OIL

[Blackhatjack]

Assuming that a Democratic President is elected in 2008, exactly what will be the US policy on Middle East Oil?

If the dollar continues to drop in value, and Middle Eastern countries demand payment for oil in Euro instead of dollars, what will our policy be?

These are going to be important questions that the Democratic Nominee will have to address in the General Election.

I shudder to think of the pain that is going to be visited on all Americans as we begin to put our country back on the right track -- but that is what is needed in order to make changes for the better.

I have yet to read any proposal that could substantially eliminate foreign exports of oil over the next 5 years. No matter how much we conserve, how much we invest in solar, wind and other alternative energy.

Will OIL make for a one term Democratic President?

[Blashyrkh]

1. Oil will make for a continuation of the status quo.

[Blackhatjack]

2. One thing is for sure, there is not going to be any normal or status quo regarding oil....

Demand for oil is going straight up given the 'thirsty' needs of China, India, and other developing countries. World supply is not going to be able to meet world demand.

That makes for a constantly changing environment that will influence oil supply, demand and price.

[southerncrone]

3. In the short run. A Dem Prez will invest in alterative fuels & America will embrace them.

Hopefully this is oil's big swig from the National coffers.

[Blackhatjack]

4. IF we are looking at 5 yrs or more of oil imports spiking in pricing, it is going to hurt...

I definitely believe that investment in alternative energy and conservation is essential, but it will have to be done at the same time that oil will cost us more than in the past.

[AdHocSolver]

5. The only solution is to reduce US demand for oil.

The biggest waste of oil is the US burning up oil in its vehicles. This is also the biggest contribution to smog and greenhouse gases. Using ethanol is NO solution. It doesn't save any oil, it produces greenhouse gases and pollution, and by siphoning off corn from food production, it causes an increase in the cost of food.

The only real solution is to switch to all-electric and hybrid electric vehicles. The technology EXISTS ALREADY to produce vehicles that can get the equivalent of 50 to 100 miles per gallon. This would reduce operating cost by as much as 10 to 15 times and reduce emissions substantially. The only way this technology is going to be used is if fuel efficiency standards are mandated by the government on all new vehicle production, just as they were successfully mandated back in the 1970's. There also need to be consequences, such as fines, for anyone who manufacturers or sells polluting gas guzzlers. The imaginary "market" does not produce intelligent economics.

[Blackhatjack]

6. Reducing demand will have to be a big part, but there are two options there....

You can distribute available oil to the American public based upon the economic model by raising the price until enough demand drops off to reach your target. This hurts the working poor and the middle class the most.

Or you can institute fuel rationing which distributes available oil on a prorata basis that does not result in increased prices. Everyone suffers from shortages.

Which will it be?

[taterguy]

7. Option 3 is to change the mentality of the masses

Not too long ago everyone smoked in this country or thought it was ok.

Thanks to a massive PR and eduction campaign most folks realized that smoking was really unhealthy and changed their ways.

We'll always need automobiles but we really don't need them as much as they're used.

Currently folks who use bicycles for basic transportation in this country are perceived to be a bit freakish. Suppose we changed that paradigm.

A very high percentage of car trips are two miles or less, something that almost anyone could easily do on a bicycle if they only tried.