Who could have seen this coming?

I don't know about you guys, but I'm pretty tired of turning on CNN and listening to all the elected representatives saying that they were blindsighted by the recent run up in oil prices.  Who could have predicted growing demand by India and China?  Who could have predicted that oil is a finite fuel?  Who could have predicted America's obsession with gas guzzling vehicles?  The answer of course, is that many have predicted (and accurately) our present situation over the past 20-30 years.  Anybody ever read Energy Future by Daniel Yergin published in 1979?  That's right, 1979.

In my mind, America has been run pretty much the way General Motors has been run.  Not having a comprehesnive energy policy is akin to "We'll keep manufacturing monster trucks and SUVs no matter what the obvious signs on the wall are".   And like General Motors, we're closing in on a bancrupt nation, with a sinking dollars, enormous debt and leaders who don't lead.

The Republicans, not ones to miss an opportunity, have turned our situation to their advantage by blaming the greenies for not letting them drill for oil everywhere, playing to the nation's confusion as to how to get out of this mess.  The Democrats, fearful of backlash, are afraid to speak up and provide bold direction.  Let's just hope that they do after the election.  What this country needs now is a war-time like effort to conserve and develop alternative energy.  What we have instead, are alternative energy credits set to expire by year end! 

There is a way out.  It could be done, but it will take a leader with vision and courage.  A major effort for energy independence would produce jobs, reduce oil imports, and strengthen the dollar.  It would also, by the way, be good for the environment.  It looks like the impetus has to come from outside the beltway.  I may not be T. Boone's biggest fan, but I've always thought "Too bad some billionaire doesn't care enough to try and make a change."  Here's to you, T. Boone.  Just lay off the drill everywhere idea.

-Rick