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Article: Neither Practical nor Attainable; Record gasoline prices are affecting every aspect of the U.S. economy, and the nation's burgeoning energy problems have become a frontline issue in the presidential election. Can the United States achieve energy independence? Is it a realistic goal, and would it even be a desirable national policy?
- Article from:
- U.S. News & World Report
- Article date:
- July 21, 2008
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2008 All rights reserved. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: J. Robinson West
CON: The world economy is in the throes of an oil crunch. Surging Asian demand and a slow supply response drive high prices. U.S. politicians facing an election offer half-baked ideas to create the illusion that they have serious answers to problems they helped create.
Many politicians and commentators offer long-term visions for a problem that needs immediate practical solutions requiring difficult choices and compromises. Breezy generalities about the future that ignore harsh economics and science are useless. Avoiding problems now worsens them later.
"Energy independence" is a favored placebo--a rarely defined goal ...