This country, as the US Secretary of Energy recently admitted, is facing an energy crisis. Gas prices continue to increase, while supply remains stagnant, largely attributed to meddlesome government intervention that has led to the recent run up on gas prices. In the wake of this rapid rise in prices, there has been a growing chorus among the populace and the politicos in Washington to take action – a direct byproduct of our entitlement culture and a growing belief that government must solve all of our problems.

The left has called for increased taxes on “big oil” as if this will reduce demand or increase supply…the right has floated the equally brilliant idea of a $100 rebate to consumers, which will solve nothing. As usual both political camps fail to see the writing on the wall much less understand the complex forces at work.

In spite of the political ineptitude and unabashed ignorance that is so prevalent in America today, there are a few things that we can do in light of this crisis and there are also some things that we shouldn’t do…


Do:

Open a book or the Financial Times or Wall Street Journal and learn a thing or two about the booming economies in Eastern Europe and Asia, whose demand for oil has increased exponentially

Buy a Hybrid, CNG, Flex-Fuel, Diesel, Electric or more fuel-efficient vehicle

Demand less restrictions on development of energy alternatives

Use cruise control whenever possible to regulate your speed during highway travel

Call on your political leaders to open up domestic petroleum exploration and development

Don’t:

Write your congressman demanding they increase taxes for “big oil” or impose further restrictions on petroleum development

Blame the president or the administration

Call the prices we are currently paying a record (they aren’t)

Expect payment from the federal government to compensate you for your extra expenses