Article Contributed on: 12/19/2007 1:23:04 PM
America should be oil independent
I have always been against the war in Iraq. It was began with lies and maintained by more lies. At the expense of over 3,880 dead and over 35,000 Americans wounded. In addition by cutting off the Iraq oil production it has brought the price of gas to it's current level. I have suffered irate letters from my best friends in defense of this premise.
In honest defense of my friends, many of whom are heavily invested in the oil business. I do feel it is truthful to say that if we Americans want to become independent of oil imports we need to keep the price of crude around $75.00. But in addition we must allow oil companies to lease, explore, drill and produce on lands in and around the US continent. We also must definetly build more refineries. We must continue demanding that new vehicles obtain an increase of at least 15% more miles per gallon. This would have an noticeable effect on our pocketbooks and help the environment as well. Environmentally, oil companies I have known have always covered up their tracks.
In the 80's the US produced over 85% and imported about 15% of it's oil. Reagan deregulated the oil and gas industry. We began importing more. Today we import over 85% and produce about 15%. We must get back to the 80's production. And in order to explore, drill, test, produce, treat and refine our own oil it will take around $75.00 a barrel in today's money. That is approximately between $2.45 and $2.65 a gallon depending on world circumstances and situations. And it we can get cars that go 35 MPG and are more pollution free, then we can start taking a few trips again.
But please, no more wars to increase the price of oil.
Leonard Muniz (303) 465-0341
14 Scott Drive North
Broomfield, CO. 80020