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U.S. dependency on foreign oil is at the very core of so many of the international and domestic challenges the nation faces today. So, it was good to hear President Bush talk about the nation's oil addiction in his State of the Union address Tuesday night.
Unfortunately, he didn't go far enough in suggesting solutions.
His proposal to develop "cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable alternative energy sources" is laudable, even essential. Hopefully, with a greater commitment to research, breakthroughs will come in the way Americans are able to power their homes and offices and vehicles.
But, for example, what of imposing higher energy-efficiency standards on automakers and working toward weaning ourselves from gas guzzling vehicles! The technology, for the most part, already exists. No need to pour billions into research - just a need for life-style changes and some earnest, collective self-discipline.
The subject of oil independence is nothing new. Virtually every president the last four-decades has addressed it in State of the Union speeches. Yet, the nation's oil imports continue to increase as America's extravagant, insatiable appetite - yes, addiction to oil continues unabated.
On a subject this vital, KSL wishes President Bush had spent more time, offered some realistic solutions, and energized the nation to action.
