Note to Reader: This is an opinion piece from the youth perspective.
The United States has done far too much to pursue oil, with many of their actions being mistakes which have had immediate negative consequences and even more disastrous consequences which have become apparent over time. These actions have assisted in the creation of the greater than sixteen trillion dollars of debt that the American government currently holds, with this debt, though not solely caused by the pursuit of oil, having a great chance of being prevented if more rational measures had been taken.
One of the greatest gaffes that the government of the United States has conducted, which has been seen as related to the protection of natural resources, is allowing an overzealous commitment to wars. Many of these wars were done in the name of national defense, or to ensure that the United States can protect the countries exportation of natural resources. Many of these wars would not have much of an effect on them, and could have been done as peacekeeping missions, saving both lives and money. The attacking of the Middle East is something which has brought in soldiers and armies from all over the world, costing more governments money. The United States has defended their agressive position of war with many excuses, with one of them being the need to secure a source of oil. This point brings up two major problems.
First of all, this is a result of the United States dependency on oil and their willingness to fight for a resource which is quickly running out instead of looking for a solution. The government isn’t preparing for a future without oil, instead trying to get as much oil out of the ground and inside their borders as possible before it all runs out or is used by other countries. This plan not only encourages spending on wars, but it also does not help Americans prepare for a future without oil while also encouraging citizens to use more oil, due to the increased availability. All the money that is being spent on wars started for the pursuit of oil could be spent on researching new green technologies, with the enormous amount of potential in that industry not being harnessed or improved upon in any way. Though some businesses have begun offering green solutions, the American government is trying to make oil easier to find as well as more affordable, bringing themselves into debt now, and damaging the potential that their economy can achieve in the future.
Another issue with the attacking of the Middle East is that oil is available nearby the United States, but is not used to its fullest extent. Many projects which potentially could bring Americans the oil they need at a cheaper price, both in terms of cash and time, if they must use oil, are available in the same continent, in Canada and in Alaska. A large issue which has continuously been discussed is the Keystone Pipeline project. This is a project with the potential to save the American government millions of dollars, saving them and opening up the potential to use that money in their economy instead of effectively throwing them away and spending them to search for and secure oil in Middle Eastern countries. Another benefit of this? The United States’ relations with Canada are some of the best relations in the world, and negotiations could flow better and work smoother than America discussing with a Middle Eastern country, something which is doomed to not be successful thanks to the wars and disagreements that many countries have had over the years, creating many differences and dislikes between the countries which will take a lot of time to mend.
Currently, the United States in over their head in debt, with any and all solutions offering a chance to escape being issues that should be relevant to the election. In order to have a successful future, both economically and politically, Americans must hope that whoever wins this election will be able to turn around the economy and help put all Americans back on track, recreating the American dream.