[volunbeer]

In a sane world Exxon would be able to develop energy resources here in the US employing Americans and increasing revenues at every level but what does it tell you when they choose to invest in unstable 3rd world countries instead of the US?

Not a pretty story on either side of the equation.

[familyop]

"In a sane world Exxon would be able to develop energy resources here in the US employing Americans and increasing revenues at every level but what does it tell you when they choose to invest in unstable 3rd world countries instead of the US?"

Oil deposits are easier to get to at first. After those are exhausted, oil production becomes more expensive and slow. Oil in large quantities is important for a nation's defense.

The U.S. consumes about 20 million barrels of oil per day during peacetime. That's about 7.3 trillion barrels per year.

And as we chatter, billions more rapidly multiplying people in third world countries are watching American entertainment (babes) through the Internet (thanks to global philanthropists) and are very anxious to start driving and flying to get some.