""If, in order to get that passed, we have to compromise in terms of a careful, well thought-out drilling strategy that was carefully circumscribed to avoid significant environmental damage - I don't want to be so rigid that we can't get something done.""

Well, you can think what you like, but htios strikes me as a man who understands statesmanship. He could go to the wall making the other side look stupid (because the push for drilling is illogical) but he's not doing that. He's giving a little in order to get somewhere free of oil dependence. And from what he has said, not much being given away.

But it was a mature and thoughtful step.

And no, he hasn't changed his mind; he has taken a positive step to reach a point of progress. What kind of ideal would it be to have someone figure a situation out from one point of view only and then stick hard over on it until the cows come home?


A