(DCNF)—Lost in the breathless media coverage of Iran and the Strait of Hormuz is a critical reality that too many politicians, activists and talking heads prefer to ignore: Record U.S. oil and natural gas production has helped keep a historic supply disruption from becoming a far worse price shock. American energy leadership still matters. And if we want it to keep mattering, we need to stop shooting ourselves in the foot.
Oil prices can move in seconds on a tweet or a missile launch. Tankers, refineries, pipelines, and the trucks that deliver fuel to your local station move in weeks. That is why lower crude prices do not instantly appear at the pump. A functioning physical market is not “price gouging.” That’s just reality.
Anyone who has spent five minutes around the actual logistics of the energy business understands this. The rest are either willfully ignorant or busy manufacturing outrage for the next election cycle.
Producing more energy is only part of the job — the process of getting that production to market is incredibly complex and capital intensive. Despite its current record production levels, the U.S. industry still faces myriad challenges amid government roadblocks and supply chain challenges.
New England still lacks adequate pipeline capacity to move natural gas when it is needed most, thanks largely to roadblocks set up by New York’s government.
Both West Texas and Appalachia continue to struggle with takeaway constraints even as the Permian and Marcellus basins keep setting production records.
California is steadily losing refining capacity thanks to a regulatory climate from Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s government that treats energy infrastructure like a public enemy.
Without serious infrastructure investment and genuine permitting reform, all the abundance in the world cannot reach consumers efficiently.
You can have the greatest oil or natural gas field on Earth, but if you cannot move the product, the consumer still pays the price.
And yet some politicians in Washington and various state capitals are once again dusting off the same tired “solutions” that have failed every time they have been tried: windfall profits taxes and export bans. These are the policy equivalent of pouring sand in the gearbox. They would deliver exactly the opposite of what the politicians promise. Less investment. Less production. More volatility. Higher prices.
Capital is not patriotic. It goes where it is welcomed and stays where it is treated with a modicum of respect. Punish producers for success and they will simply invest less, produce less, and leave more of the market to Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other less friendly suppliers.
We have seen this activist/politician collaboration many times in the past. Every time global supply is threatened, the same chorus rises demanding that America “do something,” and that “something” invariably revolves around kneecapping its own industry. The lesson is simple and it has also been proven many times before: More American energy, stronger infrastructure, and continued access to global markets deliver lower prices and greater security than any combination of taxes, bans or industrial-policy fantasies.
The United States is the world’s leading producer of both oil and natural gas for a reason. That leadership did not appear by accident of geology or the benevolence of central planners. It is the product of free enterprise, technological innovation, risk-taking capital and — whenever policy allows it — a regulatory environment that does not treat every new pipeline or export terminal as an existential threat.
The shale revolution was not designed in a committee room in Washington. It was built by engineers, roughnecks and investors who figured out how to unlock resources others said were uneconomic. That same system is what is currently buffering American consumers and businesses from the full force of Middle East turmoil.
American energy leadership still matters, perhaps now more than ever. The only question is whether our policymakers will treat it as the national asset it is or keep using it as a political piñata every time the Middle East flares up.
The physical market does not care about virtue signaling or campaign rhetoric. It only cares about supply, infrastructure and the ability to move molecules from where they are produced to where they are needed. Everything else is noise that only serves to impede progress towards human flourishing.
David Blackmon is an energy writer and consultant based in Texas. He spent 40 years in the oil and gas business, where he specialized in public policy and communications.
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation.
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
