日本を食べなさい

"In the northeastern region close to the Marcellus field, in which Mitsui is involved, gas prices are higher than in other regions, and the company can take aim at a profit on the difference." Details here.

Well, there you have it. Energy independence for all Americans, thanks to a Japanese firm's investment of ~$1.4 BILLION in Andarko's stake in the Marcellus Shale play. And if you haven't been following this too closely, check out this list of other international companies stroking checks to rape reap the profits by exploiting our commonwealth's natural resources.

The next time folks from BIG OIL start waving the rhetorical flag...check to see which one it is. This has gone ugly and international.

Postscript: I'm hearing that two major conservation groups have an announcement forthcoming. Watch the backpedalling that ensues. Stay tuned.