[eniapmot]

If I may speak for La Dame:
we don't have to give up the oil-based economy: we just have to give up our reliance on ME oil. That means

1. Drilling right here in USA...and I mean everywhere...not just in Alaska, but in Ohio as well.

2. Buying more (at higher price, perhaps) from Mexico and Russia

3. Using technology to use Coal and Natural Gas to supply the same ingredients

4. Going Nuclear in a big way.

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However, the most cost-efficient would really be the following: lay waste to Riyadh, Mecca and declare Arabia an American colony.
(I am not being sarcastic; I fully support this last...much more than I support a costly war against Iraq with uncertain outcome)

[Amelia]

eniapmot, I can agree fully with everything you say.

However, that's not what I hear LaBelle saying. Perhaps she's not making herself clear, perhaps I have a perception problem, but:

What I hear her saying is very close to what I hear from certain radical environmentalists I'm acquainted with - notice her references to SUVs, etc. These people feel that most modern conveniences are evil, earth-killing inventions - however, most of the ones I know are not willing to give such things up personally.

I still want to know what she herself has done to eliminate her dependence on the "oillah", and although I've asked twice now (and Miss Marple has asked as well) I've yet to receive an answer - only more insults, ad hominems, and environmentalist platitudes.