We're in an economic war and too many politicians are focused on a blame game while offering no real solutions.
Soaring gas prices hit rural districts like ours the hardest, but anyone suggesting domestic drilling will mitigate all damage to Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula citizens is misguided. Advocating for a 70-year-old pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac that takes propane and oil from Canada to Canada will not solve U.S. oil and gas prices.
ODESA, Ukraine — Seven in 10 Americans polled support a ban on Russian oil even if higher prices result. Both sides of the aisle cheered as the President announced Russian crude would no longer be acceptable at U.S. ports. It's a decisive blow to Putin's war machine, but this isn't the whole story.
Please make no mistake. The price at the pump is a considerable burden for Americans to pay. However, we should also be equally concerned about the cost of food and other commodities increasing worldwide.
Soaring gas prices hit rural districts like ours the hardest, but anyone suggesting domestic drilling will mitigate all damage to Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula citizens is misguided. Advocating for a 70-year-old pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac that takes propane and oil from Canada to Canada will not solve U.S. oil and gas prices.
This is a distraction from reality: costs are going to be painful.
How long will the pain last? Unknown. Is the price worth it? The cost to defend freedom, democracy, and the rule of law isn't free, but we are fighting a war without our military.
We are global partners and rely on others as they rely on us. The United States cannot be completely self-reliant. World order is of vital importance for economic vitality. In 2019, the total U.S. trade with foreign countries was $5.6 trillion (27 % of GDP): $2.5 trillion in exports (12% of GDP) and $3.1 trillion (15% 0f GDP) in imports of both goods and services.
Our leaders must minimize the pain of increased costs while at the same time defeating Putin. The President and Congress must work together to make it a reality.
Right now is an opportunity for the First District Representative to step up and end his obstruction. He needs to cooperate, collaborate, and compromise to address legislation that would unburden American financial pain from the Russian sanctions. Please represent us with dignity and honor to protect our future, defend democracy, and ensure economic viability for all. This would be my focus as a Congressman.
We should at least be discussing solutions.
Temporarily eliminating gas taxes could save around 25 - 90 cents per gallon.
Opening up more reserves could increase supply.
Temporarily waiving summer gas blends could save up to 15 cents per gallon.
Revisiting the ethanol mandate that increased gas prices for negligible environmental benefits could save at the pump.
Preventing price gouging protects consumers and builds trust between suppliers.
Transforming the economy to electric energy will keep us focused on mitigating climate change and reduce dependence on foreign oil.
Blaming anyone other than the Russian dictator is disingenuous. We must anticipate problems on the horizon and demand that our leaders set aside partisan squabbles to unite for the benefit of the American people. To show the world our strength, dedication to freedom, and resolve when facing challenges, it's time to come together and pass effective and efficient solutions.
About Dr. Lorinser
For his entire career, Dr. Bob Lorinser (D-MI1) has dedicated his life to the service of his community and country.
After receiving three advanced degrees (Medical Doctor, Masters of Social Work, and Masters in Public Health), Dr. Lorinser worked as a social worker in a Veterans Affairs Hospital and as a physician with the Indian Health Service, serving the Navajo Nation. In 1989, he found his home in Michigan's First District, where he practiced family medicine for three decades.
Dr. Bob joined the U.S. Department of State's Foreign Services in 2011 to serve as a diplomat and Regional Medical Officer. The Lorinsers served the United States for ten years, with tours in Pakistan, South Korea, Afghanistan, Morocco, and Iraq.
When he returned to the states in 2020, Dr. Bob offered his services as Medical Director of Marquette County Health Department. He and his wife of 40 years, Peggy, live in Gwinn and have three children and four granddaughters.
Dr. Bob Lorinser hopes to serve and represent constituents in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. He is unopposed in the Democrat primary and poised to face Rep. Jack Bergman (R, Acme) in the general mid-term election this November. For more information, visit VoteDrBob.com.