Hum 111 to Drill or Not to Drill

To Drill or Not to Drill

Amanda Swartz

University of Phoenix

To Drill or Not to Drill

Drilling off the Gulf Coast and Alaska is a controversial issue that is still at the heightened forefronts for individuals. Some claim that drilling will take the focus off the raising gas prices and help the economy. Our country is need of more oil to achieve our energy independence. (Walsh, 2012) My perspective is that drilling will actually put our country into more debt and will not impact our gas prices dramatically. Investing in other alternative energy sources would produce more jobs than drilling could offer. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, “Projections from the Energy Information Administration indicate that an expansion of offshore drilling wouldn't lower gas prices until 2030, and then by only a few cents per gallon. (NRDC, 2011)”

The perceptual blocks that could hinder my thinking are conformity and mine-is-better-than-yours thinking. With the friends and family that I am surrounded by, this has been a topic of discussion of several occasions. I find that the more this topic is discussed, the more I have been led to thinking in the way of my peers. Maybe they have better arguments or stronger points. Maybe they are more educated and have done more research. With the mine-is-better-than-yours thinking, I feel that my opinion is right. I have a strong ability to articulate and convey my thoughts and feelings in a way that can make another person unsure second guess themselves. These two habits are powerful when put together.

To overcome these blocks I need to research the information from both angles. Regardless of what the popular sway leans towards, there are good points from both perspectives. Writing this essay allowed me to research more point of views to help support my opinions. My thoughts can be manipulated by...