Metalhead - Recall that Congress lifted the Alaska oil export ban in 1995. Prior to that all Alaskan oil had to be refined and sold in the U.S. Since the ban was lifted, Alaskan oil is now traded on the open market and sold to the highest bidder. Given the proximity of Alaska to the Pacific Rim countries (i.e., Japan) that's where the oil is going.

Remember that oil is a global commodity and is traded on the open market. Therefore drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge will not reduce the U.S. dependency on oil, foreign or domestic, by one drop. Whether you agree or disagree with drilling in ANWR, everyone should recognize that oil is global and drilling in ANWR has nothing to do with energy independence. It has everything to do with business. Namely oil company business. That's who GWB is supporting. Can you guess why?