Cheney: China Drilling for Oil 60 Miles from Florida?

Photo from MSNBC

Here's an odd knot to untie. Is China drilling for oil off of Cuba, 60 miles from Florida? It's the latest mantra to be repeated by right-wing blowholes like Sean Hannity (not to mention Vice President Dick Cheney). It's has the sound of a fish story; the type of thing that is passed around the internets and emails from "concerned friends."

Could it be true? The rabid right is insisting it is. But there is conflicting evidence, from all people, Republican Senator Mel Martinez. I'm gonna go with Mel for now, unless he's proven wrong. After all, when something becomes a Cheney-inspired Hannity talking point, it's either untrue, or at least seriously skewed.

[Excerpt]

Dick move: Cheney perpetuates myth about China-Cuba oil partnership

During his "drill, drill, drill" rant yesterday, Dick Cheney complained that Cuba and China are drilling for oil closer to the coast of Florida than American companies are currently allowed. It's become a common talking point for Republicans arguing that more areas should be opened to drilling -- but, reports McClatchy, it appears to be bogus. . .

Source: Grist Mill