Energy,

Okay, to mention energy…there was a response to a previous post that mentioned that a “Flip Flop” may not be a bad thing. In many cases, I agree that it is in fact correct for a Politician to change course if the majority of the country changes position on an issue or the current status of the country is affected for one reason or another. McCain and Obama have both altered positions on energy due to the rapid increase in the price of crude oil. Which, has caused energy prices to rise across the board.

“Early this week natural crude oil hit $117 a barrel, compared to an average $72 a barrel in 2007. And just 10 years ago oil prices were at $14.80 a barrel in inflation-adjusted dollars.”

http://www.sandia.gov/news/resources/releases/2008/oilprices.html

As a consequence of this (combined with various other factors) consumers are experiencing drastic increases in the price of goods due to shipping costs which increase food prices as well as non-consumables. This provides the Candidates with a little more wiggle room in the area of energy as polling has turned the corner and American’s are now overwhelmingly in favor of drilling and greater exploration. Nuclear energy which could largely quench our Nation’s thirst for electricity is now gaining popular support. To be fair, both McCain and Obama have reversed or altered positions in various areas on the energy front (although, Obama remains anti-nuclear energy). In any case, I do prefer McCain’s idea to use all available methods to break our dependence on foreign oil and provide a smooth transition to clean energy sources.

That said, there is an interesting point of view being spread by T. Boone Pickens. He has a plan for weaning the United States off of Oil through a varied approach of renewable sources. I can’t say it answers all the questions but it is certainly an intriguing and potentially plausible approach to begin moving toward clean energy. His plan can be found here:

http://www.pickensplan.com/theplan/