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Made in America was once commonly seen, and it was something to be proud of.? ?

Now most items we use and much of the gasoline burned here is imported. Getting

back to most items being made in America and turning towards all domestic energy

is what this nation needs, and that is why I favor offshore drilling.

For nine years, I worked for Lane Furniture here in Virginia. Because I started

having seizures when I got hot and taking frequent breaks at work just was not

an option, I had to quit. Not long after my early retirement, Lane closed down

here and sent all the work overseas. The other factory in town followed suit.

The economy here really suffered, and I do not think we have ever fully

recovered. Even though my hometown of Rocky Mount where I was born and raised

is nearly 600 miles from the coast, we would still feel the economic benefits

that drilling off the coast would create.

Offshore drilling has the potential to lower electricity rates, which I would

welcome. Right now, my electric bill is a little over $100 a month. In the

harsh winter months, it sometimes soars to $300. Affordable and reliable

electricity is important because I have to depend on my air conditioner to keep

me cool enough to ward off seizures in the hot summer months. Living on a fixed

income like I do really does not leave any room to adjust my budget.

Offshore drilling is safer than ever, and the benefits outweigh any minute

risks. When I was a boy and up until right after my father died, I often hunted

and fished in beautiful Virginia. The picturesque mountains are my favorite

part of the state. I would never support anything that would endanger our

environment. We should support offshore drilling and all the prosperity it can

create for our nation.

Arlie Quinn

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