Why don't we drill for more oil in America?

[Maverick]

A friend of mine at work and I were talking about this. He suggested that the reason why we don't drill for oil here at home like off-shore and in Alaska/ANWR was not of environmental concerns but for another reason. His rationale was that by importing and exploiting the resources of other countries first, when comes time where they become nearly or fully depleted America would be left with tons of untouched land and sea to drill to supply ourselves and at a higher price to the rest of the world.

I never thought of it that way and there's really no evidence that I know of to suggest its even true but I thought it was an interesting theory.

Thoughts, opinions, rebuttals, etc appreciated.

[Jesse]

Ho-ly crap. You're friend thinks exactly like I do! Lol
I mean, it does make perfect sense. After the rest of the world is out of oil, America will become the oil capital of the world, and we'll be charging god only knows how much for oil to foreign countries. While it'll be relativity cheap here at home.

[The Batman]

That is a very good theory, I've never thought of it like that. I think the reason is because America is to dependent of foreign goods. Even the most basic of products in homes today were most likely not made in America. Also, I think that the government is set on trying to build Iraq and get some cheaper oil in process(and look how it's turning out). I think we should drill at home but not in like heavily populated areas including places where a lot animals call home. But I'm just a slight Environmentalist so I'm all for treating the little puppies right as long as they don't bite.

[Jesse]

Well, we do have the technology to drill like the equivalent of 50 holes or something like that with only 1 hole. DRAMATICALLY reducing our impact on the environment. If that makes you feel better. ;)

[Maverick]

I think the reason is because America is to dependent of foreign goods. Even the most basic of products in homes today were most likely not made in America.
That is very true. If you look at our trade deficit we produce very little, only consume. Not only are we dependent on foreigners goods, we are also dependent on foreigners loaning us money.

[Zephyr]

Nice theory... never thought of it like that.
While it sounds good in theory,
That oil isn't going to last us forever.
Personally, I think we should drill our own oil so that prices go down...
Then we can start concentrating more on alternative fuels,
While saving money from not depending on pricey overseas oil.
As much as I love driving all of the time,
We really need to get away from fossil fuels.

[0=]

It would be better to lead a new industry in alternatives than to milk oil for all it's worth.