There are so many reasons why 2008 is a watershed election year in the US. Our foriegn policy is in a shambles, our economy is reeling from a banking crisis that has yet to hit bottom, and there are stark choices to be made regarding our dependence on oil. It is this oil dependence that has me most concerned.
The republicans are essentially using the high cost of oil as a political wedge with no clear solution. Of course, they are touting more drilling, here, there, and everywhere, but this is not a viable answer. Sure, there's a limited amount of oil reserves off our shores, but if we start drilling today, we're not likely to see any oil for a decade or so. On top of this, the reserves barely amount to a 7 month world supply - certainly not enough to affect global prices.
We are rapidly approaching the tipping point of oil as energy. It is becoming increasingly expensive, to the point where it may be too costly to maintain the "American" way of life. We need to make significant changes in our wasteful lifestyles - from driving way too much (I'm constantly amazed at the number of cars on our highways with just one occupant), to excessive use of air conditioning, to wasteful dietary habits - and we need to develop alternative energy sources. We may be nearing the point where we can no longer afford oil, nor will we be able to afford to develop these alternative energy sources.
What's needed are sound policies; better infrastructure for public transportation, tax incentives to manufacture and purchase fuel efficient cars, higher taxes on petroleum based products - particularly for non-essential items, and initiatives to educate consumers on how to be more energy savvy.
The republicans spent the better part of the last two weeks mocking Obama on tire pressure, but it is precisely these types of efforts that will help wean us off oil.