AKvetch, re: oil embargoes: it wouldn't be pretty, but, we've survived it before and we'll survive it again, if we have to.
anyway, US energy factors have redistributed quite substantially in the last 25 years. the majority of imported oil product is refined for transportation and chemicals, while most electrical power for industry and residential use is generated via domestic coal, hydro, NG and nukes.
the thing is, for every 10,000 morons living life at 5mpg, there are 2 very smart humans compensating w/their 100,000mpg brain power. the result is a slim bias in favor of survival for a few more years rather then an immediate plunge into entropic heat death.
that ratio isn't fair, of course, but that's life here on earth.
