Your response is well thought-out in that it recognizes both the short-term and long-term challenges. Ten years should be a reasonable timeframe for us to achieve economic viability of biodiesel/ethanol/other engine types while at the same time getting us the independence “cushion” we need for the short term. This is especially, especially true as China’s demand for foreign oil will only drive prices even higher.
I do see China and India as a major reasons why gas prices will continue to rise. But we cannot forget the impact of a dictator like Chavez, or the Islamo Facists on the price of oil. Our economic growth and national security demand that we take decisve action.
We have to ability in the short term, say 10 years, to reach our energy needs with the resources at home. And over the next decade we can transition to alternative energy sources. But I fear that the left really doesn’t want sensible, rational change. All the want is the ability to use our current energy problems as a political tool to gain power.