http://bangthedrum.disqus.com/politics and issuesenWed, 24 Sep 2008 15:02:31 -0000http://politics.drumsnwhistles.com/2008/08/the-needle-and-the-damage-done/#comment-2573750Hello. My name is Edgar and I'm an editor at <a href="http://OpposingViews.com" rel="nofollow">OpposingViews.com</a>, the debate website. Since we both cover energy and environmental issues, I thought I'd drop you a note. I would've e-mailed you but I couldn't find an address.<br>See, we're currently having a discussion about whether or not the U.S. should allow offshore oil drilling. You can see it here:<br><a href="http://www.opposingviews.com/questions/should-the-us-allow-offshore-oil-drilling" rel="nofollow">http://www.opposingviews.com/questions/should-t...</a><br>Although vetted experts are the ones doing the debating, anyone can contribute by choosing a side and posting comments about the experts' arguments.<br>Check it out and, if you have the time, let me know what you think at <a href="mailto:eacosta@opposingviews.com" rel="nofollow">eacosta@opposingviews.com</a><br>Thanks!EdgarWed, 24 Sep 2008 15:02:31 -0000http://politics.drumsnwhistles.com/2008/08/the-needle-and-the-damage-done/#comment-2012570Hi WebPixie,<br><br>Yes, that's what it means. Congress had to affirm the executive order. Now that the executive order has been lifted, Congress need not do anything to open the door.<br><br>Heavy, deep sigh.KaroliTue, 02 Sep 2008 13:28:31 -0000http://politics.drumsnwhistles.com/2008/08/the-needle-and-the-damage-done/#comment-2003317So does this mean that the moratorium WILL be lifted UNLESS a resolution is attached to the budget that calls for what amounts to a NEW moratorium?<br><br>Thanks. Your ability to direct readers to credible references is much appreciated. If it isn't by some, it should be. Keep up the great work!WebPixieTue, 02 Sep 2008 08:46:24 -0000http://politics.drumsnwhistles.com/2008/08/the-needle-and-the-damage-done/#comment-1987749It doesn't have anything to do with the budget, but resolutions and other business are often attached to the budget.<br><br>The key here is that Congress had to agree to the executive order banning offshore drilling and did so by caveat. Now that the order has been lifted Congress need not do anything to open those leases up to the oil companies. <br><br>The absence of action is action.KaroliMon, 01 Sep 2008 16:28:56 -0000http://politics.drumsnwhistles.com/2008/08/the-needle-and-the-damage-done/#comment-1937411Maybe I am a bit uninformed, or maybe misinformed. I thought the Congressional moratorium on drilling was something that stays there until Congress repeals it. I didn't think it was something they had to put into the budget each year. How can a moratorium be a budget item? It doesn't seem to be the kind of thing the government would have to provide funds for. Help?WebPixieSun, 31 Aug 2008 05:57:44 -0000