Another Crisis, this one in energy

Senate votes for Arctic drilling

“How high do gas prices have to get, and how over-a-barrel does OPEC have to get us, before we realize what the American people have realized a long time ago: that we have an energy crisis here in America today,” said Sen. John Thune, R-S.D.

Thune was one of four Republicans elected to the Senate in November who favor drilling in ANWR; each replaced a Democrat opposed to opening the refuge to exploration.

Do you know when the term “energy crises” was first used? It was in the early 1970’s when Dick Nixon honored the White House. OPEC tightened the spigot and prices skyrocketed above 50 cents (yes, .50!) for the first time in anyone’s lifetime (in the US — it was 4 times more expensive in Europe already). Dazed drivers waited in line for hours, oblivious to the irony of burning gas waiting to buy gas. Gas stations rationed gas, limiting you to so many gallons or dollars. You couldn’t buy gas every day — the last digit of your license determined which day you could buy. I’m not talking about the Great Depression or the Great War, kids — there was real panic in the air. It’s all true; I was there. So were Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney; Duhbya was drunk (rude, I admit, but the truth).

We really learned nothing from that national shock 30+ years ago. OPEC learned to squeeze less harshly, fearing that if they turned the screws too tight we might eventually kick our jones (Opec considers second output hike). At least someone has faith in our intelligence.

Now, people argue we can drill ourselves out of this crisis. We cannot and we will not. We’ll just keep paying the dealer until we’ve used up all the oil in the world. That should take 50 years. Worried about Social Security? Don’t be — you’ll be burning your check for heat. mjh

mjh’s Blog: The Short List of Noteworthy Senators

Share this…