Quote:
|
Originally Posted by aceventura3
Unfortunately the international demand for oil is not going to get smaller in the near future. During this time and as we have seen there is a re-distribution of real wealth occurring. When the international demand for oil levels off and starts to drop the US will have suffered and lost wealth to the degree from which we may never recover.
|
That's why it would be smart to drive demand in a different direction as soon as possible, so that we have more time for the conversation to take place. Had we started converting to alternatives in the 80s like we're trying to do now, it's likely that we'd be using substantially less oil than we're currently using. While you and I fall on different sides on several issues, I suspect that you'd agree that the US cannot indefinitely continue in it's rising use of oil, as oil is a finite substance.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by aceventura3
I think a better approach to this problem is to over the short run (10 to 15 years) implementation of policies that would increase the supply of oil while at the same time mandating efforts for alternatives - assuming agreement that there is a need for government to mandate any efforts in this regard.
|
Government mandates regarding oil alternatives? Welcome to the Green party! *gives you a green hat* Would you like to have a recycled pamphlet on mulch?
I've been saying this for years, but every time I bring it up I get attacked. All I want is to make the US recession following Hubbart's peak as small as possible.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by aceventura3
Another problem is that we treat our US based oil companies as the enemy, while other nations like China, Russia, Venezuela, and Middle Eastern countries treat their oil companies as a national treasure. It is sad that we won't recognize what is really in our best interest until it is too late.
|
It's sort of a vengeance thing. Conglomerated oil hikes up the prices, bribes government officials, essentially leads us to wars, sabotages alternatives, etc... and it pisses people off. A lot. They make it difficult to want to protect them. I do understand that what's happening in China, Russia, Venezuela and the Middle East makes sense, but it wouldn't work in the US because the public doesn't trust the oil industry at all. Some of that mistrust may not be justified, but a lot is.
We'd be a lot better off regulating the crap out of them (punishing them) for a short time, and then protecting them but keeping them on a short leash. It's like having a guard dog that bites you, though. I'm sure you can appreciate the canine analogy.
