It's not just the issue of "cheap" oil -- it's oil, period. Two-thirds of the world's known reserves are in the Middle East. We most certainly have to develop as much of our own domestic resources as we can, but we cannot achieve energy "independence" now or in the forseeable future. Energy drives our economy and our economic strength is a pillar of our liberty.
Immigration is neither the cause of nor a solution to the problem of terrorism. Immigration is, on balance, both an economic and a political strength of this nation. As a free society, we will always be vulnerable to terrorist acts -- the solution is development of intelligence resources, continued dillgence, and rapid (and ruthless) interdiction of terrorist acts.
Pat's "solution" is to wall up the USA, cast away our international financial interests, and for all I know, assume the fetal position and whimper. To hell with that solution -- and him.
As opposed to fighter planes surveying our cities and armed forces on Wall St?
cast away our international financial interests,
America doesn't have international financial interests, its financial interests are in the homeland. Corporations do have international financial interests and they have nothing to do with America, but you free traitors refuse to see that.
I'm pretty sure that number is false. It's the same figure I have been hearing for years,yet it doesn't take into account all the oil in Russia. The reason for this is that Russian oil wasn't available to us until after 1991. Russia is said to have almost as much oil as Saudi Arabia,and there is nothing stopping us from buying it now. Nothing other than all the contracts certain wealthy families have with Arabian oil countries,that is. I'm sure that as soon as these people manage to quietly sew-up contracts with the Russian gooberment this will change,and they will suddenly "discover" all these reserves.
It also has to be said there is a element here in the US that is pro-Israel,and they do NOT want us non-dependent on mid-east oil because they are afraid we will no longer care what happens in the mideast,and this might endanger Israel. THE big reason we have so much influence in the mideast is because of all the money we give them for the privledge of buying their oil. Take away the money and we lose all our influence.
Then again,there are some people (me,for instance) who thinks there is no longer any reason to be kissing the asses of the Saudi Royal family,and that competition is a GOOD thing. If we let the Saudi's KNOW they we have and are considering other options than buying their oil,I suspect we will suddenly have MUCH more influence with them. This doesn't matter though,because it might make certain families and oil companies lose a few dollars.