Ask Auntie Pinko
June 7, 2001

Dear Auntie Pinko,

I have talked to some republicans at my school and they don't think there should be drilling in the Arctic Wildlife Preserve. ("It's a preserve, therefore you preserve it.") Are Republicans split about this, are my peers just in the middle, or have they (mere teens) not yet been bought by big business?

Thanks in advance,

Lizz
St. Paul, MN

Dear Lizz,

Auntie Pinko is always delighted to hear from young people, especially those who take an interest in public affairs.

You have yourself suggested several reasons why your Republican friends might oppose drilling in the Arctic Refuge - your peers being comparatively moderate in their views, Republicans themselves encompassing a diversity of opinions on the issue, or your friends' views being as yet untainted by the influence of those who stand to benefit most from the drilling.

Now, Auntie Pinko doesn't know your friends, but I am acquainted with many other young people, and I would think that any of those explanations, indeed, all of them, might be true in this case.

You seem to have identified big business as the special interest most likely to consciously exert an influence to shape public opinion (including your friends') on this matter. Is this because you have researched the issue of what kinds of benefits will result from the drilling, and how they will be distributed? Or are you simply taking the word of others that this is likely to be the case?

Auntie Pinko would like to encourage you to get on the Internet and track down as much factual information as you can about the issue. We are always more potent apologists for our viewpoints when we argue from a position of strength - and that includes having plenty of facts. Exercise your critical thinking skills!

It is Auntie Pinko's opinion that the balance of the information you find will almost certainly support your conclusion. I am old enough to remember an important, but shadowy, political figure's advice for determining who benefits in any given situation: "Follow the money!" But remember how much more powerful facts are than opinions, even Auntie Pinko's opinions! (My little joke, there.)

Besides, you can probably use the information in a few papers or reports. And I bet an intelligent young person like yourself will get an "A."

Thank you for writing to Auntie Pinko, Lizz!

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