Protecting American Society v. Protecting the Earth

Candidate for Republican Presidential Nominee and former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich, came to speak at UNC Wilmington last Wednesday, April 4th.  Although he is not my number one choice for the Republican Nominee for President, I was excited to learn that he was coming to visit.  To be completely honest, I had no idea UNCW was on the so-called "map" for Presidential campaign trail for any of the nominees.  It was an interesting experience to see him and to hear what he had to say.

Former Speaker Newt Gingrich giving a speech to UNCW students on campus at Lumina Theatre.

Since the media has such an influence on the way that American society thinks and view politicians, and any public figure for that matter, I expected to hear Newt talk about some of his most infamous ideas such as colonizing the moon, or talking about Christian moral ideals that Americans should preserve -- even though he has been divorced three times, and married four times.

To the contrary, Mr. Gingrich had some very interesting things to say regarding how he believes the American government system needs to be more innovative, yet still maintain American conservative values.

In one of his most logical points, he said that in order to avoid conflict with the Middle East (specifically Saudi Arabia), it is important that we "Drill Here, Drill Now," which coincidentally happens to be part of the title of his 2008 book, Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less.

He mentioned that even though scientists say we only have approximately 125 years worth of oil left in America, by that time, we will have so much new technology that we will have discovered even more and better ways to discover and drill more oil.  Valid point.

If we are able to be independent in our energy, then we will not have to worry about the Saudis or any type of conflict arising from the Middle East, because we will be more self-dependent, and therefore more powerful.  This gives us the ability to make our own decisions.

Newt also predicted that if we are able to drill our own oil, if elected President, he would lower gas prices to $2.50 per gallon.  I am not sure how realistic this is, but with the amount of money Americans are currently spending on one gallon of gas, he sure has a good platform to run on.

Even though protecting the Earth is a priority, it is more important that the American people are protected, from: 1) potential war & conflict with the Middle East; and, 2) ridiculously high gas prices.

It seems as though this year's Presidential campaign will be targeting the votes of the "Average Middle-Class American" -- no matter which side you are on, and whether you are a republican or a democrat, this is an issue that effects every American.  Some may see Newt's position as harming the environment, when in fact, we should be looking out primarily for the well-being of our country, our citizens, and those who put their lives in danger for us every day.

 Newt Gingrich preparing to speak at Lumina Theatre on the UNCW campus.