High Oil Prices: Politicians Blame Everyone But Themselves

Are high oil prices the result of gouging? Or would the politicians like to deflect attention away from themselves and their responsibility? The truth lies in previous historical jumps in oil prices. In the 70s and 80s Middle East instability led to gas shortages and high prices. The politicians used the same language to blame for the problem then. Nevertheless, there was agreement that the U.S. should not be dependent on foreign oil; that we should look for alternative energy sources. Wouldn’t it be logical to conclude that we are suffering from failure to take heed. We did nothing to become energy independent. Now we are returning to the Middle East instability that was the problem with oil prices decades ago.

What is this free market President doing threatening oil companies for doing just that – making profits? Congress loves to parade oil executives before committees to yell at them for doing that which they did in the 90s without criticism. Why don’t the politicians instead take action now to make us less dependent on fossil fuels. Not only is it in our national interest to turn to biofuels but it could save the planet from the serious threat from global warming. If the Brazilians can do it why can’t we? Why not use restaurant oil waste to keep us from having to support a hostile country like Saudi Arabia? Bin Laden was motivated in large part due to our presence in that country. And we are there because the oil is there. And many believe that the invasion of Iraq has to do with the large amount of oil found there. Remember that point the next time you hear a politician make a longwinded speech about the evil oil industry.