According to tomorrow's Parade Magazine, we've got another prime example of how our addiction to oil is warping our foreign policy. Here's Parade:
While our leaders attack Moscow for backtracking on democracy, we're getting into bed with the Russian bear to met our growing energy needs. Not only are major U.S. oil companies involved in joint energy ventures with Russia, but that nation also is rapidly becoming one our biggest sources of natural gas. By 2020, Russia says, it will be supplying 20% of our natural gas imports.
And on a related note...Ukraine's pro-Western, "orange" coalition has "disintegrated before it could even do one day's work," not coincidentally "at a time when Ukraine may be threatened with a new gas row with Russia."
President Bush has decided to permit extensive U.S. civilian nuclear cooperation with Russia for the first time, administration officials said yesterday, reversing decades of bipartisan policy in a move that would be worth billions of dollars to Moscow but could provoke an uproar in Congress.
Finally, here are some stirring words on Democracy and Freedom from President Bush's 2005 inaugural address:
...it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world.[...]
We will persistently clarify the choice before every ruler and every nation: The moral choice between oppression, which is always wrong, and freedom, which is eternally right. America will not pretend that jailed dissidents prefer their chains, or that women welcome humiliation and servitude, or that any human being aspires to live at the mercy of bullies.
A moral choice? Not, apparently, in increasingly authoritarian and anti-democratic Russia. Could this have anything to do with the fact that Russia has the world's largest reserves of natural gas, as well as sizeable oil resources? And how does the latest U.S. cave-in to Russia square with Vice President Cheney's speech given in early May?
...in Russia today, opponents of reform are seeking to reverse the gains of the last decade. In many areas of civil society -- from religion and the news media, to advocacy groups and political parties -- the government has unfairly and improperly restricted the rights of her people. Other actions by the Russian government have been counterproductive, and could begin to affect relations with other countries. No legitimate interest is served when oil and gas become tools of intimidation or blackmail, either by supply manipulation or attempts to monopolize transportation. And no one can justify actions that undermine the territorial integrity of a neighbor, or interfere with democratic movements.
For once, I strongly agree with Dick Cheney. I also strongly agree that we're addicted to oil, as President Bush declared in his 2006 State of the Union address. Finally, I strongly agree with the stirring words in Bush's inaugural address about supporting Democracy around the world.
Unfortunately, it looks like there's an even MORE important interest for the Bush Administration than Democracy, civil society, freedom and human rights. And that interest is feeding our oil (and natural gas) addiction. Instead, why don't we work on weaning ourselves off the addiction? For an answer to that, I refer to you OpenSecrets.org. Can it be any clearer than this?
Lowell Feld is Netroots Fundraising Coordinator for the Jim Webb for US Senate Campaign. The ideas expressed here belong to Lowell Feld alone, and do not necessarily represent those of Jim Webb, his advisors, staff, or supporters.
The fact is that oil has been and will continue to be a large factor in our Nation's foreign policy -- and rightly so. Until we can find alternative energy sources (i.e., oil shale, hydrogen, coal gas, or even nuclear), we will be forced to play our best hand in the game of "real politik."
In this game, altruism means very little. In the end, we have own interests to consider.
Where do we go from here?
A complete revamping of energy policy, including exploration of lands in the western states. If technology improves to drive down cost of conversion of oil shale, we have vast supplies on public lands in the western states. Gasification of coal is another possibly. West Virginia and other Appalachian States have large quantities of available coal.
But, we need to get off the oil kick. Actually, we are in a great position to completely change the face of the American economy. If we fully invest in the creation of an alternative energy source, there is a chance that we could experience a revolution that rivals the Industrial Revolution.
I truly believe, however, that we must put the differences between right and left behind us if we are to tackle this gigantic problem that faces us.
With kindest regards,
Roger A. Jarrell II
I just wish the politians (and the system they use to make such monumental decisions) were on the same page.
And in all honesty, this is one of the reasons I'm supporting Webb.
Not because I have proof he'll solve the energy/oil crisis, but because the leadership currently in place aren't getting the job done. They've had ample opportunity and it just isn't happening.
As you say, alternative energy is an incredible opportunity for the country. But it's horribly underfunded and receives only lip service support.
Change is required.
And if that doesn't work, then change it again. And keep doing so until we have the leadership in place to find the solution we so desperately need.
My family lived in Colorado and Nevada before settling in Virginia when I was a pre-teen. Frankly, I don't think most easterners have a good understanding of public lands, the energy industry, or how to approach the energy crisis.
Frankly, I don't think either candidate in this race have much understanding of the problem. As an Allen supporter, I can honestly say that I haven't seen any indication from him that he has a passion for the subject. However, I do feel certain that as someone who generally prefers deregulation...he's more favor pro-energy policies than Webb.
And, I haven't seen any indication whatsoever than Webb has any knowledge on this subject either. This is a detriment to the Commonwealth because we have coal reserves in SW VA...and even oil shale deposits along the Appalachian.
Right now, there is a push to bring technology along which would make the gasification of coal more feasible. This would be a great boon to both VA and West Virginia, my other state.
In the end, I think think that environmentalists are the greatest obstacle to discovery of new energy. Just as my party is beholden to social conservatives, so too is your party beholden to radical environmentalists.
So long as we engage in sloganeering on the environment...and bash oil companies, we accomplish nothing. And, all the while...gas prices continue to go up and up.
Coal is an answer...and it is a Virginia/West Virginia answer to a very international problem.