Energy independence: Industry experts, in their own words

in an editorial

board meeting at The Oklahoman, Aug. 23:

There's 17 million barrels a day going though the Straits of Hormuz. Only 2 million of that comes to the United States, but we're the ones paying to keep the Straits open with our military.

“You have to ask yourself, 'Is this really a good idea?' We're getting people killed over here every day, and we know that one reason we're there is because of the oil.”

Robert Bryce,

senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and author of "Gusher of Lies: The Dangerous Delusions of Energy Independence."

The United States is the world's single biggest energy producer and consumer. Why would we want to be independent of the world's biggest market? The United States is exporting 3 million barrels per day of refined product. That is good for the U.S., good for our balance of trade, good for employment.

“If we Americans truly believe in a free market and free people, we should support the free exchange of goods. If the Saudis can produce something more cheaply than the United States, that's where we should buy it. Why is it we are only talking about energy independence? What about tennis racket independence or beer independence? Why is this reserved for energy? When it comes to energy, there is endless opportunity for hyperbole and dogma.”