There is really no justification for refusing to develop 100% American independence with our fossil fuels— even if the costs are higher than those offered by Death to America retailers around the world.
Why should any of us care what OPEC is offering for a barrel of oil?
Most of the money paid to OPEC goes to pay for a genocidal fantasy that will wipe the US and Israel off the global maps.
We could save a lot of money if the 7th fleet and military projection costs were added to the price of a barrel of oil from the strait of Hormuz.
We should easily be able to get enough oil from Canada, Mexico and the US and pay whatever subsidies are necessary to make it feasible.
The free market on oil is not very free.
Exactly. It is a matter of National Security.
Unless you plan to nationalize the US oil industry and steal assets from individuals, price matter a lot.
If we buy any oil at all from the ME, it would be from Israel (and their new discoveries). Their need for military aid would also be significantly reduced.
If a US company wants to continue to do business in the Persian Gulf, it's their choice. But, they won't have US protection for their interests.
There will still be other countries that will buy from them, but that's their choice, as well.
However, it won't be long before the entire region descends into anarchy and feudalism -- and production will drop off like it has done in Venezuela.
But, we have the reserves we can develop to fill the gap. Yes, it will be at a higher price, but we won't be funding terrorism against US interests.
... but but we were told we have to care about the ME economy or it will become unstable and Russia will step in... nevermind...
Your argument assumes there is an unlimited reservoir of oil underground the USA.
What if we are currently pumping the last barrels that will be ever found?
What if 20 years in the future the oil production in the USA is 3 million barrels per day and demand is still where it is today?