Quote from Misthos:
Here's the real question:
Do you want to continue your way of life as you know it? Do you understand that cheap and available oil is what makes the world go round, what makes your house worth what it is, allows you to drive a truck that gets 17 mpg, gives you the opportunity to inexpensively see Hawaii, Disneyland, or wherever else you want to go?
Given our way of producing food - which is very petroleum intensive from petrochemicals, diesel trucks, transportation on average of over 1,000 miles to the supermarket... that too would be impacted by an oil shock.
Do you prefer China or Russia to be the "occupiers" of the Middle East?
Our gdp to a large extent, is based on oil being at a certain price. We are less than 5% of the world's population, and we need about 25% of the current global oil production. Historically, when oil cost is 4% of GDP, we typically fall into recession. Needless to say, we are quite vulnerable right now due to this severe recession/depression. We can't handle oil getting too high.
Are you willing to put up with sky high unemployment, more so than now, because China decides it will fight a war on terror in the Middle East and ensure she gets the oil first before anyone else?
Understand what's at stake. It's not just some elites making money... we average folk have skin in the game.
I'm not necessarily saying I'm pro the current Middle East military engagement/policy.... I'm just framing the issue the way I see it. Afghanistan and Iraq are two of the most strategic locations in the world. They border Iran, and lie between the Persian Gulf and Caspian Sea basin. That's some important real estate. He who controls that area, controls the world. Let that area go, and someone else will control it. And you will pay that price accordingly.
You want the truth? That's the truth.
