Keystone XL’s continued delay is absurd (title edited)

[UncleBeer 244]

In yet another Friday newsdump the administration announced the preznit's decision- to delay his decision- concerning the Keystone XL pipeline (at least until after the midterms! pure coincidence), something that's been on the table for years. The benefits of the pipeline are so great and the disadvantages so few that one must ask: Is the preznit a ditherer or a knave? Is he merely incapable of taking decisive action, or is this just more of his agenda of covert destruction of the US economy under cover of 'fundamental transformation'?

Keystone XL’s continued delay is absurd

IF FOOT-DRAGGING were a competitive sport, President Obama and his administration would be world champions for their performance in delaying the approval of the Keystone XL pipeline.

Last Friday afternoon, the time when officials make announcements they hope no one will notice, the State Department declared that it is putting off a decision on Keystone XL indefinitely — or at least, it seems, well past November’s midterm elections. This time, the excuse is litigation in Nebraska over the proposed route, because that might lead to a change in the project that various federal agencies will want to consider. The State Department might even decide to substantially restart the environmental review process . This is yet another laughable reason to delay a project that the federal government has been scrutinizing for more than five years.

At this point, there is little doubt about the big picture. After two thorough environmental analyses, State Department experts determined that the pipeline’s impact probably would be minimal, even on climate change-inducing carbon dioxide emissions

[luckytxn 2,265]

The industry paid off the wrong people. They should have paid Obama off. He is showing what happens when you don't do so.

In yet another Friday newsdump the administration announced the preznit's decision- to delay his decision- concerning the Keystone XL pipeline (at least until after the midterms! pure coincidence), something that's been on the table for years. The benefits of the pipeline are so great and the disadvantages so few that one must ask: Is the preznit a ditherer or a knave? Is he merely incapable of taking decisive action, or is this just more of his agenda of covert destruction of the US economy under cover of 'fundamental transformation'?

Edited April 24, 2014 by luckytxn

[mota bhai 2,675]

Delays with this pipeline present one of the most compelling arguments in favor of electing a Republican in 2016. Republicans don't realize it though, they still think it's all about Obamacare and the morning after pill.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Delays with this pipeline present one of the most compelling arguments in favor of electing a Republican in 2016. Republicans don't realize it though, they still think it's all about Obamacare and the morning after pill.

It is all about timing. Timing is why Obama will not make a decision, that will upset half of his voter base, and timing is why the Republicans don't want voter burn out before November. The pipeline is still a local issue, and Democrats are free to stand on whatever side gets them the most votes, and they are taking hits already in local races where the constituents favor the pipeline, and gaining support where constituents do not favor the pipeline. That Obama wants only to protect himself while at the same time turning a blind eye to "local" issues is business as usual at the White House campaign not to embarrass the President.

[UncleBeer 244]

It is all about timing. Timing is why Obama will not make a decision

Ugghh: God forbid he should just once do the right thing for the US, without a lot of political considerations. Everything seems to be politicized with this crowd.

The pipeline is still a local issue

Please explain this odd statement? It will absolutely directly affect the economic welfare of the entire US, the military position of the entire US, and international relations of the entire US. "local..."?

[Ontarkie 14,527]

~~Title edited to match article~~

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Please explain this odd statement? It will absolutely directly affect the economic welfare of the entire US, the military position of the entire US, and international relations of the entire US. "local..."?

It is still a local issue, because Obama is reluctant for it to become a national issue, despite the best effort of the Republicans to make it so.

"All politics is local" -- Tip O'neill

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Californian's would do better if the XL pipeline was not build toward the Gulf of Mexico, but rather toward the Pacific coast. California refineries can already handle heavy crude, so much of that oil would find its way into California and the western states, not just to Western Pacific nations.

[UncleBeer 244]

It is still a local issue, because Obama is reluctant for it to become a national issue, despite the best effort of the Republicans to make it so.

More nonsense. Either it's an issue of national import (which it clearly is), or it's not (which you aver, yet provide no argument to support).

[Al422 221]

We may argue on whether Obama is a good president, but few will contend that he is not a smart politician. He knows exactly what he is doing to maximize Democratic votes in 2014.

As for 2016, I hate to tell all you Republicans, but Hillary Clinton is a shrewd politician, the best the world has known since Eva Peron. She will steal your underwear in the blink of an eye. She stole Obama's underwear several times during the nomination fight in 2008. But he was prepared for the underwear thief and ultimately prevailed. The Republicans on the other hand are so beholden to Tea Party extremists that they will never be prepared for the great underwear thief and will get bludgeoned in 2016.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

More nonsense. Either it's an issue of national import (which it clearly is), or it's not (which you aver, yet provide no argument to support).

It is a regional issue at best. But the politics of it are very local. It probably gets nothing more than a "ho-hum" in most districts and states across the US.

[GandD 5,966]

Please explain this odd statement? It will absolutely directly affect the economic welfare of the entire US, the military position of the entire US, and international relations of the entire US. "local..."?

Not really. Without the pipeline, they just drive it here in trucks. Its not like the pipeline is a make or break deal for the flow. The pipeline is a cheaper option for delivery to the US and frankly a more environmentally friendly delivery system. The people protesting this are under the false impression that the oil is not going to be brought here one way or another. The argument is really over how it will be delivered, something I don't think the protesters understand. Its really a stupid line in the sand for democrats IMHO.

[UncleBeer 244]

It is a regional issue at best. But the politics of it are very local. It probably gets nothing more than a "ho-hum" in most districts and states across the US.

So: no chance whatsoever of you providing a cogent explanation of your viewpoint...?

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

So: no chance whatsoever of you providing a cogent explanation of your viewpoint...?

I can no longer wait for you to get an epiphany.

[GandD 5,966]

Does one get or have an epiphany?