The Washington Post spelled out the reason why increased demonization of “Big Oil” by calling for a windfall profits taxes are wrong:

Making Exxon surrender money that is now falling into its lap would not necessarily affect its longer-term plans or incentives. Indeed, some of Big Oil’s “windfall” already will go to the government: The more profit the companies earn, the more corporate income tax they pay. But to add a five-year tax increase on top of that to pay for a one-year gift to voters would, indeed, increase the cost of doing business. That cost would be passed along in forgone investment in new production, lower dividends for pension funds and other shareholders, and higher prices at the pump — thus socking it to the consumers whom the plan is supposed to help. If oil prices fall, there might be no windfall profits to tax. Then the Obama rebate would have to be paid for through spending cuts, taxes on something else or borrowing.

The Post does a wonderful job of telling its readers why increasing taxes on oil companies will backfire on everyone. Dems continued use of “Big Oil” as a demonizing mantra is archaic. The Post editorial writers seemed to even mock its use.

So the Dems are attempting to demonize their way out of this with a an outdated populist message that is falling on more deaf ears all the time. Speaker Pelosi’s line in the sand on drilling continues to be a drag on Dem credibility on energy as Republican’s in Congress stayed in Washington to grandstand in a way thats kept the issue burning. They’ve lost a reliable ally in the Post, too.

Bob Myer writes from the great state of Texas in The Mind of FlapJack. Here is what he shares on the Pelosi/Reid lie they are purpetuating on the American people about their own ecomomic suvival:

But crises are only of political value when something can be made from them, when they deliver a product to someone. In an election year, the beneficiaries of crises are easy to detect: those who hope to gain or maintain office through manipulation of real or imagined crises. I realize that the previous statement is a bit circular. Let me provide an example.

Speaker Pelosi has stated that her goal is to save the planet from destruction due to our dependence on oil. She has to date given no specific solutions for this crisis, which is shocking, seeing as the planet may be destroyed without a solution. Reasonable thought indicates that her refusal (and the refusal of her Senatorial cohort, Sen. Reid) to allow any debate or vote on off-shore drilling is really a sandbag tactic. Her hope is that the 111th Congress will coincide with a Democrat in the White House. The end goal is the power to push her agenda. The means to this end is perpetuating the oil crunch until November (and shifting all blame onto Republicans).

It seems quite clear to me as I sit and write, yet I feel a sort of fatigue. The constant roll of crisis on top of crisis can be overwhelming. However it is, in the end, somewhat more mental than actual (so I shan’t whine!). We would do well for ourselves to examine these “crises”, to look for their simple causes, to seek out reasonable short term solutions, and to plan ahead for the long term. But we must also look for those who would manipulate “crises” – indeed, manufacture them – for personal gain. Speaker Pelosi is the poster girl for the self-perpetuated and self-serving crisis.

Rock on for American families, Bob. Continue to say no to the Environmentalsit Left that funds Reid and Pelosi’s campaigns

As reported in my previous link from Congressman John Campbell, Amanda Carpenter confirms this extroidinary improptu meeting that Republicans are having on the floor of the House chambers.

The CSPAN cameras have been turned off and the House Democrats are on their way home, but members of the GOP are staying late.

I’m getting reports from the Hill that House Republicans are gathering on the House floor, in the dark, with no microphones, to talk directly with taxpayers who are visiting the Capitol about gas prices.

Pelosi and her environmentalist pay masters have no intention of allowing more drilling. Today’s extroidinary events on the House floor cements the issue for Republicans. Look for them to exploit in a manner which could turn several seats back to republicans. John McCain has already signaled he is on board with off shore drilling with Obama being steadfastly against it.

This issue more than others may affect who McCain picks as VP. It may move Alaska Govenor Sarah Palin to the front. Palin is an extremely effective advocate for drilling and her presence could additional juice to a ticket which is already gaining some steam.

UPDATES: From Hot Air and the Politico

Thats what it will mean if the Fairness Doctrine is reactivated. Rick Moran has more.

THis interview of Newt Gingrich today on Fox demonstrated just how close the Dem party leaders are from giving a win-win to John McCain and the Republicans in the fall on America’s oil crisis.
Reid and Pelosi are unable to allow open drilling and are hopeful that the REPs will acquiece to a face-saving move. It looks like no way for Reid Pelosi and Obama as they will try to argue that they know best as they did all along in Iraq.