We mustn't let history repeat

In the 1970s we experienced restricted oil supplies, rising gas prices and the short-term demise of gas guzzlers. Politicians appealed for conservation of energy, and a government loan bailed out a financially strapped auto company.

Fast forward to 2008. Oil supplies are restricted, gas prices are rising and the auto lots are filled with big gas guzzlers that no one wants. Rumors abound about the possible bankruptcy of a major auto company. Politicians are expressing their concern and proposing solutions, including more drilling for oil and short-term tax suspensions.

On June 18, 2008, ABC World News reported that offshore reserves would only satisfy 2 years of our current demand for oil. If we drill, it will take at least five to 10 years to bring it on stream. This will have little or no impact as did the Alaska drilling resulting from the crunch of the 1970s. Rising demand will far exceed the small increase in supply.

How soon we forgot the experience of the first "crisis." Unfortunately, we may learn no more from the current debacle than we did from the first strike against us.

The total supply of oil is running out and the worldwide demand is steadily increasing. This is well documented in "The End of Oil." by Paul Roberts.

If we continue to pursue oil as a prime energy source, we are doomed to repeat history. This only leads to more crises in the future.

In 1962, a protest song raised the question, "When will they ever learn?" Will we leave the answer "blowing in the wind" or will we truly and quickly move to a long term energy policy that is not based on fossil fuels?

We must elect responsible legislators who will pursue mass transit and renewable energy sources as one part of the answer. We have two strikes against us. Can we afford strike three?

Royce N. Blackwell

Elgin