1 Not to nitpick, but if even Iranians say there's a danger of their government swinging towards radicalism, then just how would they have described them before Imadinnerjacket was elected? Moderate? Is there even and Arabic word with equivalent meaning to the English word "moderate"?

2 It's about time to start massing troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, and get a couple more carrier battle groups in the Indian Ocean.

3 One wonders how this mess in Iran will play out. I think there is a faction, oyster, in Iran, that while not moderate nonetheless realizes the consequences of having a madman as the maximum leader. I say be patient. I think this guy has overplayed his hand and will be cast aside in the near future. I may be wrong, but that is my counsel. But also keep a big stick handy in case we need it.

4 I am not sure that the people of Iran would welcome us with flowers and candy. I am also not sure if the American people have the will to try to effect another regime change. One thing I am sure of is that an invasion of Iran would drive the price of oil to perhaps 100 dollars per barrel. Good for the oil companies, and people who derive their incomes from the price of energy, but not so good for the rest of us.

5 As far as their push toward fanaticism, I'm torn between a decision to invade and a decision to clandestinely support an insurrection by the people in Iran as a way to effect change in their regime, so I think JJ's suggestion is best for now in that regard. As far as their acquisition of nuclear weapons - I just don't know what is the proper approach. I'd venture to guess that if we invade on the pretext of averting their acquisition of nuclear power/weapons the Iranian street would have a very different reaction than if it were on the pretext that they are practicing extreme human rights abuses. Afterall, what we hear from the Iranian government's opposition is all based on the lack of liberties afforded to their people. You don't hear the Iranian street complaining about their nuclear program.

6 Since john ryan and his co-conspirators in the DNC/MSM have done such a bang-up job crushing the American people's will, I suggest that instead of invading we take out the Iranian theocracy with tactical nukes.

7 Actually, John, an invasion or attack on Iran would likely drive the price of crude to more like 120-140 dollars a barrel. As someone who works in the oil and gas industry, I can tell you that these are busy and exciting times, as we are drilling and leasing at levels I have never seen before. The company I work for is small(2400 bpd production), but we are in the process of drilling 14 oil wells this year in Texas and Arkansas, and several natural gas wells in Alabama and Mississippi. We are also involved in a big new natural gas discovery in Arkansas, and with our increased revenue we intend to more fully exploit an area where we have made a significant oil find. What I am trying to say here is that increased prices also stimulate more production here in the US, but most of us in the industry would prefer lower but steady prices. And more drilling domestically, including Alaska. We must, and I can't say this strongly enough, MUST end our reliance on energy supplies from the Middle East.

8 JJ I saw a double or triple section derick rig up yesterday. I'm thinking of doing some pics and a post on it. we generally don't get the greens stinky light sweet crude in the SI basin but I do know of one well like that it's stinky. Most of what we get does to other products besides fuel or as I understand the darker less stinky stuff is favored for other stuff. More Pump jacks are busy and I saw a new pump where a small rig had been on the way to St Louis the other day. It's been a long time.

9 Oil companies make money and these jobs are off again off again with few benefits but when the guys are working it pays good cash money. As a rule the evil oil companies pay pretty good as far as the cash money part.

10 As a third generation oil and gas kid, it is refreshing to hear you guys talk about all the new drilling. Most Americans don't understand that there are millions of mom & pop royalty owners who are living out a meager retirement on American-owned lease royalties or investments. If the price goes over $100 a barrel because of Iran, it won't hurt my feelings any! And because most of these small royalty owners live in energy-rich red states, the liberals and media give us and the companies no end of grief; even though what we have represents independence from the Arab oil empires.

11 Fine! If we are going to bomb them into the stone age with more of our tax money, I want something taken to pay us back. A few oil wells off shore would do. Do they have anything elce we could take, and sell?