Look at the animals, and think of them singing the Beatles song below when you vote this November.

The Beatles - Don't Let Me Down

Shoutout to my classmate's blogs

During this project, I have become a dedicated follower of several of my classmate's blogs. Before the project, I had no idea that algae had benefits and believed illegal immigration was just that, illegal. However, reading the biweekly postings on the debates has not only informed me, but changed my opinions as well.

 In the blog "Home Is Where the Blog Is", the always humorous B. McBlogger writes writes about the current housing crisis facing our great nation. I'll admit, prior to this blog I gave little thought or care to the housing crisis. My house wasn't going anywhere so it didn't really affect me, plus I often got lost in the jargon. However, this blog presents the eye opening information in a way that's easy to understand. I feel more informed about the housing crisis as well as mortgage processes. You should check it out, check it out, check it out, check it out.

In the blog appropriately entitled "America was in a recession, but then they got high," the puns don't stop with the title. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading this blog, not only because of the puns but because of the information I've learned. I've always been for the legalization of marijuana, however I had few reasons to support it other than the fact that it would be fun. All jokes aside, this blog is well researched and presented in a great format that flows easily. The tone from the anonymous blogger is perfect, and I hope you'll enjoy this blog as much as I have.

In the blog "Rights for All", Elaine discusses the civil rights of homosexuals in the United States. While homosexuals in the United States have it much better than other places in the world, it's still blasphemy to deny basic rights to them. They are no different than you or me, yet our current laws treat them like another species. I do not see why any differences should be made for anyone, regarding their race or sexual preference. This blog is well researched, and unbiased. I recommend this blog to anyone on either side of the debate.

Mental Health Break!

It doesn't matter what your political views are or what you thought of his presidency, George W. is a funny guy! Enjoy and Happy Fall Break

The Day After Tomorrow...

                 It is likely that the offshore drilling debate in the US will remain unresolved for years to come. In my last posting, I presented a resolution for off-shore drilling that would keep the oil companies happy and the environmentalists. However, even this plan contains some possible implications. By regulating drilling and enforcing more rules, the federal government could help make the process much safer for the workers and the environment. I also stated that the US should begin investing money into alternative energy sources instead of building new wells. These actions will require a lot of money, and will be governmentally funded leading to disagreements from citizens. Completing all of these regulations and updating wells to the new guidelines will take time, and oil will not be produced. This could lead to immediate gasoline price jumps.

                In the wake of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the first implication that comes to mind is another oil spill. The Gulf waters and the ecozones and animals that inhabit them have been severely affected by the last oil spill, and another could ruin any ecological diversity and attractions the region has to offer. The next implication that could arise if regulations are not enforced on offshore drilling is the effect it will have on other nations. Currently, the United States has a good trade balance because of the amount of oil imported from the Middle East. However, if we no longer relied on the Middle East a trade deficit could arise.