Get Energy Smart! NOW!

If there reason for frustration with Democratic Party Senate leadership over messaging when it comes to energy issues, we should be beyond frustration about disastrous Republican substance when it comes to energy. When it comes to oil, the only solution: more supply, drill, drill, drill!!! Putting aside the question as to the sensibility of a supply-side answer in the face of Peak Oil, Global Warming, and rising global demand (can we increase fast enough), let us take a brief look at the linkage between drilling and oil prices.

Additional drilling doesn’t seem to drive lower gasoline prices, does it?

DRILL! DRILL! DRILL! does not make for sensible energy policy.

Oil is finite. We use more, faster, we run out faster. Should we think about keeping some around as reserves for future generations?

We cannot increase supply as fast as demand is rising. If we don’t do something about demand curves, prices are going to continue to escalate to higher and higher levels.

We can reduce demand for lower cost than creating new supply (if new supply is even possible). Why not take the cost-effective routes.

And, there is the little tickler of Global Warming. Increased oil use means increased pollution.

Point. Game. Set. Match.

Samuelson. Bush. The Republicans are wrong. More drilling is NOT the answer.

When you’re stuck deep in a hole, the first thing to do is to stop digging.  When we’re stuck deep in the hole of oil addiction, perhaps the first thing to do is stop emphasizing drilling?

Now, when we consider the failures of Republican-driven energy policies and the serious implications for American national security (from exporting dollars to global warming), perhaps the right way to think of the Republicans approach to energy is as the “Kill and Drill Republican” Party approach to energy.