Reliance on foreign sources of energy weakens America. When a riot breaks out in an OPEC nation, or a developing country talks about nationalizing its oil industry, or a petro-dictator threatens to cut off exports, the probability is great that the price of oil will shoot up. Even in friendly nations, business and financial decisions made for local reasons can destabilize America’s energy market, since the price we pay for foreign oil is subject to rising and falling exchange rates. Decreasing our dependence on foreign sources of energy will reduce the impact of world events on our economy.A note about the photograph: I'd forgotten about this one, but National Review's using it at the piece. Maybe TrogloPundit can think of some additional appplications for it!
In the end, energy independence is not just about the environment or the economy. It’s about freedom and confidence. It’s about building a more secure and peaceful America, an America in which our energy needs will not be subject to the whims of nature, currency speculators, or madmen in possession of vast oil reserves.
Alternative sources of energy are part of the answer, but only part. There’s no getting around the fact that we still need to “drill, baby, drill!” And if those in D.C. say otherwise, we need to tell them: “Yes, we can!”
Commentary and analysis on American politics, culture, and national identity, U.S. foreign policy and international relations, and the state of education - from a neoconservative perspective! - Keeping an eye on the communist-left so you don't have to!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
'Drill, Baby, Drill'? Yes We Can!
That's the message from Sarah Palin at National Review, "Drill: Petroleum is a major part of America’s energy picture. Shall we get it here or abroad?":
As much as I would like to see us move away from using foreign oil, it make no sense for us to not use our own reserves. We can gradually move to other forms of energy when they become cost effective.
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