More Energy for Energy Policy

Crude oil prices have topped $75 per barrel and appear to be going up from there. I am surprized that there isn't more energy being put into energy policy in Washington. You almost get the impression that the administration likes the way things are. Could it be their strong ties to the oil industry? That's the part that I find just a little disturbing. Our lack of self sufficiency in energy makes us accountable in our foreign policy to all sorts of interesting governments. We are in the same position as your average junkie pleading with his supplier. Saudi Arabia and Nigeria are two nations that come to mind. Either could grind the U S economy to a halt by cutting the flow of crude oil. In addition, crude oil reserves can be the only sane reason that we are in Iraq, but that is a whole different discussion. So where are the true conservatives on this issue? You would expect them to be screaming about how we need to be truly independent so that their conservative philosophy can be implemented. Instead there is silence. I suspect the reason is that in order to solve our crude oil addiction, it would require someone with enough courage to raise the taxes on a gallon of gas. This is precisely the kind of problem that needs big government if there is to be a solution. Imagine a scenario where gas is raised to $5 per gallon with the tax going to energy saving solutions like light rail for the metroplexes, atomic power, and biofuel development and infrastructure. It would be possible over a five year period to actually reduce our dependence on foreign oil. In the short term, it would surely reduce consumption also. It would spur energy development in this country by keeping money in this country rather than just bailing up our money and shipping it offshore in container ships. I could actually see a national effort similar to our program in the 60's to put a man on the moon. Imagine what would happen if we put that much energy into solving our energy problems. The government hasn't done a thing about improving the energy situation in the U S for the last 6 years and I do not anticipate anything happening for at least two more years. Things will change during this administration only if there is a crisis. I really do not want a crisis. People freeze to death if there is a crisis, real estate values plummet, and the little people, you and I, suffer.