Complacency is Our Downfall

We Americans are a short-sighted people in many ways, and unfortunately, that myopic vision leads to distressing results.

Now that oil prices have lowered, Americans do not feel compelled to support exploration of new clean energy sources because they can go to the gas station, fill up the car, and the cost is not prohibitive. So everything is “normal” again, and why invest money in something we don’t need right now?

It would be interesting if each of us would observe historically how the price of gas has always been manipulated related to the season. Have you noted how every May the gas prices suddenly rise, and as summer peaks, the prices lower? The notable difference was 2008 when the prices rose to such an extent that people rebelled, and this misstep of the oil companies world wide caused an outcry that forced them to lower prices as consumers stopped buying..

It’s not about how much oil is available or whether refineries are being updated or on maintenance that closes them down periodically just as we reach peak driving periods, it’s all about manipulating the public to be bound to oil. And as long as we have miopic vision and only want to deal with what’s in the moment, we are going to continue to be the pawns of a cartel that has us over its barrel.

In doing research for a book I’d written years ago, I found information about the Japanese that stunned me. They bought timber products with an eye to one hundred years in the future – not just what they needed in the moment. This long range view of needs is something we Americans have not thought about before because our natural resources seemed unlimited. But now we must. 

Countries that plan for the future will reap the rewards of their foresight, just as those who save for the future will have something to support them in their elder years. Living in the moment is fine, and when it comes to being conscious and present within oneself, that is all to the good. But there is a need for long range vision in order to create a seamless flow that allows for growth, innovation, and changes we need before we are faced with crisis.

Americans are an easy going bunch. We don’t like hassles, and for the most part, we give our economic well being over to companies and politicians without suspicion. Yet, in these coming months, we’re all going to have to reorganize our priorities and our spending habits. While we do that, we should not forget the summer of 2008 in which we were held hostage to oil. We need to prepare the way for new technology that is clean, cheap, and will move us into the remainder of this century in such a way that will enhance our lives without depleting the earth, and will offer new creative solutions that lead to remarkable growth and innovation in emerging industries.

Those who do not learn from the lessons of history are bound to repeat it, so let’s not forget!