Chris Paris from AMERICblog.com comment on the price of oil declining and the effect it has on oil producing economies. He asks what happens to the countries that are dependent on “petro dollars” when the price of oil declines, or does anyone outside of the lucky people profiting from oil sales even notice? He goes on to comment further on the fact that Washington submits to this prestigious group of people who are only concerned with their own self interest.
Just as the January Series speaker, Michael Mandelbaum, was saying, it is true that countries dependent on oil income are less likely to be democratic because the leaders hold all the power and wealth. Another reason that should inspire us Americans to lessen our dependency on oil and find alternative sources of energy would be to help improve the living conditions of others around the world, such as in Nigeria and Venezuela. Not only would we save money as oil prices would be forced down, but we could impose demands on these oil dependent countries to improve their governing and take care of their citizens. As of now, oil producing countries have somewhat of control over us, while if we would learn to depend less on oil for means of energy, we could regain control. It is going to take great effort on our behalf to reduce our dependency, and it might be somewhat “inconvenient,” but we will gain power, and also be coming to the aid of helpless citizens of tyrant governments hoarding “petro dollars.”
1 comment:
Hmmmm...interesting analysis. Although I disagree, great support for your main points.
In terms of oil, I really don't think we should lessen our own dependency. One of the main reasons our gas is so expensive is not necessarily from the lack of oil itself, but possibly from the lack of adequate refining facilities. When I spoke with my old economics professor, he told me that it is difficult to commission a new oil refinery due to environmental concerns, but it is desperately needed as the demand for gasoline increases. This is all hearsay, however, and I do not have adequate sources to back up this theory...just the ramblings of an old teacher.
However, when considering the democracy issue, the question is: Is democracy always the right system of government? Do some countries function better in an alternative system? I believe so. I question our dogmatic view of democracy and our need to push it on everyone else. I mean look at our own system of government. We are ruled by bureaucracy, and there is a definite gap between the elected officials and everyone else. Furthermore, without oil, where would some countries be? If the prices of oil dropped, the countries might become democratic, but at what cost? Without their main source of income, those countries would be POOR democracies. The people would starve, although they might have freedom. To me, I can't justify such a sacrifice. My main point here is to not be so hasty on pushing our way of life onto others cultures, because it may have disastrous results.
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