Paris Hilton? Energy Policy? Really?

The most frightening thing about Paris Hilton issuing a statement on energy policy is that she suggested something that, at least on the surface, might actually have public support.

For those of you who don't already have a dozen e-mails about this in your inbox, the "celebutante" was used in an ad by Republican candidate John McCain comparing Democrat Barack Obama to celebrities like Hilton and Britney Spears. Hilton, not one to let such an opportunity go by, responded with this video on Funny or Die, which includes unveiling her own energy policy: limited off-shore drilling to hold us over until new technologies kick in.

And surveys actually do show initial public backing for both more offshore oil drilling and alternative fuels and new technology. Historically, the public wants to split the difference on problems that pit energy consumption and conservation against each other.

But we're at a point now where surveys show the public supporting a lot of things to address gas prices, which is typical when people are just beginning to grapple with a problem. They're demanding action, and a lot of ideas sound promising. The public hasn't worked through the tradeoffs and contradictions of these ideas, and their thinking will probably evolve. After all, energy was off the public's radar for a long time, and they're still getting up to speed.

If Paris Hilton comes out with a plan to address education or the federal budget, we'll let you know. But we're not expecting it.