Fast forward to the summer of 2008 when gas prices begin an upward surge for no reason at all it seems – except maybe more turmoil in the Middle East.
Continue on to the present day: Low and behold, another Middle Eastern nightmare, MORE TURMOIL!
Now, hear me carefully when I say this. I celebrate, mourn, worry and pray for our Middle Eastern brethren for they are human beings and neighbors. I am excited that freedom is coming to many of these countries. I am excited to hear that many governments are making changes based upon their citizens demands. If no one has noticed, I am a Christian and a Pastor, so I have a spiritual interest in the Middle East as well. But at some point the world has to say, ” Enough!”
When the people of at least three countries rise up and effectively overthrow violent dictators, the world needs to listen. Read and process this thought carefully: Isn’t it time for the world to effectively overthrow the stranglehold that oil has over us? The liquid, solid, gaseous based petroleum products demands our sole loyalty. The “need for oil” is a violent, oppresive, and a peace robbing thug! Yet, we the people of the world, submit without question.
The scientists tell us we need to cut our dependence because we’re running out. The conservationists tell us that it’s polluting our planet causing climate change. The military tells us it’s a national security issue. The political ananlysts tell us it’s a volatile bargaining chip we can’t do without. Families are screaming about the rising prices for heating, transportation, and food. And yet, our national leaders still insist it’s a temporary issue and push a clear, strategic, safe, viable, sustainable energy plan back “10 more years”.
If anyone hasn’t noticed this is a combination of paradox and insanity.
This is what our parents, teachers, and wise leaders once taugt us NOT to do. You don’t prevent something from happening AFTER it has happened! We all know what will WHEN someone decides to pull the plug on our oil dependency – chaos as never before.
Jesus said in the gospels many times, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” And, “Can you not read the signs of the times?” (Matthew 16:3)
NOW, is the time to determine our renewable energy destiny. I am not just a Christian pastor invoking Jesus to make a point. I’m husband and a father that decides what we buy based upon a monthly budget.
While, the housing market, Wall Street, interest rates, bonds, and the deficit are all leading indicators of the US economy and I appreciate them, it’s the big red sign in front of the gas station is a leading indicator of my economy.
When will our elected national, supposedly wise, leaders implement sweeping reforms that will begin a drastic reduction in our dependence on foreign oil? Don’t tell me it’s already been done because if it’s not in common parlance it’s not common.
Where’s the legislation cutting energy use in automobiles by 50%? Where’s the legislation requiring a minimum amount of solar power cells on new housing? Where’s the landmark research grant support for smaller, lighter, more powerful, and faster recharging solar batteries? Where’s the incentive for the homeowner to switch to solar powered appliances, where available?
Some will say, “Mark, you’re not being resonable.” I am being very resonable because this is the least we should be doing. The money we’ve wasted on gas has keept dictators in power, led to educational failure, keep people hungry, homeless, and ill. And for that, we should ALL be ashamed.
Our natural resources are God given, but also God limited. God may once again rain manna from heaven but I don’t want to be in that kind of desert wilderness situation. It’s time we became wise and do something based on the signs of the times.
If you agree with this in spirit, at least, share it with others. Constructive comments are always welcome.
