by Robert Stadnik

Created on: July 30, 2008   Last Updated: September 22, 2011

The debate on whether these high gas prices are justifiable is volatile and filled with various points of views. Unfortunately, we are only now witnessing some serious debates about alternatives fuels and increasing mpgs on cars as a direct result of skyrocketing fuel prices. For too long our politicians have stalemated on a sound energy policy, and citizens had little to compel them to demand change because gas was so cheap. Average mpg of cars rose after the gas crisis of the 70s, but without a similar crisis in the 80s and 90s consumers obtained a appetite for more fuel thirsty vehicles (trucks and SUVs), resulting in the overall mpg of the nation's fleet to decrease.

Politicians should be held responsible for not taking the initiative to enact legislation to encourage the development of alternative energy; if they did we wouldn't be caught with our pants down. But consumers are just as much to blame for wearing blinders and not facing the reality that our economy is at the mercy of regimes who supply us with most of the oil we need.

Recently Nova aired a piece about alternative energies for automobiles being researched around the country. It was positive to see so many people who have worked hard the last few decades researching better means of energy for cars. We have the know how and innovation to develop alternative fueled cars. I wonder how much money the government has given in grants to these individuals in their research efforts.

Now that the reality of our situation have come to fruition, the time for action has come. Politicians have spent the last thirty years debating energy policy, and enough is enough. Action needs to be taken now; not everyone will get what they want, but that's life. Deal with it. We need swift action to eliminate the vulnerability that now plagues our nation. Everyone is hurting from the rising prices of gas and other commodities, but unfortunately we needed this kick in the rear to get us off our laurels. If action is not taken soon, we could very well see the makings of a revolution. Politicians are already out of touch with the common man, and the average citizen will only stand so much abuse from our current ineffective government. People don't care about the ideology of the Democratic or Republican parties, they want to be represented by individuals with common sense who will do what's right for the people and not what's right for the political party.

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