Opinion — The Villagers Voice

Opinion: “If God had not meant for them to be sheared…”

February 11, 2022 by Villagers Voice

Submitted by Rich Gurka

While spending time in Western Kentucky due to recent weather events, we were lucky to once again watch one of my favorite movies, the 1960 version of “The Magnificent Seven”. Most of you have probably seen it too.

In the movie, “Caldera”, (Eli Wallach) the leader of a band of thugs, regularly leads his band of outlaws into a small Mexican town to take most, but not all, of the provisions of the town inhabitants, a group of cowardly farmers and shop owners.

Eventually, town representatives hire a group of seven American ‘good guys’ to lead the town in their fight against Caldera and his thugs. [Read more...]

Guest Column: Europe’s Energy Nightmare Doesn’t Have to Be Duplicated Here

October 13, 2021 by Kathy Sands

By Seth Whitehead

Here Americans who think it’s a good idea to ban oil and natural gas development and quickly transition to 100 percent renewables should tune into an energy reality show that will be airing in the form of cautionary news reports from across the pond all winter long. Europe has rejected energy reality and embraced energy insanity. The result is an energy nightmare of its own choosing. [Read more...]

Opinion: The Alarm Is Going Off But It Isn’t Time To Be Woke!

August 26, 2021 by Villagers Voice

Submitted By Mike Rowe

I am heartened by the recent efforts of parents in White County to push back on the Carmi-White Co. school board’s actions in mandating masks which usurp parental control of their children’s health choices. It is a difficult position to be caught between parental rights and a Governor that keeps throwing his weight around like a school yard bully. There are currently 51 school districts in the state that have chosen to stand up to the bully and take on the fight. The Carmi-White Co. school board is not one of them, instead they have given in to the bully, but the children pay the price. The board has chosen not to challenge the Governor’s mask mandate for fear of retaliation or loss of funds. [Read more...]

Guest Column: Illinois Oil Has Played Big Role in Securing American Freedom and Prosperity

July 1, 2021 by Villagers Voice

By Seth Whitehead, Executive Director, Illinois Petroleum Resources Board

As America celebrates this Fourth of July weekend, it is important to remember what has made the enduring freedoms and prosperity we all enjoy possible.

It is widely understood the United States and the free world as we know it would be a much worse place if not for the nearly incomprehensible efforts and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation during World War II. But less understood is the fact that their valiant struggle to defeat the Axis Powers was literally fueled by abundant American oil – much of it produced right here in Illinois. [Read more...]

Seth Whitehead: California and Germany’s Energy Policies Are No Model to Follow

May 13, 2021 by Villagers Voice

By Seth Whitehead, Executive Director Illinois Petroleum Resources Board

Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm recently said the United States should “replicate” Germany’s taxpayer-funded efforts to transition to renewable energy. Other leaders have suggested similar California energy policies should become a model for the country. [Read more...]

Special Column: The Anti-U.S. Energy Movement Deserves More Scrutiny

March 24, 2021 by Villagers Voice

By Seth Whitehead, Executive Director, Illinois Petroleum Resources Board

Energy makes the high standard of living most Americans enjoy possible. Affordable, reliable energy is the lifeblood of our economy. And as University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology director Dr. Scott Tinker recently noted, “All forms of energy come from the earth.” It is with those fundamental facts in mind that “Keep It In the Ground” (KIITG) groups should be viewed as anti-U.S. energy. Though it is obvious traditional energy sources such as oil, natural gas and coal come from the ground, it is often overlooked that wind, solar and battery technologies would not be possible without massive mining projects. [Read more...]

Opinion: Curtailing U.S. Oil and Gas Production Will Forfeit Energy Independence and Increase Emissions

January 28, 2021 by Villagers Voice

By Seth Whitehead, Executive Director – Illinois Petroleum Resources Board

As the United States re-enters the Paris Agreement and President Biden follows through on promises to implement policies aimed at decreasing domestic oil and natural gas production, it is important to reflect on where the United States currently stands with regard to emissions reductions and the country’s long-sought goal of energy independence. [Read more...]

Opinion: “Covid Thoughts” by Rich Gurka

January 19, 2021 by Villagers Voice

1. I have friends for whom I feel so sorry. They’re in their 70s and in excellent health. They live every day in fear of Covid-19. They call in their grocery order, wear masks while driving to the store for pickup, return home, then spray disinfectant on their purchases and let them sit in their garage for a while. They are scared to go outside. The boogeyman awaits. Sadly, there are millions of folks who live like that. [Read more...]