This story from the grist about a push poll arranged by Rasmussen showing 67% support for the reinstatement of offshore oil drilling in the United States reminded me of this most delightful exchange from Yes Prime Minister, still one of my all time favourite television shows and one that taught me almost everything I needed to know about parliamentary politics at a tender age. The show is about British politics through the eyes of an earnest but bumbling politician, his very experienced bureaucratic handler and his secretary with divided loyalties. The show is incredibly insightful and funny at the same time. But, before I get to my favourite part, some background…
It’s that time of the year when the republicans want to enrich their oil buddies by opening up oil drilling offshore of the U.S. This year, the high price of gas provides a convenient excuse and rallying point. After all, who wouldn’t want to pay less for gas. Of course, a U.S government study done by the Energy Information Administration in 2007 indicates that at best, you would see a 3% increase in production by 2030, and we all know how much that would affect gasoline prices this summer. Yet, here’s the first question from the “poll”
In order to reduce the price of gas, should drilling be allowed in offshore oil wells off the coasts of California, Florida, and other states
No really, what are you supposed to say? Can such reputable firms lie to you like that? Anyway, Joseph Romm from the original gristmill post breaks it down completely so I don’t have to. but after reading his post, come back and read the following exchange from Yes Prime Minister, and do listen to the actual audio clip from the show.
Yes Prime Minister – Season 1Episode 2 (warning: Strangely formatted website)
Sir Humphrey: “You know what happens: nice young lady comes up to you. Obviously you want to create a good impression, you don’t want to look a fool, do you? So she starts asking you some questions: Mr. Woolley, are you worried about the number of young people without jobs?”
Bernard Woolley: “Yes”
Sir Humphrey: “Are you worried about the rise in crime among teenagers?”
Bernard Woolley: “Yes”
Sir Humphrey: “Do you think there is a lack of discipline in our Comprehensive schools?”
Bernard Woolley: “Yes”
Sir Humphrey: “Do you think young people welcome some authority and leadership in their lives?”
Bernard Woolley: “Yes”
Sir Humphrey: “Do you think they respond to a challenge?”
Bernard Woolley: “Yes”
Sir Humphrey: “Would you be in favour of reintroducing National Service?”
Bernard Woolley: “Oh…well, I suppose I might be.”
Sir Humphrey: “Yes or no?”
Bernard Woolley: “Yes”
Sir Humphrey: “Of course you would, Bernard. After all you told you can’t say no to that. So they don’t mention the first five questions and they publish the last one.”
Bernard Woolley: “Is that really what they do?”
Sir Humphrey: “Well, not the reputable ones no, but there aren’t many of those. So alternatively the young lady can get the opposite result.”
Bernard Woolley: “How?”
Sir Humphrey: “Mr. Woolley, are you worried about the danger of war?”
Bernard Woolley: “Yes”
Sir Humphrey: “Are you worried about the growth of armaments?”
Bernard Woolley: “Yes”
Sir Humphrey: “Do you think there is a danger in giving young people guns and teaching them how to kill?”
Bernard Woolley: “Yes”Sir Humphrey: “Do you think it is wrong to force people to take up arms against their will?”
Bernard Woolley: “Yes”
Sir Humphrey: “Would you oppose the reintroduction of National Service?”
Bernard Woolley: “Yes”
Sir Humphrey: “There you are, you see Bernard. The perfect balanced sample.”
That is what I think about opinion polls!
Came across this discussion, being I’ve been in the coal industry most of life as has my family I lay some facts on the line.
One ton of anthracite coal is going to be about 25 million BTU’s, from my understanding Schuylkill County has contract for $120 a ton. To equal that with NG going by the recent spot prices you would spend approx. $270
True the boilers are more maintenance but its not that much, I have a coal boiler in my cellar that requires a few minutes work each day and has been running 24/7/365 for better than 25 years. The efficiency is slightly lower than that of a NG unit so that is not an argument either.
Bottom line is the long term cost of any heating system is going to be dictated by the cost of the fuel to run it. At more than double the cost there is absolutely no way gas can compete under any circumstances. Should also be mentioned the cost of NG is following right int the footsteps of regular gas, anthracite is currently the same price it was in the fall.
As far as the death toll mentioned most of those deaths occurred in the early part of the century, there’s only one death I’m aware in the last 20 years directly related to mining coal underground.
Lastly as far as the the economy this is boom for anthracite right now, the limited amount of coal that Schuylkill County is using is only a drop in the bucket before , itsonly going to effect a few people if anyone. The real loss will be at the expense of taxpayers.
Lastly I’m sure many people reading this are thinking about big smokey stacks belching out plumes of black smoke. That’s simply not the case, anthracite burns with no smoke, hence the reason for double the cost of regular coal. It’s ideal for domestic heating.