The governor wants tax relief for oil companies. Listening to him threaten and whine and beg for it reminds me of a steamy melodrama played out in the backseat of a flashy car parked in the dark. “Come on, baby, if you help me out here a little, I’ll help you! Honey, I swear I’ll ‘do the right thing’ — I swear it! Sugar, this car ain’t movin’ ‘till you give me what I need so bad!”
Oil company people are pretty cool — I’ve worked with them for 30 years and I love ‘em. But the oil companies themselves are profit machines. Like a computer, they have no conscience. On a gargantuan level, detached from emotion, they relentlessly pick, prod and probe for profits wherever they can be found.
On the Slope, unless there is a financial incentive, they can’t be counted on to “do the right thing” and drill if we simply cut taxes. Senator Tom Wagoner’s bill — employing incentives — is better.
Eric Treider
Soldotna
Comments (7)
Add commentI have an idea, give them the
I have an idea, give them the 2b so We can help them post big Gaia so their stock goes up. But then They "donate" 1b back to our dividend hedge fund! Win win! Oh...except for the actual state of Alaska, it'll still be screwed.
oil debate
When I saw Sen. French on Gavel to Gavel challenge the Governor to a debate, presenting all the facts available, I thought it was a great idea. If it were to take place (I don't think it will) we might get enough evidence, facts and information to decide how we would like our elected representatives to vote. Without information we may be "buying a pig in poke" and never know what we are paying for.
Our State Constitution (article 8, section 2) clearly says "The legislature shall provide for the utilization, development, and conservation of all natural resources belonging to the State, including lands and waters, for the maximum benefit of its people."
Nowhere could I find that says we must give up potential income on our resources to benefit large corporations in hopes that by doing so, they may condescend to benefit the people.
Oh, Wally, your true colors are showing!!!
"Nowhere could I find that says we must give up potential income on our resources to benefit large corporations in hopes that by doing so, they may condescend to benefit the people."
Your quoting of the constitution followed by that silly statement tells us all we need to know why this is such a devisive issue. Pure conjecture and opinion on your part. In fact, it exposes your distain towards "large corporations", i.e. big oil, and tells those of us reading it exactly where you stand. You lose the argument right there because it reveals that you're not interested in facts or discussion.
Parnell would never consider debating French. If French is so full of facts, put them out there and convince your constituents. Me thinks French wants a little of the lime light.
Facts
Hi Calypso. I am curious where you get the idea that facts matter in political debate. I assume you're familiar with sophistry?
reply
Colypso Nice try. But I don't think what I wrote is all "pure conjecture and opinion on my part. You may think I have "distain" for large corporations. I don't in fact I have some stock in good, honest corporations. I don't think I "lose arguments because I "am not interested in facts or discussions," that is exactly what I and many others are asking for - facts, evidence and discussion.
Why do you gratuitiously assume that Parnell would never debate Senator French? Do you have any proof, any assurance that what you say it true. Perhaps Gov. Parnell has confided in you and you are his spokesman.
Senator French gave out his facts and data as did other Senators. I don't have any "constituents," I am not an elected official.
As I understand it, all comments may offer opinions, assumptions, beliefs regarding issues. However if one wishes to challenge another commentator , one needs to have more evidence than just "Me thinks."
Calypso, I think "Your colors are showing through." They seem to be your opinion, and that is fine. But that doesn't make it factual or the "truth." Its just one person's opinion
These conservative
These conservative republicans say they want smaller government but thats only for Corporations.
They want small Government for Businesses so they can end regulations that protect the public, gut unions that protect workers, cut corporate taxes so they can de-fund our safety net programs that protect the public
BUT
when it comes to YOU and your private life they want BIG GOVERNMENT so they can control your life.
Vote for the Democrats in 2012 people now we all see the truth about the Republican agenda.