"Those who oppose new oil drilling in the area where they live should have to turn on the light switch and not have power. They are satisfied about drilling in the other guy's area."

I live in Fla. most here oppose drilling off our shores for the reasons you state. I do not, if it's for good reason. I have no doubt that 20 to 30% consumption of oil in this country is wasted.

Get control of that waste and I'll change my opinion of drilling.

This is pretty much what I mean..."but when I have to scoop a handful of water to drink because there are no plastic cups anymore I might disagree."

Sorry Frank, but I see that comment as wasteful. with that, I do understand that modern society is petroleum based, silica based products, however, are still an option.

For the most part, plastic recycling solves your plastic dilemma. It must be working to some degree, or they would not bother with it.

Thing is, most of the newly manufactured petroleum based items are not made here any more....hence the world market for oil.

Wall St opened up the frontier of world trade to the nth degree for our markets, now we have to deal with it and what it requires. Including the competition for oil that they should have figured would come.

It's part of the package.

doni