We'll never be completely free

As a result of the oil crisis, everyday we hear about electric vehicles. However, no one ever comments about the fact that they must have their batteries charged. What happens if there is a power outage, which is not uncommon, and your battery cannot operate to drive you to work or to an important meeting? In addition, how are our electric energy companies going to increase their output for all the millions of vehicles that will have batteries that need to be charged? I have not heard one comment about that. Further, how are airplanes going to fly on electric batteries? The thought that we are going to be completely independent of using oil is ridiculous. Can you imagine fire trucks not being able to operate because their batteries were dead? Or ambulances? Or for that matter, police cars? The idea that we can totally eliminate the use of oil and gasoline in the operation of our vehicles and airplanes is a fantasy. As we all know, power outages are caused by traffic accidents knocking over electric lines, excavations that accidentally hit electric lines knocking them out of service, as well as lightning and other natural causes. For this nation to rely strictly on battery operated vehicles, would subject us to national security and economic disaster. When will the politicians who object to drilling for oil realize that they are hurting this nation? Technology is advanced to contain oil spills. Oil spill disaster teams can be mobilized to control such spills. As far as natural wildlife is concerned, should any die, programs could be instituted to nurture the replacement of such wildlife as fish, etc. In order for the United States national security and economic strength to be maintained, we need multiple sources of energy. I'm not opposed to electric, windmills, nuclear, but to exclude oil entirely is ridiculous.

Steven R. Heuberger

Libertyville