Don’t be fooled by drop in the bucket

Americans may be breathing a sigh of relief since learning the news about Chevron’s “massive” oil discovery in the Gulf of Mexico. This discovery will purportedly add 50 percent to the United States’ existing oil reserves.

Folks, breathe a little deeper still and follow this more complete perspective, told as a fable: A few guys, including “Joe,” obtained a case of beer and a six-pack and got together. They exclaimed, “It’s party time!”

First thing you know, they had drunk up the case of beer. Noticing that only a six-pack remained, Joe said, “We gotta go get some more beer.” However, all the stores in town were completely out of that beverage. Not to panic! Joe searched behind the sofa and excitedly announced, “I just found three beers!”

Al said, “Three beers! Man, we don’t just sip this stuff, we slug it down bigtime!”

Hank said, “Dang it! We can’t stop the party now. We need at least a couple more cases!”

Everybody else nodded in approval.

Here’s the supply situation:

Saudi Arabia still has more than two cases of beer.

Iraq and Iran each have a full case of beer left.

(And Iran doesn’t drink any beer at all).

Canada has one and a half cases remaining.

Kuwait has a case.

U.A.E. has a case.

Venezuela’s got three six-packs.

Russia’s got two six-packs.

Joe, Al, Hank and their pals quickly polished off their last nine beers. Then, they armed themselves and headed overseas.

John Lindstrom

Everett