Why not just title the piece “Sensible Plan” instead of all the almosts, ifs, ands, and buts? I’m with Educatordan on this one. It takes ideas like Mr. Hofmeister’s to break through the dogmas of single-issue, single constituency politics that each year drive Congress to allocate a little bit here for alternatives research, a little there for environmental protection and a little bit (or lots) more for oil companies – then brazenly call this an energy policy!

Senator Obama has promised to break through the provincial politics that dominate policy debates today and will be held accountable to do that. Mr. Hofmeister’s project is at least a place to start. The problem is how to sustain a long-term energy policy through changing administrations and Congress. The mandate has to be huge and the legislation tight. It has to include the best ideas (not a litany) of energy companies, consumers, environmental advocates, coastal states melded into a stage-by-state plan with clear yearly or bi-yearly targets.

This is where the ‘race to space’ model might come in. Like space exploration, working towards energy independence should appeal to patriotism. Being in the forefront of new technology is as American as apple pie. winning. We announce the War for American Energy Independence

Well, if Senator Obama has promised to do that, I'm sure it's a done deal. Geez.

I think we have fewer folks today that are willing to make the sacrifice it will take to get to independence.In addition to the government policy we need a public change of heart.

I've been driving a 4 cylinder vehicle since 1976, they have all worked fine and I spent a lot less money on gas than those who chose the power of bigger and more consumptive engines.

The norm should be 4 cylinders, maybe now we will get there.

But unless we learn how to live without oil as fuel, we are in for trouble.Drilling here won't help a thing, and it will disencourage energy producers from the challenge of alternatives while they make tons of windfall profit.