Editorial critique of an article - The GOP’s gasoline alley

I an article today in the Washington Post, Dana Milbank discusses the Republican efforts to steer blame towards the Obama administration for rising fuel costs across the nation. This is a column labelled left-leaning by the paper and it is clear that Mr. Milbank is directing his comments to those that tend to be more liberal than conservative. I initially began reading this article because like all Americans I have been forced to pay a little more at the pump in recent months, although I have to admit life as it is for me currently dictates that I am not able to change driving habits as much as I might otherwise do. But I was a little disappointed in his explanation of the issues at hand and the lack of actual information he was providing. I know this is supposed to be an editorial Mr. Milbank, but there should be a little substance, don't you think? I agree that the issue of rising gas prices has been highly politicized, but that is certainly nothing new. I remember when H. Ross Perot was running for office in the 90's and he was vilified for his discussion of increasing gas prices to over $2/gallon to help offset government spending. All Mr. Milbank discusses is essentially how ludicrous Republicans are for blaming the current administration for higher prices at the pump. He describes that oil output has increased since 2008, and from what I understand that is the truth, largely due to the increase in active oil leases in the U.S. in that time period. What he fails to mention is that the majority (if not all - I can't find definitive information) of these new oil leases were approved by the Bush administration and have just gone into effect in the last few years.

Mr. Milbank also discusses the hypothetical situation of the U.S. shutting down production totally, and the effect that would have on the price of gas nationwide. Apparently, Rep. David McKinley (R-W.Va.) put this question to Charles Drevna of the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers and used that as a platform to smear Democratic leadership, accusing them of actually wanting higher gas prices. When pressed, Drevna said that prices could tip $10/gallon at the pump. While I don't believe anyone actually wants higher prices, other than the backbone of OPEC nations, I do find it interesting that the current administration has been reluctant to approve the Keystone Pipeline, a project that would increase our oil producing capability significantly. 

The most disappointing point Mr. Milbank makes, however is the comment that follows, intimating that even if we, the 3rd largest producer of oil at 9.1 million barrels/day, shut down production completely we might not see prices similar to Europe, which range from $3.42-6.48 according to CNN. Not only does that display a lack of basic economic theory, it demonstrates that he is more intent on inflaming the issue than rationally looking for a solution. But he's a columnist, and opinions are his bread and butter. As he says in the closing lines of his piece, "In this fight, the facts don’t matter." Well said sir.