There is positive and negative talk relative to the XL Keystone Pipeline. It is planned to pump crude tar sand oil from Canada across the United States to Texas, where it would be distilled and sold overseas.
I am in accord with the latter since in no way does the XL profit the American people but rather exclusively the already-bloated petroleum industry. For the public, what is left is a 3-foot in diameter, filth-filled funnel snaking its way south through their land waiting to burst.
Those with a positive view have been conned into thinking that this filthy crude will somehow help us to become oil independent by fulfilling our needs.
Nevertheless, a pipeline could be a positive thing and truly benefit “we the people.” Imagine if in lieu of the XL pipeline, we built a water pipeline delivering desalinated water to our decimated states that have suffered through devastating droughts. No more “Grapes of Wrath.”
Building that pipeline would create those jobs that the pro-XLers claim we would not, lest the XL is built. Additionally, desalinization stations would have to be built, creating additional jobs. There are already more than 21,000 worldwide. The technology is there.
Thomas Jefferson desalinated water in 1791 and cruise ships are able to serve thousands thanks to the process. Take into consideration how people can live in submarines and desert lands like Saudi Arabia and Australia. Think: No more disputes concerning the shrinking Colorado River while lowering, however infinitesimally, the rising ocean. We could convert deserts into gardens a la Israel.
It is a win-win situation and, if we can get lobbyists with enough of the necessary bribing collateral, Congress will love it and make it the law of the land.
One critical measure, however, must be considered. President Barack Obama must disapprove of the plan or it would undoubtedly be filibustered and blocked.
As a proven “people’s president,” I am certain he would comply.
Nicholas Zizelis
Bayside
