Hmmph

Tonight I was watching John McCain's acceptance speech for the Republican nomination and for whatever reason it got me thinking about a conversation I had awhile back with a couple of friends. It was about drilling for oil in Alaska, and when I voiced my opinion (which of course is against it), I found myself speaking to an unwelcoming crowd. Now, this kind of surprised me because these were my friends I was talking to and I was not being pushy at all, just speaking my mind. I was immediately attacked about my stance on the issue. I had no problem listening to what they believed in and I was not there to debate, but everything I said was shot down without even a consideration to what came out of my mouth. It just gets me that people don't even listen or try to understand the opposite stance anymore. The worse part is that this is common place in modern day politics. Everyone knows this, but it is ridiculous. Back to my friend story now. I'm not trying to be the biggest environmentalist in the world, just giving my opinion about this certain issue. People seem to latch on to one little fact and base their whole opinion on it. This post is not about how they disagree with what I feel, but how they treat the opposition...kind of annoying. I have no clue why McCain's speech provoked this memory, which happened over a month ago, but it really did get me thinking.

Now onto drilling in Alaska. Of course I can't write this blog without discussing my opinion! The main reason I don't think its the best idea is because people need to start focusing on alternate sources of energy. From past experiences, I've found that going for the easiest solution isn't always the best solution (and I am sure most of you know this to be true also). What makes the Alaska oil situation any different? Here we are as a nation with the potential to make some major breakthroughs in alternative energies, and we want to tap into a precious resource to solve the problem short-term. Last time I checked, patience was a virtue. If we allow ourselves to slowly release our lifestyles from oil dependency, it will allow for faster advances in finding cheaper, cleaner, more efficient forms of energy that will save the world's butt in the long run. We could find new technology common within, say 10 years, if we do this right. The problem is everyone has differing views, and both sides have valid arguments. Its all perspective, and remember that I most definitely respect your opinion.

I remember now what made me think of that little memory in Papa Rollo's (a local pizza place). There were supporters of John McCain in the audience wearing hardhats and safety vests that had a picture of a drilling operation in front of this beautiful landscape.

Reminds me of another story.

My 10th grade Spanish teacher told me about his most recent trip to the pyramids in Mexico. Here he is in the middle of this incredibly mesmerizing and historical location, and as he summits the tallest pyramid and looks out, the very first site his eyes come upon is a brand new Wal-Mart. Don't tell me that isn't disheartening.

Imagine driving or hiking through some of the most beautiful wilderness in the world, breathing the freshest air your lungs have ever come upon, and all of a sudden there is a brand new drilling operation right in front of the gorgeous mountain scape. I know somewhere deep down in everyone's heart, there would be disappointment.