Chan Lowe: Cuba prepares to drill, baby, drill
Basically, all I did in this cartoon was to illustrate the news story. That’s how absurd it is.
We have a Chinese oil rig⎯and we know how dependable Chinese products are, like drywall and baby formula⎯being put in the hands of a country that has no experience whatsoever drilling for oil.
Thanks to the vagaries of geography and U.S. law, it looks like the Cubans will be able to plant their rig only 45 miles from Florida’s coast, while American-supervised platforms must be located at least twice as far from our shores. Last year’s BP blowout occurred under the umbrella of government supervision (such as it is), so imagine what kind of oversight will be maintained by a country whose main interest is to develop a source of hard currency, regardless of the consequences.
If there’s a silver lining to all this, it’s that Cuba is starting from scratch, unlike the United States. There’s no revolving door between the oil industry and regulators the way there is in this country, because there’s no industry and no regulation. Cold comfort.
Tar ball beach tennis, anyone?
CHAN LOWE has been the Sun Sentinel’s first and only editorial cartoonist for the past twenty-six years. Before that, he worked as cartoonist and writer for the Oklahoma City Times and the Shawnee (OK) News-Star.
Comments
With current drilling technology (allowing angled and horizontal drilling) I wonder if the Cubans will end up drilling in "American" sectors. That would be the final insult.
Posted by: Chris Marks | January 22, 2012 12:17 PM
Its a great picture. But I just find it funny that a Chinese made rig, is drilling for oil on behalf of Cuba, which also the Russians are bankrolling.
First step oil in Cuba.
Second step build a giant lazer and hold the USA to ransom.
Fact is the Cubans should have been drilling a long time ago. And lets face it, America, what is a land made from a peasent rebellion vs the red coats, beating up the Indian tribes left right and center, are complaining about Cuba, that has every right to be there, more so. Hence I hope they do find the 20bn the seismics have found, and use that cash how they wish. As Americans really complain a great deal over nothing.
If the Americans are clever - right now - the Bahamas petroleum company own far more exploration plots next door to Cubas legal water space. Their latest 3D shows huge oil deposits nearer Cuban waters, which they can get at - and basically drink their milkshake. This little nothing firm is looking for a big brother, so rather than China (who they have been approached by for a farm in), why doesnt a clever US firm JUMP in and offer them a deal and partner up. That way they can form a JV, with Bahamas (erm tax free...) and suck out more Oil, even annoying Cuba somewhat. Vs sitting back and whinging, like a bunch of Brits, which ultimately they really are.
Game on!
Posted by: Its a great | January 23, 2012 9:08 AM