Why do you think Americans are addicted TO OIL?
401421
We make the most inefficient cars in the world, oppose MPG standards, give taxcuts to owners of inefficient cars, and have the money to waste because we are a rich nation. That's about as blunt as I can make it.
436046
It has a lot to do with the run up to the Iran conflict, loss of output from Iraq and the growing needs of developing countries (China & India) for petroleum.  What's really amazing is the the disinterest in the United States for alternative energy and the oil industry's continued collusion with automakers and government to keep us from using that technology.  Greed, power and stupidity sums it up nicely.
386333
some of it is necessary since the PEC nations are not sending us as much oil as before, but i'd say most is gouging. The easiest way to convince lawmakers would be to vote them out of office in the next elections. if they know their seat will be replaced if they don't solve the problem, im pretty sure we will see more action on their part.
1020583
Lots of countries have the image of America as being all about consumption.  The french especially are often amazed by how much Americans eat, they can't believe portion sizes in restaurants for example.  They also feel that Americans in general do not have a strong sense of culture/history/art and takes a narrow view of world issues and events, based on our national self interest and wish for instant gratification.\n\nPoorer or developing countries often look at the general prosperity of America and its power and wonder why this country doesn't do more to help the rest of the world with problems like poverty, disease, etc.  It is true America does some, but very little in fact in proportion to its wealth.  In many other cultures there is a strong expectation that those who have a lot must support those who are in need, so America is often perceived as a selfish country.\n\nHope this helps but make sure you use your own words to do your report.
661414
Rising oil prices are a result of supply and demand and lead to a rise in inflation and ensuing unemployment.  The US needs to become less dependent on imported oil.  Alternative fuels and using less will bring the price down.  Everyone in the US needs to help!
490108
There's four times more discovered oil in the ground not being used than this is in currently being drilled.\n\nThere's enough oil in the United States that if it were all drilled we wouldn't need to import any oil from anyone.\n\nNext time you see some assclown liberal be sure to thank them for the $3 per gallon gas.
355614
Who needs oil when you've GOT America
66205
It's basically saying that when it comes to oil everything is connected. If you are an Emir (Arab king) you have to play ball with America or the CIA might take you out. If you are an American oil company you will have the support of the American government and its military muscle. Every so often a colleague or two may have to take the fall in a corruption scandal but you can be assured that the show will stay on the road because America needs oil. If you are a CIA agent you have to put ethics aside and do what you country needs you to do, no matter how unethical or criminal. In a nutshell: America may have to kill people now and then to keep the oil flowing.
542488
Oil is so politicized these days that I'm sure that you will never be told or be readily allowed access to the real story but please keep trying.\n\nBy the way if you think about it, I mean really think about it, oil is too cheap.
111829
The only reason America gives a flying fuck about the Middle East at all is because of oil. Anyone who says other wise is stupid
640735
Oil prices are high because the demand is high.  \n\nImagine you had a pill that cured every health problem--obsesity, AIDS, cancer, and everything in between.  What would you sell it for?  You could sell it for $1 a pill--because everyone would want one.  Or, you could sell it for $1 million a pill--because everyone would want one.  Some people would sell it for $1.  Some people would sell it for $1 million.  People would fall everywhere in between.  \n\nWell, the oil companies don't have a magic pill, but they do have something that most of their customers cannot imagine living without.  They've realized that they can make a profit at $1.50 a gallon, but they can make a much better profit at $3.50 a gallon.  Why wouldn't they raise their price?\n\nAlthough I think the high prices suck, in the long term it is a good thing, because it will increase efforts to develop new kinds of energy and cars that are more efficient.\n\nBrazil has a fuel that is similar to ethanol that is made out of sugar instead of corn.  (Sugar is their main export.)  Since they developed this fuel, Brazil required cars to run on the stuff, and they are completely independent of foreign oil.  The U.S. should do the same thing with ethanol.  We could be done with foreign oil in ten years.
1073315
Theft is the american way.  Ask the formerly oil rich Iraquis.
584519
there are many reasons that people hate america. imagine you were say a 10 year old in afghanistan. you just are living your life, you have done absolutely NOTHING wrong, and then the U.S. starts bombing your country. why do they do this... only because the u.s. are extremely oil dependant and greedy!! now i am not talking about al-quaida or anything, but the sentiment in the middle east and many other areas in the world is at a gigantic low since president bush was elected. the u.s. is not what it used to be, a country that helped out others in time of need, but they governed by power crazy men.
918631
This is a little off subject but reminds me of a conversation I had a few days ago. In that conversation, I was saying that I truly believe ppl alive today are living in the 'best of times'.\n\nWhy do I believe this? Because we have all the commodities of oil products such as plastic etc... making for a lot of luxury and the fact that we are not quite yet completely controlled by big brother. That day is coming sooner than ppl realize.
433233
because these countries r weak but rich in petroleum and other products . america to became the world power required a lot of fuel for technology and for other machines . they dont have sufficent petroleum reserves . so to fulfil there demand they look for petrol in these countries , they show the world that they r fighting for terrorism but actually they r looking for petrol . if they succed they will be the super power in the world . so we must unite and try to stop them .
206304
If america was a body, oil is our blood. It is the beginning, and end, our our economy.
1123691
Americans are willing to look the other way from their government's crimes because they benefit from them.  The US public had cheap oil for decades because of their government's willingness to support brutal regimes.\n\nEditorial columnist and cartoonist Ted Rall had a good idea a few years ago: instead of spending billions of dollars to send American soldier to kill other people, the US government should give thousands of 20-something Americans a plane ticket, a phrase book and a few thousand dollars and make them live overseas for a year.  \n\nWhen Americans see the effects of their policies and their country's reputation in tatters, they'll come home and try to change it.  Americans I have met who lived in various countries for at least a few months (except for the military and the godbots proselytizing their hate literature), all changed their tune and realize how fcuked up their country's policies are.