Energy greatest U.S. concern, Davis says
By James Clark
The Southern Standard
October 8, 2006

Congressman Lincoln Davis says this country’s most pressing need is finding other sources of energy to supplement oil.

Davis maintains this is a task the U.S. government should undertake, saying we have allowed the oil and energy companies to dictate our sources of energy for far too long.

“We’re depending too much on foreign countries where the environment is hostile and our national security is being jeopardized,” Davis said during a visit Wednesday to the Standard office. “A looming danger for us economically and militarily is energy.”

Looking back through history, Davis said the U.S. government has adopted two major programs which have greatly benefited this country.

The first investment was in education with the conception of public schools. The second investment was in transportation with the development of an interstate system.

“We all know the value of an education,” said Davis. “And with the interstates we built an infrastructure that has given our country economic dominance and ensured a bright future.”

Davis says now it is up to the government to explore and enhance other energy options. He indicated coal, biofuels, nuclear energy, solar power and wind power are all capable of easing our dependence on foreign oil.

When asked point blank if he thinks the United States invaded Iraq strictly for oil, Davis says he’s not ready to make that assertion. But he didn’t hide his belief that oil was a contributing factor.

“We haven’t been to Africa,” said Davis. “We haven’t been to Asia. There’s no question that having oil there makes a difference. I’m not willing to say it’s the reason we went to the Middle East. But it created the environment for us to go.”