The Energy Crisis (PEAK OIL)

When I was around 6 years old, I recall the frenzied paranoia of "the Energy Crisis" being slammed thru the media. This was around the late 70's. At the time, the price of gas suddenly jumped to unexpected levels within the course of a few weeks. The impact was felt right away. On the news there were stories of people fighting, and even getting killed trying to purchase gas. There were lines at gas stations that made it feel like we were waiting to get into a packed club. It was both surreal and frightening to my young mind. I was relieved when the prices finally dropped and life returned to normal.
I was first introduced to the concept of "Peak Oil" about 3 years ago. With my memories from childhood, the idea immediately caught my attention. In short, the concept is that in the near future, the maximum production rate of petroleum will be reached. At this point, petroleum production worldwide will enter a terminal decline. This does not mean that oil will actually run out, but that the supply of cheap conventional oil will drop dramatically. After this happens, supply will decrease, while demand will increase. This will create a steep increase in gas prices, as well as all other petroleum based products.
We must understand that it requires energy to discover and refine oil. The "cheap conventional" oil that has been discussed is also known as sweet crude oil. It is light and easy to refine. Once this supply is gone, it will require more time and energy to process oil so that we can use it in the capacity that we are used to.
It sounds rather simple, yet, below the surface is a foreboding truth. In a sense, we live in a carbon based society. Gas is the most obvious thing that will effect us directly. Prices at the pump will never return to the .75 cent prices that I once knew. From here on out, its only going up. But, all plastic products will also become more expensive, as oil is the basis of our most pliable material. This means computers, cars, toys, bottled water, and the list goes on. In fact, think about air travel, or the trucks that deliver food to our grocery stores. As travel becomes more expensive, the products delivered will bear the price tag.
From my standpoint, this gives me greater insight as to why our government is so persistent in having a foothold in the Middle East. Its all about controlling oil, intimidation and maintaining power. In order to secure our luxurious American lifestyle they send young people off to die. Yet, if our government knows that oil production will inevitably peak, how come our so called "leaders" are not making a push to create viable energy alternatives?
Lets be clear, oil cannot be manufactured. It is a by-product of this loving Earth, which we have used and abused. Now, she tires of our greed, and soon will no longer supply us her life blood. Well, she does offer other ways to produce energy. There is solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, and wind power which could all help to bear the brunt of the impact of lessening oil supplies. Why hasn't the United States government alerted its populace to the growing menace that oil has become. Why wait till the 11th hour to take strides to address the situation? With the Bush family's oil legacy, the questions abound.
I am simply writing this to stimulate thought about a situation that could have dire consequences. I pray that our government in the near future has the presence of mind to encourage proactive response. We can no longer accept this irresponsible leadership.