Election Countdown "A to Z" (O is for Oil)

O is for Oil

For practically as long as any American has been alive, oil has been an issue that we have fought wars over and spent our nation's treasure on. Our escape from its clutches could mean the dawn of a new industrial revolution—a green one this time. And our slavery to it will mean our military is not leaving Iraq and the Middle East for another quarter century at least. Not to mention, our tumble towards global and irreversible climate change will continue.

Oil also continues to define our country's friendships (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Nigeria) and her adversaries (Russia, China, Venezuela). And regardless of which direction we're ready to take as a country, the next president will be instrumental in charting that course, for better (Obama) or worse (McCain).