[aggie99]

Originally Posted by reservecops

I've read through many of your posts, aggie99, and the problem with your argument is that you seem convince that the only solutions is one-sided (alternative energy).

The solution to today's energy crisis is TWO-FOLD:

1. Drill here, drill now, pay less - this reduces the pain at the pump.
2. Develop alternative energy - everything from solar to wind to nuclear to hydrogen -- ANYTHING that might be a viable solution for FUTURE demand.

All the wishful thinking about alternative energy isn't going to make one iota of a difference for the next 10-15-20 years ... IF at all!

We don't KNOW (and there is no emperical evidence) that ANY currently investgated alternative energy sources will be able to REPLACE our dependency on OIL.

So how can you claim that the ONLY way to reduce/eliminate our dependence on ANY oil - foreign or domestic - CAN be addressed by any of these miracle panaceas that do NOT (without more R&D) provide the impact that oil (and coal) does?

It's not a one or the other solution: it's BOTH. Increased oil SUPPLY now while, simultaneously, development of what MIGHT be tomorrows energy sources.

Due to the current gas prices we have started to see a much needed shift in our thinking on consumption. GM shut down 4 of it's truck and SUV plants, has decided to discontinue the Hummer brand and shift to more fuel efficient cars. There are waiting lists for smart cars and Hybrid vehicles. The all electric Tesla (although for a niche market) never expected the demand and has a one year waiting list and they now plan to develop a lower end sedan model. Public transit use has dramtically increased. Telecommuting is growing because of the increase in the cost of flying. Sure all of these will affect certain market sectors worse than others and sadly affect american jobs and families but drilling here to marginally reduce prices and not force us into greater action is a huge mistake. Companies react to market demand and I can guarantee there is more action being taken today to resolve our oil dependence then ever before. This country thrives on a challenge, why are we so scared this time? We need a cure, not a crutch.