Oh goodie ... oil wells off the coast!

The original title to this blog entry was "Whores," which I have replaced in the interest of a kinder, gentler BlueNC.

Leave it to the New and Observer to find the few short-sighted jerks who would happily sell North Carolina's future to Big Oil. The truth is, there have always been greedy people who would prostitute themselves for whatever get-rich scheme might come along. And Barbara Barrett, the N&O's Washington stenographer, has spotted what she thinks is an exciting new trend based on a precious few interviews on the Outer Banks.

KITTY HAWK - Along North Carolina's coastline, a new tone is creeping into conversations about offshore drilling. Where once there was nearly universal opposition to platforms in the ocean, some speak of them in a new way -- as a possibility, an inevitability, even a financial benefit to a region long fearful of the damage drilling could do to tourism and ecology.

Just how many are "some," Babs? You found a couple of business hacks, two Republicans in Congress, and one civil servant to make your lame case. Gee golly, that looks like a big new trend to me!

That's because Congress is moving closer than ever toward permitting natural gas -- and oil, too, if it's found -- to be pulled from the Outer Continental Shelf. A bill passed the House a week ago; another is in the Senate. The House measure would give some control to states and includes financial returns to states that allow drilling within 100 miles of shore. That incentive, for some, changes the argument.

"You have to participate to make sure you do get some money for it," said Mike Kelly, who owns three restaurants on the Outer Banks and sits on the region's Chamber of Commerce board. "They're going to do it anyway."

Right, Mike. There's good whoring to be done and you sure as heck don't want to miss out on your cut of the action. I hear there's a pretty good trade in meth and crack on the Outer Banks, too. How about we pass some new bills that'll let you dip your fingers in that dirty pie, too?

The drilling question is emotional on the barrier islands, where practically every business is connected to the tourism and fishing industries. Natural gas evaporates, but a major oil spill could devastate the environment. Even a small incident could significantly damage tourism. Two decades ago, when oil companies sought drilling leases on the Outer Continental Shelf, locals came out strongly against them. The last of the companies abandoned their leases in 2000.

But as energy prices rise and talk of energy independence heats up, North Carolina's rock-solid opposition to drilling is beginning to show cracks. Consider:

* Republican members of the state's House delegation voted for a bill last week that would open the Atlantic to offshore drilling, albeit with state approval required for drilling within 100 miles.

*U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, who sits on the Senate Energy Committee, praised the bill. He said through a spokeswoman that it gives control to the states and makes permanent a ban within 50 miles of shore unless states say otherwise.

* Some local leaders along the coast are saying that if offshore drilling is a foregone conclusion, they want to be part of the discussion and collect any benefits.

This turns my stomach. Richard the Burr. Anytime North Carolina's Junior Lapdog in the Senate praises anything, you can be sure it is one sucky idea.

Still, some local environmentalists and governments are as opposed as ever. The region's tourism director testified against the House bill in Washington last month. And every local government in the Outer Banks passed a resolution in the past six months against offshore drilling.

"I don't think it's worth the cost," said Nags Head Mayor Renee Cahoon. "I don't think localities will get enough out of it. Everybody in the state will be fighting for the money."

It's unclear how much money is at stake, but according to crystal-baller Barrett, North Carolina could see tens of millions of dollars a year ... a number that appears to be more than enough to get Richard Burr and Walter Jones to spread their legs.

"I see what's coming," Jones said. "My preference would be there would not be offshore drilling, but I have to be realistic." Just to the north, Virginia lawmakers are pushing for drilling.

For all his talk about taking principled stands, it look like old Walter is just another . . .