[Superman]

Oil has some advantages. Using another source, how many BTU's can you carry around in a gallon jug? Trust me when I tell you that a jug of kerosene packs some power.

But my money is still on the alternative energy sources. Some are quite workable now, and some others show some real promise. Hydrogen. Battery technology is getting better. Ultimately we need to find a sturdy enough bottle to contain the heat of fusion. Different strategies for different applications. And when it's viable, we'll sell it to those other countries.

Also inevitable is the fact that the middle east will fall from its comfortable position. Either later, when the supply runs out (and after they have gouged the world selling a shrinking necessity), or sooner. When we develop the technology that makes it obsolete.

Sure, it has been convenient and easy to harness with centuries-old technologies. But we're smarter now. It's time we acted like it.