[James Lewis]

We need a Manhattan type project with one goal. Total energy independence from the rest of the world.

I partially agree. We need to plan for energy independence but it should not be a secret. And, the problem is energy independence, not oil independent. We may be displaying some ignorance or arrogance in thinking in terms of oil only. There are other ways of getting around and heating things up. I've lived in cultures where transportation was not dominated by automobiles. There are advantages to not having to own, maintain, and store one or more cars. And, too many people accept driving and/or commuting an hour or more each way to work. Our culture puts us in a position of being energy dependent. It doesn't have to be that way.

[stylin_geek]

However, our society does allow us the choice to drive to and from work, or not, as the case may be. Right now, if the greenies have their way, this choice will be removed, through government policy. Be very careful when you talk about how society can be remolded, as this is a euphemism for government control and or policy which strikes at the very foundation of our freedoms.