Wanting to end dependence on foreign oil is a racist position.

[RB TexLa]

Wanting to end dependence on oil is a fine position to take but wanting to end our "dependence on foreign oil," comes from either a racists mindset or extreme nationalism. Of course there isn't really a way to determine which of those is more vile. If we are dependent on oil what does it matter to what human beings we pay? Of course we pay many people who live in North America for our oil, but that isn't who people who want to "end our dependence on foreign oil," see when they say that.

I have to say I wasn't surprised to see Mr. Pickens spouting such garbage on CNN today.

[skooooo]

1. So would saying that...

...the US has allowed to much foreign investment in our economy (loans and such) also be racist?

[RB TexLa]

3. Racism or nationalism, like I said can't tell which is more vile.

[skooooo]

4. Ok guess I don't understand.

[Marrah_G]

2. Perhaps because it gives those governments leverage over us?

Being dependent is the issue. But even more important is the environmental damage we are doing.

[BlooInBloo]

5. Is this a joke?

[skooooo]

6. I don't get it either, but maybe the OP will 'splain.

[Gold Metal Flake]

7. one way or another...

[TheWraith]

8. Probably not. We've got our fair share of kooks and nutbars here. nt

[RB TexLa]

9. No joke, why would it matter who we are paying for our oil?

Being dependent is being dependent, doesn't matter to who unless you are a racist or some ubur-nationalist.

[skooooo]

11. I think it's a matter of common sense.

I would hope that we could develop alternative sources so we won't be "tempted" to fight foreign wars.

[BigDaddy44]

21. Yeah

I'd rather pay someone from this country so the money gets pumped back into the economy, as opposed to shipping all of our money offshore.

I'd rather pay my neighbor for food than pay someone in Chile, or Germany, or Japan. Money stays here. You see, HE takes that money, and maybe he buys something from me. Simple enough for you?

[aspergris]

10. seriously. This has to be a joke

It made me laff

[Gold Metal Flake]

17. Why would you say that?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x5330132#5337210

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=364&topic_id=529387

[RB TexLa]

18. And what would disobeying that person and being hit by someone have to do with this?

I guess you were one of the ones who thought I got uppity by not doing as I was told.

[Gold Metal Flake]

19. I don't explain to you.

[RB TexLa]

20. Why wouldn't you explain how you think either of those are relevant?

[tekisui]

12. If we MUST be dependent on oil, I'd prefer to see the production

to benefit the local economies.

Dependence on foreign oil also is the root of the Oil Wars. If it was local oil, we'd not be in Iraq.

But, to the larger point, we should not be dependent on oil. Period.

[RB TexLa]

13. The nationalist reasoning for it is just as disgusting as the racist reasoning for it.

[tekisui]

14. Foreign oil dependence leads to war. That is not Nationalistic.

To be against that is not Nationalistic, but peace making.

Everything done locally is better. Better for the environment and better for peace.

[skooooo]

15. I don't think you've convinced anyone...

...that wanting to get off foreign oil is racist. Maybe you can persuade us that it's not just a matter of looking out for our own (American) self-interest, as well as the interests of the populations we are now bombing and fighting in the mid-east.

[Elwood P Dowd]

16. Folks, RG accuses posters against NAFTA as being racist.

Even though it destroyed the lives of millions of Mexicans and who knows how many African-American US factory workers. He supports the corporate line on trade regardless of the consequences for workers, and he uses the "racist" card to promote that agenda. I don't understand why the DU mods continue to allow this.

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

22. Would you feel the same way about food or medicine?

If the U.S. couldn't feed itself or provide enough medicine for its people, would you like for us to be completely at the mercy of foreign governments for food or drugs? Not all foreign governments have good intentions and until we live in a world without borders or nations, we have to face the fact that oil, food, or other basic necessities of life can be used as a weapon against us or against any other nation that depends on them.

The U.S. has engaged in embargoes against a host of nations in order to coerce them into a type of behavior, including Cuba, Nigeria, Iran, Sudan, Myanmar, North Korea, Zimbabwe and several others. I'm sure the people in those countries who suffered through trade embargoes appreciated the opportunity to seek goods elsewhere and wished they could produce the goods domestically. Anyone who lived through the oil embargo of the 1970s knows that it can be difficult on the common people.

The fact is, this is not always a very friendly world and it just makes sense to me to be prepared. I don't think this is an issue of racism or jingoism. At least, it isn't a factor in my own opinion on the matter. And isn't the United States made up of virtually all the races on Earth? How can it be racism to hope that our own multi-racial and multi-cultural population have continuing assured access to certain goods?