....surely you do not believe or contend that any "interesting", poignant or insightful discussion, plan or potential resolution of the energy crisis (hardly a "situation") could start anywhere else than at the doorstep of failed foreign and/or non-existent energy policy of this administration. The "bucks" being currently spent at the gas pump do indeed stop at at the desk in the oval office.

There have been several Decades of failed energy policy from both Republican and Democratic Administrations.

Energy Timeline 1971 - 1980

Energy Timeline 1981 - 1990

Energy Timeline 1991 - 2000



Why the US (and the rest of the world) is stuck in this situation is open for discussion, but hindsight is 20 - 20 Now the price of energy is high enough to cause more Motivation than was exhibited in the past.

Also, there have been projections and discussions about Peak Oil for years. To blame the current Administration for this situation seems a bit misplaced when it is an event that was highly likely to occur whether a Republican or Democrat occupied the Presidency when it happened.

NUCLEAR ENERGY AND THE FOSSIL FUELS

Peak Oil Primer


Foreign Policy Discussion.
I have been puzzled about the way things have been done in several Foreign Policy type of areas, but not nearly as you appear to have.

There are some situations that will remain Difficult (and have been for many years) in 2009 whether a Republican or Democrat is in the Oval Office.

1. Israel as an irritant to some other countries in the Middle East.

2. Iran marching to it's own drummer.

3. Energy supplies coming from areas across the world that lack stability and/or seem inclined to be different from other countries.

A. Nigeria

B. Venezuela

C. Saudi Arabia

Probably some others fall into that category and they haven't come to mind yet. Even though they are an oil importer, the unsteadiness in both the government and society in general of Pakistan is a negative for the world.



Due to the "world's energy situation" my daughter and I spent yesterday afternoon driving her American made vehicle onto the lots of foreign import dealers offering small, cramped, vehicles who's only redeeming feature was a high MPG rating.

If Ford could design Expeditions to get 35 MPG and GM could get similar performance from Suburban sized vehicles, then they would be offering them. Unfortunately, reducing weight seems to be the only significant way to have a substantial increase in MPG with our current engine (hydrocarbon) technology.


In the next month we will accept a huge risk and select one of these vehicles with lower safety ratings than my daughter's current vehicle so we can afford the three practice a week round-trips to volleyball practice, high school practice and tournaments.

Even thought that is going to be a change - reduction from the previous standard that your family enjoyed, it is still significantly above most of the rest of the world. There are many families across the world (including the USA) that are being to make significant changes to afford the basic sustenances in life, yet you daughter is still going to be able to enjoy playing volleyball while you are altering some things to still be able to afford volleyball.


I will try to address the rest later today..............