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Foreign
Oil Dependency and Iraq: A dangerous combination?
Thursday,
February 8, 2007
Is
our generation failing America, the world?
America is in Iraq. So, what is the best way forward?
Should America cut and run as quickly as possible? Should
we stay until the country is stabilized? How will our Iraq
plans affect foreign oil dependency and the War on Terror?
Is there a foreign oil dependency connection to Iraq and
Al Qaeda?
"The true danger of America's dependence on foreign
oil is best explained not by politicians or energy experts
here in the United States, but by our enemies
abroad," Barrack Obama has said in the past.
"'[Oil] is the umbilical cord and lifeline of the
crusader community.' These are the words of Al Qaeda.
'Focus your operations on oil, especially in Iraq and the
Gulf area, since this will cause them to die off [on their
own].' These are the words of Osama bin Laden. It is clear
that the Achilles heel of the most powerful country on
earth is the oil we import and cannot live without."
Unfortunately, the War in Iraq is probably just the tip of
the iceberg. The dangers of America's foreign oil
dependency are only just beginning to emerge and to be
fully realized by our enemies. Simply leaving Iraq as soon
as possible will not make these dangers go away. In fact,
simply leaving Iraq could make Al Qaeda and foreign oil
dependency significantly more dangerous. There just isn't
a simple answer to Iraq nor to the Middle East, at least
not until America isn't so dependent upon foreign oil.
Yet, today key Democrats are fighting plans to increase
CAFE. Isn't that supposed to be the job of Republicans?
What's going on?
Foreign oil dependency is the most dangerous issue facing
America, yet foreign oil dependency has been minimized to
a buzzword by many politicians from both political
parties. Foreign oil dependency is, and has been for
decades, a bipartisan failure.
Some have called ending foreign oil dependency this
generation's moon-shot. Perhaps, however, so far we don't
appear to be a very impressive generation in America's
history if we are to be judged by foreign oil dependency.
Can we change that?
posted
by Dahcredyns at
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Dahcredyns,
Thank you for focusing attention on this hugely important issue. It perplexes me that there continues to be a debate on this subject. Ending dependence on a resource supplied by inconsistent or hostile foreign powers is just bad strategy. It doesn’t make economic sense, and it doesn’t make military sense. The right-leaning camps should act on this.
Overusing any natural resource is not sustainable. The left-leaning camps should act on this.
To me, the question is less “Can we change that?” and more, “What is our strategy for change, and what steps do we take now?” People need to understand that ending dependence on foreign oil means lifestyle changes. We need more demand from consumers, more action from entrepreneurs, and a government with resolve.
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Have you ever wondered what would happen if there was another oil shortage. Imagine going to the gas station and being turned away. Imagine paying ten maybe 15 dollars a gallon. Maybe Iran tells the United States no more oil and causes another war, maybe WORLD WAR 3. Its scary but you never know.
That is why we as a nation need to be oil dependent. We need to start producing more vehicles that run on alternative energy. We need to start thinking more energy efficient. I know it will be years before every car you see coming down the street will be run without foreign oil but till that day comes we have to do everything possible to conserve energy. Hybrid cars are a good beginning.
The civic is one of the most fuel efficient hybrid cars. It gives you an estimated 51 miles per gallon on the highway and 49 miles per gallon in the city, and at a price starting at $22,150 its a lot of car for a great price. Included is an advanced technology partial zero emission vehicle rating, so you can save on fuel while enjoying plenty of amenities. Alternatively if your looking for a more spacious hybrid, the Ford Escape is a perfect choice for those who can't live without a sports utility vehicle.
Hopefully in the coming years before we can break away from the ball and chain we call oil, the vehicles we drive will all be hybrids. I guess until then I will do my part, and hope others will follow.
One of these days we'll all find out that Bin Laden was on the CIA's payroll...as were so many other "terrorists" and "freedom fighter"...take your pick on the terminology.