Petro problems

On cable news today, the question was asked "who's responsible for high gas prices?" The usual potential culprits were hauled out: OPEC, Big Oil, even China, who is using more oil now than the U.S.

All probably contribute to the fiscal tightening. But the bottom line is this: America had over 30 years since the last major oil shock to figure out a way to shake the habit. For every gallon of gas, over 40 cents of the cost is in taxes. Had that money been put into research over three decades, alternative energy would be a lot farther along than it is now. Instead, people are driving Hummers, even if they aren't soldiers on their third tour in Baghdad--a region we wouldn't give a hoot about if we were energy independent.

We know that a petroleum-based economy creates environmental issues and that oil isn't in infinite supply. Our response, until lately, has been a collective yawn. But why should that be surprising? After all, new smokers get hooked on tobacco every day, even with the Surgeon General's warning right there in their face.

It's a shame it takes $5 packs of smokes to get people to consider quitting, and $3 a gallon gasoline to renew interest in alternative energy. In both cases, by the time the pain level is reached most of the major damage has already been done.