Political Quotes

“No, I won't. They have had a tough 6 months. They have had recordbreaking profits of $40 billion over the last 6 months, and now they want the option to go drilling for oil in a wildlife refuge we promised to protect 45 years ago so they can drill and export oil to other countries for their economy. Is that what this debate is all about? Sadly, I am afraid it is. The argument that this is just going to affect 2,000 acres--I am sorry--having flown over this area, having seen what happens, I know and the Department of Interior knows it isn't just about the pad where you drill. It is about roads and airstrips and pipelines and water and gravel sources and base camps and construction camps, storage pads, power lines, powerplants, support facilities, coastal marine facilities--it is a huge undertaking. You may see that postage stamp of drilling, but there is a lot more in support of it that is going to have an impact on this environment. This is an abdication of leadership. To say that we have no other place to turn in America other than to drill in a wildlife refuge is an abdication of leadership and a concession to greed by the oil companies. How have we reached this moment where the leadership in America cannot turn to the American people and say: We can't go this far. We can't cross this line and drill in a wildlife refuge that we promised for 45 years to protect. We have to find other ways to reduce our dependence on foreign oil to make the cost of gasoline more affordable.…”