Solution Finds New Problem

Republicans in Congress reanimate efforts to drill in Arctic Refuge

Iran -- the world's fourth-largest oil producer -- has threatened to cut oil exports if other nations impose economic sanctions to punish it for restarting its nuclear-power program. Some analysts say oil prices could spike to $100 a barrel if Iran stopped exports entirely. In response to this geopolitical dilemma, a handful of congressional Republicans have redoubled their efforts to ... drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. A bewildered nation can only respond: What the $%@! is wrong with these people? On Wednesday, Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, evoked the threat of an Iran-sparked oil shock when threatening to attach an Arctic-drilling measure to a new budget bill. You will recall from the last 1,583 debates over this issue that even if drilling in the refuge started today, seven years would pass before a single drop of oil was produced. So WTF?