We need a president who will take a stand in the way that JFK set the goal that "in the next decade" we would put a man on the moon. A similar goal could be set to reduce our dependence on foreign oil (and not just by drilling more of our own), and reduce pollution. This would not only benefit everyone, but could spur research and investment in products and industries that could improve our economy in general. (It could also possibly give us products and proccesses that we can sell/lisence to developing countries before they become the pollutors we have been.) The problem is, it will be a process, and not have a single event that marks success the way the moon landing did.
At the same time we need to encourage industry to make non-petrolium investments in the oil producing countries, because as we reduce our importation of foreign oil they will see reductions in their gross domestic products. -We do NOT want them resenting us for pulling the rug out from under their economies. If we can encourage the growth of local (non-nationalized) industries it can create a healthy middle class, and there will be fewer disaffected young men who are interested in driving car bombs, as well a a greater chance to move towards more democratic leanings.
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Date: 2005-12-03 06:07 pm (UTC)At the same time we need to encourage industry to make non-petrolium investments in the oil producing countries, because as we reduce our importation of foreign oil they will see reductions in their gross domestic products. -We do NOT want them resenting us for pulling the rug out from under their economies. If we can encourage the growth of local (non-nationalized) industries it can create a healthy middle class, and there will be fewer disaffected young men who are interested in driving car bombs, as well a a greater chance to move towards more democratic leanings.