The reason why the Obama and the Democrats will not grab the opportunity to take this winning position on energy is twofold: donations and cowardice.

While George Bush was flagrantly and blatantly violating the constitution, the rule of law, and international law the Democrats either hid behind the excuse that they couldn't stop a filibuster or they agreed with his policies.

When the President lies to the American people and to Congress to prosecute an illegal war, he deserves to be impeached yet the Democrats and in particular, Nancy Pelosi, refused to even consider charging the President with "high crimes and misdemeanors".  As well, when the President perverted the use of signing statements to hijack the legislative functions of government, the Democratic Congress stood idly by while the President purloined their powers.  In addition, when it became patently obvious that the Bush administration was using "enhanced interrogative techniques" or torture at prisons around the globe, they turned a blind eye.  Why would anyone expect the Democrats to act any differently when the issue is whether or not to invest in renewable energy and desist from solving the energy crisis with more fossil fuels?

Another reason why Obama and the Democrats will continue to advocate offshore drilling despite their loudly proclaimed reservations and to fail to shift the focus to renewables is because oil money is pouring into their coffers and oil lobbyists staffing their campaign.  It is true that Obama has promised "I don't take money from oil companies" but he is being less than candid.  No candidate is allowed to accept donations from any corporations since passage of the Tillman Act of 1907.  Instead, he is using the same tactic as the Republicans by accepting individual donations from oil company executives including a total of $30,850 from ExxonMobil and $9,900 from Shell.  Obama has also reassured the voters that he does not accept money from PACs and lobbyists but he did accept $30,850 from ExxonMobil employees.  As well, oil industry executives are collecting money from individuals and donating it to Obama's campaign.  George Kaiser, chairman of Kaiser-Francis Oil Co. has bundled over $50,000 for the Obama campaign.

Obviously, Obama's vision is blurred somewhat from his acceptance of money from the oil industry.  His vision is further impaired by using former lobbyists as advisors in his campaign.  Despite the overwhelming support from the American people for a shift to renewable energy, Obama and the Democrats are advocating an energy policy that would not be anathema to the oil industry.

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