[bencar]

Unfortunately the 'Oil Companies' and their cohorts were very good students of the so-called shortages of the 1970's, and they've applied their knowledge to the current time. However, we, the public, for the most part, had very short term memories, and when the gasoline flowed like water again after each of the so-called shortages of the 70's, we stopped clamoring for any serious research into any viable replacements for petroleum based fuels to run our vehicles, and heat our homes. While it is true that Furnaces became more efficient, and vehicles likewise became more efficient, the bottom line, is that the fuel of choice, is still petroleum based.

Add into the mix, the fact that our so-called leaders, took the politically expedient way out once the clamor died down after the so-called shortages of the 1970's, and simply ignored the warnings that we would face the crisis of today, and you have the recipe for the mess we're in now.

In so far as Electric vehicles are concerned, and the hybrids that are appearing now, well, the basic power source for the Electric vehicles, are lead acid batteries, that are very bulky, and much like 80-90 years ago, won't power a vehicle for very long distances, or with too many accessories in use. Furthermore, the batteries themselves pose a huge environmental hazard when it comes time to dispose of them. The Hybrids, much like the Electric vehicles, are for the most part, very costly, and, still rely on on lead acid back-up batteries, and a petroleum based fuel to run. Also, neither technology is readily transferable to any other current vehicle in use. And so, here we sit, at the mercy of the Oil Companies, their cohorts in the producing countries around the world.

I for one am very afraid of where this is all heading toward, and the obligatory WW that will result as the cure for the massive depression that could be the final result of what's going on now.