U.S. should seek alternatives to oil dependency

To the editor:

Patriotism in the wake of the atrocity of Sept. 11 has been in full view across the nation. Patriotism can take different and less appropriate directions.

It is unfortunate that many of our elected leaders in Washington are taking advantage of Sept. 11 to promote a political and economic agenda that would have probably previously been soundly defeated.

In particular, the pro-corporate, pro-pollution, pro-plunder forces that were advocating oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge are back at their campaign, this time trying to quell dissent by wrapping themselves in the U.S. flag.

Since gasoline prices are the lowest they have been for months, it is difficult to discern the urgency.

The limited oil in the Arctic would not be available for years even if approval were obtained today.

The contribution of this minuscule amount to the U.S. oil budget would barely scratch the surface of foreign oil dependence, yet this seems to be exactly the patriotic argument.

It would be more patriotic to take advantage of this period of reduced oil demand to promote an oil-independent economy.

We should be encouraging both energy conservation and energy efficiency while promoting renewable or perpetual-energy sources.

ALAN R.P. JOURNET

Cape Girardeau