GoodFuels

Liberty from Foreign Oil

As the Statue of Liberty’s crown reopens to the public this Independence Day for the first time since September 11, 2001, it’s a good time to consider what true liberty and independence means. To paraphrase the famous quote from one of our founding fathers, Patrick Henry, “Give me liberty or give me foreign oil.”

Jay Hakes, author of “A Declaration of Energy Independence,” says September 11, 2001 was a preview of America’s future — one possible future.

On September 12, 2001 the United States awakened from a nightmare, finding itself standing at a crossroad, facing a choice between two very different futures: One choice would lead the country to increased dependence on foreign oil and a future dominated by terrorism and war. The other choice would lead to American energy independence and a world economy that is no longer desperate for oil.

On the main page of Hakes’ website “American Energy Independence,” there are photos of two paintings by artist Michael D’Antuono.

“The first painting titled “Dependence” depicts a burqa-clad Statue of Liberty encircled by vultures in an apocalyptic environment clinging to a barrel of oil instead of a book and a gasoline nozzle raised above her head in place of her torch.

The second piece titled “Independence”, offers an optimistic alternative to the first with our Miss Liberty this time embracing a solar panel and wind turbine as eagles and doves glide through an idyllic blue sky.”

Hakes has a great way of thinking about Energy Independence we should all consider as we fill up our cars and prepare to watch the fireworks bursting in air this holiday:

Energy Independence is a civilization changing idea, like freedom, one that should be thought of much like we think of our national independence—our liberty, which is both an ideal and a physical reality. Energy Independence can and should be pursued with the same patriotic spirit that fought for, won and sustains American democracy and freedom.

The phrase “Energy Independence” is a slogan embodying an idea that resonates with the character of America—it is a call for return to economic balance and protection from vulnerability created by over-dependence on petroleum to fuel our cars, trucks and airplanes—it is a public outcry voiced by citizens demanding government leadership in energy production, distribution, security and fuel choice.

God Bless America!