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Made in America was once commonly seen, and it was something to be proud of.? ?
Now most items we use and much of the gasoline burned here is imported. Getting
back to most items being made in America and turning towards all domestic energy
is what this nation needs, and that is why I favor offshore drilling.
For nine years, I worked for Lane Furniture here in Virginia. Because I started
having seizures when I got hot and taking frequent breaks at work just was not
an option, I had to quit. Not long after my early retirement, Lane closed down
here and sent all the work overseas. The other factory in town followed suit.
The economy here really suffered, and I do not think we have ever fully
recovered. Even though my hometown of Rocky Mount where I was born and raised
is nearly 600 miles from the coast, we would still feel the economic benefits
that drilling off the coast would create.
Offshore drilling has the potential to lower electricity rates, which I would
welcome. Right now, my electric bill is a little over $100 a month. In the
harsh winter months, it sometimes soars to $300. Affordable and reliable
electricity is important because I have to depend on my air conditioner to keep
me cool enough to ward off seizures in the hot summer months. Living on a fixed
income like I do really does not leave any room to adjust my budget.
Offshore drilling is safer than ever, and the benefits outweigh any minute
risks. When I was a boy and up until right after my father died, I often hunted
and fished in beautiful Virginia. The picturesque mountains are my favorite
part of the state. I would never support anything that would endanger our
environment. We should support offshore drilling and all the prosperity it can
create for our nation.
Arlie Quinn
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