offshore drilling

Since 1981, there has been a law banning oil drilling off America's beautiful coastal areas.

That covers most of the country's coastal waters, including beautiful places like the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the islands of South Carolina, and the scenic cliffs and beaches of the west coast.

For normal people and nature lovers alike; the ocean represents a place of inspiration, God's beauty, and relaxation.

From CNN, "Many officials from coastal states oppose offshore drilling because of the risk of oil spills that can spoil beaches. Environmentalists want offshore drilling to stop, to protect the oceans from further pollution."

John McCain says he wants to take this law off of the books, and start drilling off of America's shores to lessen gas prices. Do we really want to irreparably sacrifice our coastal areas to make a quick fix for oil prices? I don't think so. This is a temporary and political fix for a larger problem. It would be disastrous to leave our coastal areas in the balance for such a cause.

Even Republican Cali Governor Schwarzenegger chimed in on the idea last week, saying: "But anyone who tells you this would bring down gas prices any time soon is blowing smoke."

I don't care what political party is behind the idea. Abolishing this law is a bad idea for the future of our country.