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Is the lack of a U.S. alternative energy policy strengthening Russia, Iran?

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There are times when you need an archive of information and evidence to make an argument.

Then there are times when one simple fact or incident makes the case by itself. (Which, incidentally, may very well be the genesis of the adage "A picture says a thousand words.")

Evidence item of consequence: a lunch that global trade consultant Edward Goldberg, a colleague of New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, had with a Russian trade attaché.

The Russian trade attaché, Friedman relates, years ago was delighted to hear from Goldberg that the Bush administration wanted to drill for oil in the Alaskan wilderness. The reason? The amount of oil derived would be negligible in terms of the U.S.'s needs, and it signaled that the Bush Administration was not planning to do anything to establish an alternative energy program, "which of course would threaten the economic growth of Russia."

In other words, Russia knows that alternative energy would displace oil use, and oil revenue, and reduce Russia's wealth.

Hence, by extension, by not developing alternate energy sources, the Bush administration has and is strengthening Russia, the autocratic, mono-party, anti-democratic nation that it is, led by the Czar-like Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

Energy Analysis: The Bush administration's lack of a comprehensive alternative energy program is doing exactly what is not in the interest of United States or of democratic people around the world: it's strengthening oil-rich (and increasing expansionist-oriented) Russia, not to mention Iran.

Further, along with U.S. energy independence, the above is all the more why the next U.S. president, in conjunction with the new Congress, must develop alternative energy sources. The geopolitical balance of power could literally hinge on the decision.

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What's your view? Do you think the United States should develop an alternative energy program? Or will drilling for more oil be enough?

Let us know what you think.

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Last updated: November 11, 2009: 03:06 PM

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