On one hand, the Republican Convention boasted the "Drill, baby, drill" theme, yet at the Democratic Convention the theme was more subdued, yet there were new technology and greening efforts that could not be overlooked, and it did not need to be shoved at those in attendance, because most of us attending, well, we understand what is at stake.

It is hard not to think that the government take-over of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae is not a land grab attempt, imagine that, coupled with the already 63 million acres set aside for drilling, that is an immense amount of land, yet not enough according to some. Oil companies have weighed in on the matter with large contributions to their lawmakers on the take, and I would imagine maybe a few on the left as well.
It appear's that the bill will be an unavoidable issue, possibly as early as this week. There could be some provisions that would allow limited drilling off the coasts of North and South Carolina, as well as Georgia sent up by the Democratic lawmakers, but these allowances won't come without stipulations that would require that up to 20 percent of our electricity come from renewable sources, like wind and solar. Also, look for a possible "use it or lose it" submission on those 63 million acres currently set aside for the purpose of drilling.

Now knowing those Republicans that have been pumping their fist in the air, for more drilling in ANWAR, and opening up our sacred protected lands, these provisions most likely will not sit well and they will want more, because they always do want more.

Apparently there is a group of 16 bipartisan lawmakers that are pushing a plan allowing for the ban on offshore drilling in the Gulf that would include some $84 billion in investments for new technology by cutting the immense tax breaks that the big oil companies have been receiving. Of course, most Republicans won't like this option either. Along with "drill, baby, drill," comes All or Nothing!

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R) of Iowa sits on the Senate Finance Committee was quoted as saying, “It’s ridiculous to think Republicans will go along with &84 billion with the limited amount of drilling that the group of 16 allows us to have." Grassley whined that the bipartisan group had not essentially cleared their plan with the rest of the Republicans. That bill if introduced may not come up until later in the month.

Senate bill 3335, includes tax extension breaks for renewable energy to the tune of $57.2 billion, and according to some news resources, the bill would be Sen. Majority Leader (D) Harry Reid's best hope to push through any legislation.

We can only wait and see how this will all play out. One thing is certain; I do not believe that George W. Bush and Dick Cheney will go out without a fight. This is their baby after all is said and done and our elected Republicans (most, to be fair), have always given them what they want. Let's hope this session works out in the favor of the earth and its inhabitants, whether they agree with it or not.