The Cost of Foreign Oil

Neatorama explains how Denmark became the only European nation that exports energy. The Danes cut energy use after the OPEC oil embargo of 1973 and began producing their own energy.

German production of solar and wind energy has increased 15 percent in only 5 years. The German government jump-started the solar industry through business and energy buyback incentives. Business is going so well that incentives are already being phased out.

But, you're saying, America uses half of the world's energy. Alternative energy would never work here! Imagine how expensive it would be for the USA to eliminate foreign-oil dependence! The government would run huge debts, businesses would require tremendous subsidies to avoid economic recession!

Stop and consider this: Is the cost justified? What does foreign oil-dependence really cost? What does it really cost to keep the oil flowing?

Our CIA trained Sadaam Hussein in Iraq and Osama Bin Laden in Afghanistan. We gave Saddam money and aid throughout he 1980's while making illegal arms sales to his enemy, Iran. Just to keep the oil flowing.

Our military presence in Saudia Arabia turned Osama into our enemy. In the 1990's, we saw the World Trade Centers bombed, the USS Cole bombed in Yemen, and a US Embassy bombed in Africa. And still we lie in bed with the Saudi government after 15 of their citizens attacked us on 9/11. Just to keep the oil flowing.

Consider the cost of Gulf War I and Gulf War II. $61 billion for the first and $482 billion for the second. Plus $275 million more each day that it continues. Just to keep the oil flowing.