Imagine China drilling off Cuba

Imagine China drilling off Cuba

While everyone and his brother (or sister) has a solution to the gas
fiasco, I suggest that people look over their shoulders at our friends
the Chinese.

Environmentalists have, through their politics, prevented us from
utilizing our own resources. And now we find out the Chinese may be
drilling just off Florida's coast, northwest of Cuba, under contract
with Cuba.

Outside of a naval blockade or some very serious diplomacy, there may be
nothing we can do to stop them. Moreover they have requested and made
deals with U.S. deep-well drilling companies to do the drilling.

So what do the geniuses who have kept us from using our own oil have to
say? China may be drilling closer to shore than we are allowed.

The big cry of the environmentalists has been the damage to the oceans
and shores when energy sources are extracted or explored -- the ruining
of the habitat for birds and fish, as well as other animals. The fact of
the matter is that much of the sludge in the ocean is garbage and waste
from cities, cruise ships and other ships emptying tanks. Drill rigs
have caused very little damage to the environment.

When the Chinese are at full production, we will be standing on the
beaches and saying to ourselves, "How in heck did this ever happen?"

Howard D. Balliett

Bradenton

http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060504/OPINION/605040499/1029