I don't view the Saudis as enemies, but as allies. We "ignore" our resources for two reasons: (1) We lack the political will to exploit them and (2) many of these resources are more expensive to obtain than the cheaper sources already available. Frankly, I am not that concerned as long as the marketplace is allowed to make the decision on how best to obtain the energy we need. If the government gets involved in making those decisions, you can bet they will be the wrong ones. Ethanol is a prime example of what should not be done. Save us from the unintended consequences.
Greatly agree.
(2) many of these resources are more expensive to obtain than the cheaper sources already available.
I disagree on that point. As proof why that is not the case I look to the Alberta Oil Sands. Some of the most expensive oil to produce in commercial operation in the world. The industry is investing over $150 billion there in new facilities and expansions.
Inventory of Major Alberta Projects
http://www.alberta-canada.com/statpub/albertaConstructionProjects/mpindex.cfm
Scroll down, select "Oilsands" and click "Submit"
as long as the marketplace is allowed to make the decision on how best to obtain the energy we need.
If our government opened many of our resources to exploration and production and not just for oil/gas, I would not have a problem either. But instead we get very promising resources removed from the marketplace and targeted subsidies of uneconomic processes like much of the ethanol and wind.