Energy Independence

Healdsburg CA

Description

We are closing in on a ban of Russian oil, but it won't make any difference to Russia. Or to the US, for that matter. Instead of Russia selling us their oil, they will sell it to some other oil importing country. Or they will sell it to Saudi Arabia or Columbia or Ecuador or Brazil or other oil exporting countries and they will then sell it to us. It's just a big shell game. Based on the most recent information from the US Energy Administration, we import about 7.2 million barrels (that is over three hundred million gallons) of oil a day from all countries. Some of these countries are not exactly close friends of the US and would have no problem cutting us off if they were so inclined or leaned on economically by someone like China. Further, they are connected to the US via large tankers vulnerable to attack on the open ocean in the event of conflict. Between less than reliable sources and insecure supply lines, our energy needs are not stable and reliable. Further, the administration's answer to supplying more oil to our economy is to tap our strategic reserves. From a military position, our reserves serve the purpose of a supply of energy to fuel or ships, fighters and tanks should we lose access to current production. In short, we have allowed ourselves to become more energy vulnerable as we deplete the reserves. And at the current price of oil, Americans are sending about seven hundred and twenty million dollars a day to foreign countries instead of keeping it at home. We could do a whole lot of good keeping that money in our pockets. We have all seen pictures of the towering skyscrapers of Dubai and the super yachts of the Russian elite. Where do you think the money came from to build and buy those? From money they collected from you and me. So the next time you fill up your car, either a Humvee or Prius, think about who is getting your money. In all ways, it is in America’s interest to strive for energy independence, or at the least, limit imports to counties friendly to the US and in the Western hemisphere.