A Well-Oiled Machine Drives National Security

President Bush is correct in looking toward the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as a very practical supplemental solution to resolve the imported oil-dependence problem of the United States (“Mr. Bush’s Arctic Obsession,” editorial, March 27). The U.S. is the largest consumer of oil. Currently, imported oil is the lifeblood of our economy and cherished lifestyle.

Bush, a former oilman and now commander in chief, clearly understands that oil can be used as a devastating and persuasive weapon against our national interests. The current crisis in the Middle East makes those of us who do not see Israel with religious fervor wonder where we would stand on our foreign policies should long gasoline lines again develop and jobs disappear.

The insignificant use of 2,000 acres out of 19 million for oil production must be balanced with reducing the potentially devastating threat on our citizens and lifestyle against the remotely possible adverse effects on a few caribou. The oil produced out of ANWR would last many years--if we use it to supplement our growth while maintaining our current or slightly reduced level of imports and as an emergency reserve for national security.

Frank Bajinting

Whittier

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I applaud the theme of your editorial, but some things must be added. The oil drillers can use ice to build their roads but where does the water come from to make the ice? The North Slope is a desert, and what do the ice roads and drilling pads sit on? Massive areas will be crushed and drainages will be disrupted, so huge swamps will result. But this is not what is critical; Bush does not want to drill for oil in the ANWR; he knows that he would lose a tremendous amount of voters because most Americans don’t want to destroy this area. This is a ploy! He will say OK, we will give up ANWR but give us these park areas in the lower 48. That is his obsession, not the ANWR.

Charles Leavell

Professor of Ecology

Fullerton College

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The notion that tapping the oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge will provide some number of months supply to the nation is misleading. Any oil produced will become a part of the global production and distribution system, of which the U.S. currently uses about 25%. It is this profligate use which underlies not only our energy problems but our frenzied relationship with the Middle East, where the real reserves lie, and upon which we are and will stay dependent.

Eventually, of course, the oil in the ANWR will have to come out. It is a resource which should be exploited later rather than sooner--like a century later.

Stefen Malone

West Hollywood