This thread is a real eye-opener.
What it tells me is that we have many hunters, fishermen, outdoors men and women who are completely gullible and easily manipulated. Many have no idea of what is really going on.
I consider myself a staunch conservationist, and I did my homework on ANWR in 1998, likely before some here were even born. After some real skepticism, what I found was that that area of ANWR the 'wilds of Alaska' Sitka proclaims with their deceptive ad, is a gift for providing the country and our immense energy needs. It is remote, largely deserted, and further insurance that we don't EVER have to bow to the oil cartel producers of the Middle East.
You fellas claiming 'we have enough already' or 'it's too pristine there!' have absolutely no clue of what you are talking about. Right now China wants our oil, that is huge leverage over that country in a time when it's needed.
I was a kid during the oil embargo days of the early 70's, I remember the gas lines, the rationing. The pain of being beholden to Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya...it was awful.
The day will come when liberals close ANWR, discontinue fracking, close offshore rigs etc, and the waling here will be epic. Get used to $6.75 a gallon gas, $8.50 in NY and Kailf. Enjoy life now, it won't last just look at the $5 a gallon gas under "O"....how did that feel? It could be a helluva lot worse.
Hyperbole? Think again, it will happen.
Alaska is an amazing place, it can provide the hunt of a lifetime and still be prudently mined, drilled and commercially fished.