Monday's Homer Chamber of Commerce was entertained by a group of brothers from the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company. (At this point, I must be honest; they rapped out the same old flap that has come down for years from the oil companies, i.e., drilling for oil is safe, we spent millions on dry holes last year. It was almost a consensus opinion of most of the oil buffs present that fish down in the Gulf of Texas have been drinking crude oil for years and they are just as healthy as Alaska homegrown. We love Homer and like to come here and it is a joy to speak to the Chamber of Commerce.)

 

Man that good old southern drawl just about drowned out the beautiful scenery.

 

The mayor, Leo Rhode, and the city council members urged a fast exit for the oil buffs and had a special meeting somewhere in Homer, in all probability to discuss oil and the high price of hamburger. The people of Homer are not so dumb as not to know that we need oil. Oil construction and production are necessities on our economic way of life. We the people of Homer are also wise enough to know that Mother Nature has provided a very delicate and unique shellfish and fishing resource here in Kachemak Bay. (We aim to make every effort to protect this beautiful gift of Mother Nature and the flourishing fishing industry that has supported Homer year in and year out, even if it means buying back leases that have been sold in this area.)

 

It appears to me, the politics and public relations by the oil company is getting to be ridiculous and more or less an unnecessary game. The oil companies have a job to do. Why not get on with the business and leave all of this BS in the trashcan. (All we ask is that you make your operations and production as safe as humanly possible, and keep the good gas flowing.)

 

All in all, it was a very enjoyable and interesting meeting.

 

Joy to the World,

Brother Asaiah Bates