Re:Cost of converting entire U.S. to electric cars? Zero.
by Prrometheus on Tuesday May 27, 2008 @12:24PM
(#201127)
>In other words, we need something to give us the ability to tell the Saudis to kiss off.
And then we can invade the Saudis! Brilliant!
Re:Cost of converting entire U.S. to electric cars? Zero.
by aggieben on Tuesday May 27, 2008 @04:11PM
(#201352)
What I'm arguing is that being able to tell the Saudis to kiss off means we won't ever have a reason to invade them.
Realize I'm using "the Saudis" as a proxy here. But further:
Can you imagine a scenario in which the following things are true:
a) we buy, say, 40% less oil overall
b) we have the same tensions with SA and Iran as we do now
c) SA and Iran are as rich as they are now (translate: capable of financing terror groups to fight proxy wars) ?
I can't.
"Energy Independence" is probably a misnomer - but the point is to change our economics so that we aren't forced to provide advantage to our geostrategic adversaries. Because our economy is so dependent on oil, we currently have little choice but to fund those who currently fund our (the U.S. and the rest of the West) enemies. The desire is simply to make oil a commodity like any other, and not one that can make or break the U.S. In other words, we need something to give us the ability to tell the Saudis to kiss off.