During the recent run-up to the election, we heard a lot about the importance of energy from both of the candidates. They both touched on renewable resources, while McCain added offshore drilling as part of his platform. I was disappointed that neither of them took the conversation any further.
One of the things that distinguishes the U.S. from the rest of the world is the opportunity that is available here. People literally risk their lives to come to our shores with the hope that they can make their dreams come true if they work hard enough. In many cases they do. So what does this have to do with energy you ask?
Our country is in the midst of a financial crisis like I have never seen, and energy is the answer. Energy is the most obvious way out. I hope that we don’t fall victim to the cheap gas prices, because the prices will rise when the economy recovers. I also hope that we don’t fall victim to political correctness. We should be generating as much energy as we can with ALL of the resources available to us. If we did this, we would be the ones in a position to export energy.
This country led the world with its industrial revolution, and again with the technology revolution. I say we do it again with an Energy Revolution. We have some of the richest reserves of coal, oil and natural gas on the planet. We also are uniquely situated as the most wind-rich country in the world (which happens to lie right in the middle of our country). France is 85% powered by nuclear energy, and it is a safe source of energy. If you add solar, hydroelectric and bio-sources of fuel, there is no reason for us to be so dependent on others for our energy needs. There is also no reason for us to have to pay so much.
I say it is time for American Ingenuity to do it again. Do it all, and let the best and cheapest technologies win. It will be best for our economy, our national security and ultimately, our children. Our government needs to get out of the way, take down the restrictions and let us do what we do best, innovate!
Posted by mdorr 
