[Tallguy]

Even if this is correct, there is a legitimate reason to pursue ethanol, even to reduce demand levels for petroleum...Allow us a cushion to seek other petroleum resources/ get our own online again that shut down for various reason, so we can starve the middle east into submission.

Except that OPEC generally would like to KEEP us dependent on them by pegging the price of oil to a range that keeps alternative fuels non-competitive. Don't forget that there are 2 sides in the Supply-Demand Game.

Of course the crunch comes when production peaks. Some think this has already happened. China is actings as if it has.

[Dinsdale]

Except that OPEC generally would like to KEEP us dependent on them by pegging the price of oil to a range that keeps alternative fuels non-competitive.

That price being in the neigborhood of $40/barrel (the production cost of Canadian oil sand oil).

Seems like OPEC has'nt been able to hit their target. We'll see for real after the lead time for new wells has passed.

[Schwaeky]

Like I said, embargo the OPEC countries of the middle east (save for Iraq they need all the help they can get but till the insurgency stops the oil flow will be inconsistent at best), starve them into submission (rooting out terrorists).