Are you conscious of how much energy you use?

Americans are generally oblivious of how much energy they use. How many times do you leave your computer plugged in when you aren't using it? How many times do you leave your lights on in your house? How seriously did you consider the environment when you chose to live way out in the suburbs, miles and miles from your job? Do you own an SUV?

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Thirst for oil poses threat to US national security, says military adviser

The Guardian - London

October 28, 2009

Democratic senators today pivoted from the economy to national security in push for climate change bill

America's thirst for oil is a gathering threat to its national security – and the risk will grow further as the world's population touches 7 billion, a military adviser to the Pentagon told the Senate today.

In a second day of debate on energy, Democratic senators today pivoted from the economy to national security to try to make the case for a climate change bill.

The threat to Americans' security ranged from the here and now – with troops in Afghanistan and Iraq tied down by their reliance on gas-guzzling equipment – to years into the future when extreme temperatures and rising sea levels could lead to a widespread social breakdown.

"We have never before on this planet had close to 7 billion people which we will have in 2011. We have never had the unprecedented level of per capita energy use multiplied by that 7 billion people," Dennis McGinn, a member of the Military Advisory Board, composed of senior retired admirals and generals, told the Senate. "We have a whole host of indicators, warnings and trends that tells us climate change is bad for national security..." link to complete article

Trading Oil for Immigration

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez

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Guardian's article (below) mentions that Venezuela is not one of Europe's main suppliers - but withholding oil shipments because of immigration policy is a novel idea. Why would Chavez threaten the E.U. instead of the U.S.? - Ethics regarding inmmigration policy in the U.S. has sunk to an all time low. ICE raids have made havoc of immigrant communities - Maybe Chavez should look at the U.S. instead of the E.U.

could it be that he would have too much at stake to stand up to the U.S.?

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Chavez threatens EU with oil boycott

• Julia Kollewe and Graeme Wearden
• guardian.co.uk,
• Friday June 20, 2008

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has fuelled the growing rift between Opec oil-producing nations ahead of a major summit this weekend, by threatening to block supplies to European countries.

Meanwhile Iran, also a major oil producer, said pumping more oil would do nothing to stop the surge in prices, after Saudi Arabia revealed that it may be increasing its production again.

As angry protests broke out in China over a sharp rise in its fuel prices today, Chavez said he was enraged by new rules passed by the EU parliament on Wednesday, aimed at standardising the process by which member nations deport illegal immigrants. They contain contentious measures such as providing for long detention periods.

In a televised speech, Chavez said: "Our oil shouldn't go to those countries" in Europe who apply new rules for deporting illegal immigrants. He also threatened to block European investments in his country. Venezuela sells most of its oil to the US and is a minor supplier to Europe.

Last month Saudi Arabia promised to produce another 300,000 barrels a day, but other oil producers within Opec are split over the need to pump more oil. Venezuela and Iran have pointed the finger at the West for failing to act against financial speculators, and the weak US dollar...

for complete Guardian article click here