Thoughtful. Balanced. Informative. But ultimately (David) Masiel's argument (for drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) is unconvincing. Opening the refuge sets a precedent. Do we as a nation have the foresight and discipline to protect for future generations the special lands that previous generations protected for us? That is the larger question and Masiel's piece leaves it unanswered.

ANWR or no ANWR, as long as America uses so much oil so inefficiently, our economy and security will remain exposed to the actions of individuals, organizations, and overseas regimes that derive their power from oil.