Energy Independence

July 5, 2008
If you are like most of us and had a real problem with gas over $4 a gallon, imagine what $6 or $8 gas is going to be like because it will be here soon if Washington does not take action quickly.  Independence from imported oil is the only viable short and long-term solution to many of the problems we face.  Partisan politics, on both sides, is the only thing that is preventing us from enacting a comprehensive plan for kicking the imported oil habit once and for all.  If we really want energy independence, we have to speak up and let all of our elected representatives know that we don't care about the politics, we just want them to get it done and get it done now.

So far, each side is just offering bits and pieces of a real policy that they know the other side will not accept.  We need a realistic and comprehensive plan, not tweaks around the edges of the failed policies we have place now.  Something has to give and everyone is going to have to compromise for the good of the country.  Take a look at the Go All The Way: Do It All, Do It Now! plan for achieving energy independence.  There is something in it for everyone to love and something for everyone to hate, but that is what compromise is all about.  You don't have to agree with every aspect of this or any other plan, but you should still support it if you think it will work and you really want to see America become energy independent.

We have allowed ourselves to become so dependent on imported oil that all of the conveniences we enjoy and take for granted everyday are constantly in danger of being way taken away by forces beyond our control.  Our economic, national security, and foreign policy all depend on the goodwill of oil exporting countries, most of whom don't care for us very much and would gladly see us suffer economically and as a society.  Yet, we must constantly appease them by permitting them to say and do things we would never allow in a moral and just world in order to maintain the lifestyle to which we have grown accustomed.  We cannot challenge injustice, looming threats, or truly address the causes of terrorism for fear that a backlash would occur, forever relegating us to third world status or requiring us to take offensive military actions that would violate our code of ethics as a country.

For over 35 years, since the Arab oil embargo in 1973, we have recognized that our dependence on imported oil is a threat to our national and economic security, yet we have done nothing to permanently reduce its use.  In fact, we have allowed domestic oil production to decline to it's lowest level since 1949 and have more than tripled our dependence on oil imports since that first supply disruption. The country has suffered untold economic damage from six oil recessions and our options have been limited in numerous foreign policy decisions, yet we still continue directly and indirectly financing tyrants, dictators, and terrorists with our petro-dollars. Since about 1920, when we were importing 1,000 barrels of oil a day, to today, when we are importing over 10 million barrels of oil a day, the U.S. has spent ... on foreign oil, more than $1.53 trillion of that just since the year 2000.  Even worse, that total does not include the nearly 3.5 million barrels a day of petroleum products we also import. Together, imported oil and petroleum products represent almost half of our annual trade deficit. 

Think about it, read some news and opinion to learn more about the issues and come to a decision on where you stand.  We don't really care what position you end up taking, we are just here to help make sure that Your Voice Matters in the ongoing debate over our current energy crisis and to provide some tools for you to make your feelings known in Washington.  However, if you decide you want America to be completely energy self-sufficient, you need to get personally involved and help our efforts.  It won't take much, just signing petitions, talking with friends and relatives, sending some emails, maybe making a few phone calls or donating to the cause, but it will make a big difference.  There hasn't been an opportunity like this to actually throw off the yoke of our dependency on imported oil for at least 20 years.  We have to take full advantage of the leverage we have because of the upcoming elections to force the politicians to do the right thing.  If enough of us in the normally silent majority start making enough noise, they will have no choice but to listen and take responsible action.