In another example of completely meaningless legislation which typifies the work of a do-nothing Congress more accustomed to political posturing than actually legislative prudence, the US House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed legislation that would bind OPEC nations to the same anti-trust laws as US companies.

This is a completely outrageous piece of legislation that will do nothing to alleviate oil prices. Since when does the US have sovereignty over other nations? What next are we going to dictate to every nation from China to Russia to Japan to Mexico how much they are allowed to charge for exports. And what are we going to do when they refuse to comply?

As the bill's sponsor, Representative Steve Kagen (D) of Wisconsin noted, we "are at the mercy" of OPEC. And why are we at OPEC's mercy? Because we can't sue? No because our political leaders throw up countless obstacles that encourage energy independence, while encouraging dependency.

At the same time that meaningless OPEC lawsuit legislation is being passed we have efforts by individuals like Colorado's senator looking restrict Oil Shale development, at the same time we have restrictions on drilling in ANWR and off our coasts while every nation from France to China is drilling off our coasts with impunity. Nor have we taken any steps to encourage genuine development of energy alternatives, meanwhile developing nations like Brazil have completely eliminated their dependence on foreign oil. What a disgrace, but then again we get the government we deserve.
Link to Reuters article