How heavily does oil play in our economy and in foreign policy decision?

[Peak_Oil]

Do you think this a major cause in our foreign policy, or do you think human rights/environmental might be a bigger concern for us? Do you think democracy is really the thing we're trying to spread, or is it capitalism we're trying to spread?

Do we invade nations under false pretenses to get cheap oil? Doesn't that make us something like the Vikings raiding towns to steal their sheep?

[skylarmae]

1. that's what is so exciting about this time - we have an opportunity

to 'science' our way out of this mess and be done with oil asap.
Almost like the way we phased out regular 'leaded' gasoline just a
generation and a half ago. (maybe two generations)

[The Traveler]

2. Yes!

But we have to exit our state of denial as a nation and put our brains, backs, and hearts into it.