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Kagen to use Lawyers to Solve Oil Problems
In a stroke of utter genius, Dr. Steve Kagen, M.D. (Democrat-Appleton) has figured out how to best deal with OPEC and the rising cost of oil. His solution? Send in the lawyers. Kagen, who will be unable to partake in this action in defense of American interests because he is a doctor and not a lawyer, was the lead sponsor of a House bill that would subject OPEC oil producers, including Saudi Arabia, Iran and Venezuela, to the same antitrust laws that U.S. companies must follow. Great idea, Dr. Kagen, only one small problem, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Venezuela and other OPEC members aren’t part of the United States last I checked. What will be the result as brave American attorneys are deployed to the frontlines in the fight for lower oil prices? The answer-meaningless litigation, backlogged courts and higher prices. Seriously, is it me or does Dr. Kagen (and the other 323 members of Congress who voted in the affirmative) not understand the situation here? Instead of voting to responsibly tap into the many areas off our shores or in other oil rich parts of our own country, he introduces legislation that will provide more attorneys more work; must be the Kagen jobs-creation plan. The White House (correctly) opposes the bill, saying that targeting OPEC investment in the United States as a source for damage awards “would likely spur retaliatory action against American interests in those countries and lead to a reduction in oil available to U.S. refiners.” The administration said less oil going to refineries would limit available gasoline supplies and raise fuel prices. Kagen stated, “This bill guarantees that oil prices will reflect supply and demand economic rules, instead of wildly speculative and perhaps illegal activities.” Oh really? How does this bill address supply and demand? “We demand lower oil prices, therefore OPEC must supply them!” Hardly, Dr. Kagen. Kagen’s naïveté on this is almost as embarrassing as his boorish behavior at the White House two winters ago. Kagen has forgotten the economic golden rule-he who has the (black) gold, makes the rules. So, once again our leaders have failed to lead, have chosen gimmicks over substance and scored political points at the expense of American strength and national security. I wonder where this legal battle will rank with the other great battles in our nation’s history.
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