Hmmmmm.......
Oil supplies reduced. Would Venezuela and other suppliers make up part of the difference?
Even ifthey didn't.... consider the amount of wasted fuel.
Let the price rise to encourage conservation. Thermostats lowered in winter. More car pooling. Fewer off-the-cuff trips to the store, etc.
Sure, the bleating sheep that make up the majority of the US population (I get the feeling from reading posts hereabouts that not many bleating sheep involve themslves with this BBS) will be inconvenienced but, so be it!!!!!!!
Suppose gasoline reached $8 per gallon. A darn good reason for several folks to use one vehicle (likely the one with the pick-up or van) to do their grocery shopping together. Another "hmmmmmmm," it may be the one with the gas guzzler in the best position if gas prices soar. That guzzler may have the carrying capacity to convey several folks and their foodstuffs on a combined shopping expedition.
The government, if it believed the trend was to stay with low oil supplies, could combat some of the ill effects by implementing a nation-wide mass transit movement. The current roads proved excellent bases for rail-based transit. Cover the land with electric-powered mass transt. Doing so would put a lot of folks to work. Then, get hopping on building a few more nuclear-based electricity generating plants to supply that mass transit.
As long as monied vested interests, their political lackeys, and other anti-social self-centered bureaucrats et al are kept out of the picture I believe the country could overcome any loss of mid-east oil.
Would be kinda' nice to thumb our communal noses at Ali Baba and his 40 mullahs.
Neener neener neener..... you can eat your oil.
