Energy Independence Is Within Our Grasp

You would never know it by looking at the price of gasoline, but America stands on the cusp of declaring economic independence from the whims of oil-producing autocracies in the Mideast and elsewhere.

Experts note that domestically produced oil and natural gas are 15% and 75% cheaper than foreign imports. America has begun to export natural gas in quantities that should make a serious dent in our balance of payments deficit, and boost tax revenues as well. Gasoline continues to be expensive because of supply and demand forces, but also for environmental reasons, and incentives to make it "greener," not a bad thing.

Less likely to be noticed is the fact that with the U.S.'s announced pivot of military resources to the Asian theatre, the Mideast looks to be less significant to our economic needs than ever before. The long - term prospect is that the Navy and Air Force will become even more important, reducing the risk of ground conflict casualties going forward.