Fighting for Oil

As this video proves, America's quest for "cheap oil" is anything but cheap. Our war in the Persian Gulf was fought as much to preserve a ready reserve of oil as to repel Iraqi aggression. Deploying a permanent quick strike force in an unstable region costs billions of tax dollars needed elsewhere, and poses political risks. Our addiction to oil has prevented a serious look at alternative fuels, which might be more economical and less likely to contribute to global warming and other ecological perils. Starting with the oil embargo of 1973, this documentary details the great lengths to which America has gone to preserve ready access to "cheap" oil. Related problems like the trade deficit and the greenhouse effect are discussed and the question of how we are to deal with our energy problems is posed. The video perceptively notes that our biggest challenge remains the building of a political consensus and a will to face this issue directly. Recommended for current events collections. Aud: C,P. (S. Rees)