Our Political System is Broken ... Why Politics Sucks ... Another Politically Based Delay of the Keystone XL Pipeline Decision

The decision to delay the Keystone XL pipeline project past the November elections is yet another example of why politics sucks.


Of course, I would like to see the project approved and believe that it should have been given the "go ahead" signal several years ago. The boost to jobs, the economy, energy independence and U.S. national security are the underlying reasons for my common sense belief.


Of course, the reigning Democratic politicians in Washington, led by President Obama, are deeply conflicted between the preferences of two of their big contributors --- (1) the "green environmentally friendly" big money donors (2) and the AFL-CIO union officials who want the sorely needed high paying jobs for their dues paying membership.


Thus, President Obama remains steadfast in his multi-year determination not to make a decision. It's just another example of the President's decisive indecisiveness, it's being done purely for political purposes, and it sucks.


Administration Delays Keystone XL Pipeline Decision is appropriately subtitled 'State Department's Extended Comment Period Could Push Final Call Until After Midterm Elections:'


"The Obama administration is extending its review of the Keystone XL pipeline, citing ongoing litigation in Nebraska over the project's route through the state, according to people familiar with the matter.

The State Department is allowing more time for government agencies to weigh in on the project—a review process that was expected to end in early May, State Department officials told congressional staff on Friday.

It is unclear how much more time the State Department will allow for input, but it is likely to push a final decision on the pipeline—which has been under review by the Obama administration for more than five years—until after November's midterm elections.

TransCanada Corp. wants to send oil through a pipeline from Canadian oil sands to Gulf Coast refineries in the U.S. The pipeline project has stirred opposition from environmental groups, which warn it could lead to oil spills and exacerbate global warming. Business interests contend it will create jobs and offer a safer alternative than transporting the oil by rail.

Critics say the pipeline will lead to greater development of, and reliance on, energy sources with high greenhouse gas emissions. In February, a Nebraska judge ruled a law allowing the oil pipeline to be built across the state was unconstitutional, creating a new wrinkle for a project awaiting U.S. federal government approval.

Earlier this month, 11 Senate Democrats, including five up for reelection, sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to make a final decision on the pipeline by May 31. This delay nearly guarantees that won't happen."

Summing Up 

Our political system is broken.

Our politics sucks.

We the People deserve better.

We should demand such from our "public servants" who don't bother to serve us.

That's my take.

Thanks. Bob.