John Stossel Wednesday, August 20, 2008
It's amazing how ideas with no merit become popular merely because they sound good.
Most every politician and pundit says "energy independence" is a great idea. Presidents have promised it for 35 years. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we were self-sufficient, protected from high prices, supply disruptions and political machinations?
The hitch is that even if the United States were energy independent, it would be protected from none of those things. To think otherwise is to misunderstand basic economics and the global marketplace. (link)
Comment: While reducing dependence on foreign oil is an admirable goal, energy independence is neither desirable nor achievable. Stossel explains why.
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I completely agree. There's no way to become energy independent. We belong to the global market, just like everyone else. I don't think there's a country that doesn't.
ReplyDeleteOur dependence on foreign oil is a different situation. It's a horrible addiction, that can be broken with a reasonable amount of time and effort. But it won't happen in 4 years, no matter which politician claims it will.
Fantastically simple and informative post. I always appreciate a blogger who can convey his/her thoughts so strongly, with so few words!