As presented in other energy independence threads, this is the most significant problem facing the longevity of life here in the USA as we know and enjoy it today.

There are those politicians who continue to be dedicated to the short term solution of yet another rebate to ease the "pain at the pump". The pain at the pump is only a symptom as it has always been. We need to let our lawmakers know and understand that we can not and will not allow another 30+ years go by doing nothing.

The pain at the pump will ease....already is beginning...for what ever the lamest of reasons in today's events. The price of oil will continue it's yo-yoing as long as a gun is pointed in the wrong direction in the Middle East or a threat of inclement weather in our gulf. However, OPEC will continue to play the USA as it has since the 70's by manipulating price. There is now talk of below $100 per barrel oil in the not too distant future. Does this cycle appear familiar. Yes it is with one very large difference. Oil consumption by China, India and other developing nations is significantly higher with a significant growth rate. That is not going to go away and could be considered the paradigm shift of the oil markets. That coupled with a US policy of doing nothing has only one end result....

For these reasons it is imperative to tell our lawmakers their so called objective of easing the pain at the pump is just what it has always been...political schmoozing accomplishing nothing. We must continue to demand actions be set in motion for energy independence, even if the price of oil/gasoline goes back to $2 (or even less). The looming crisis IS NOT going to go away when the pain at the pump eases. And whether certain politicians like it or not, there just has to be an effort mounted EVEN IF IT MEANS NO IMPACT ON THE SHORT TERM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We have talked on other threads regarding the need to be in contact with both the local and federal lawmakers. I personally am committed to keep at family and friends until such time a ground swell is formed in this country.

The politicians are quick to go for the short term fix at the pump because they know how fickle their constituency is. They count on the fact when the pain at the pump goes away everybody will get back in their "ah, life is good again" mode AND WIND UP DOING NOTHING!!!!! AGAIN!!!!

We just cannot let that happen. If the candidates can raise millions of dollars to promote their personal agendas for office....why can't the ground swell in America raise enough $$$ to get their message out. There just has to be a significant effort, diligent and ongoing if we are to have any hope of succeeding in energy independence.

Remember Rosie the riveter days? Remember when the manufacturing in our factories was converted to make guns, tanks, airplanes, et al. The threat today is greater than what existed when those actions were taken.....a country united and dedicated to a purpose.

Hopefully the above is not too tedious, but it cannot be addressed to aggressively!

BTK