There are compelling reasons why John McCain should be elected. Foremost is his stance on energy issues.

In addition to conservation, conservatives (Democrats, Republicans and Independents) support drilling for oil where the oil is located, favor the implementation of a sound and expansive nuclear program, and want to develop alternative forms of energy (wind, solar, clean coal, etc.). McCain has advanced this policy in his campaign.

When he was running for president and visited Altoona, I had the occasion to ask Joe Biden why there was such strong congressional disapproval of drilling for Alaskan and offshore oil. His comment to me was that “It wouldn’t do any good.” I found this hard to believe, especially since drilling for Alaskan oil would produce upwards of an additional 1 million barrels of oil each day! Barack Obama himself has offered an energy solution: hand out gauges to adjust your tire pressure. Through this campaign, Obama has also opposed offshore oil drilling and the development of nuclear energy. 

The energy obstacles offered by Obama and Biden are far from sensible. In fact, when I asked Biden further if he expected Americans would soon be forced to drive rubber-band powered cars, he jokingly said that that was a great idea. My thinking is that if Obama is elected, I am not so sure that we won’t all soon be hitch-hiking our way around town. Remember the gas lines of the Jimmy Carter era? They are about to return if Obama is elected. Energy development is just another area in which Obama lacks adequate foresight. McCain has demonstrated that he has the better ideas in this field. That remains a big plus for me and is one reason why I support McCain. 

Alan Daut

Resident

Altoona