For the past year we have been subjected to a seemingly endless series of presidential candidate debates. </p><p>
During these debates, a long list of major and minor White House hopefuls outlined their positions on a myriad of issues. Yet, none of them, Democrat or Republican, have shown leadership or advanced any new ideas on the most critical issue facing our nation. The ever-arrogant, watchdog national media, so eager to catch any political misstep, has ignored this obvious failure. </p><p>
Even with oil prices above $100 a barrel, gas prices above $3 a gallon, and the U.S. economy teetering on the brink of recession, the men and women who would be president have not figured out that energy is the most critical issue of the campaign.</p><p>
In one of the most intelligent, clear, and forthright speeches I have ever heard by a sitting politician, Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) made the case that energy must be the top priority of the next president.</p><p>
“In the absence of revolutionary changes in energy policy, we will be risking multiple hazards for our country that could constrain living standards, undermine our foreign policy goals, and leave us highly vulnerable to economic and political disasters with an almost existential impact,” said Lugar.</p><p>
His criticism was candid and aimed at past and future administrations. He correctly observed that, “Advancements in American energy security have been painfully slow; and political leadership has been defensive, rather than proactive.”</p><p>
During the energy crisis of the 1970s, President Jimmy Carter told us to turn down the thermostat and put on a sweater. Both Democratic and Republican energy policies have not evolved much since then. </p><p>
While lawmakers and the president fell all over themselves recently to pass an energy bill, it, for the most part, simply continued the policies and practices of the past. It will not foster the kind of revolutionary change needed to avoid serious domestic and overseas disasters.</p><p>
As Lugar pointed out, our nation’s continued dependence on imported oil is causing problems far more serious than just high-priced gas.</p><p>
“Our energy vulnerability is intensified by the increasing percentage of U.S. public debt – now 44 percent – held by foreign entities and the dimming luster of the dollar. </p><p>
A very significant recession could be triggered by economic or geopolitical forces over which we have little control.” In addition, our foreign policy and military influence in the world has diminished because of our addiction to oil from nations hostile to us. </p><p>
Lugar pointed out that many of the billions of dollars we shell out for oil each year are used to fund terrorist activities or purchase the assets of large U.S. banks and corporations. </p><p>
The Senator laid out a blueprint for the next occupant of the White House, “I believe the next president should communicate in the early days of his or her Administration that the Federal government will use every power to make competitively-priced biofuels available to every motorist in America. Such an accomplishment would transform our transportation sector and cut our oil import bill. This goal will not be easy to meet, but not impossible if the weight of the Federal Government and high profile presidential advocacy is devoted to its realization.”</p><p>
Renewable energy is only one aspect of the puzzle. Wind, nuclear, coal, and other energy sources all have a part to play but, again, in a new way. </p><p>
We tend to think of a solution to our energy crisis as a scientific or technological one. </p><p>
We think if we just pour enough money into research we will find the magic solution.</p><p>
But as Lugar aptly observed, “Energy security is a political problem. The United States has the financial resources, scientific prowess, productive land, and industrial infrastructure to address our energy vulnerability. The question is whether we will heed abundant warning signs and apply the political will to deal with this problem in the present rather than suffering grave consequences in the future.” </p><p>
As citizens, we must demand that our leaders address this vital issue in a serious and effective way. We must demand the kind of visionary leadership and unity of purpose we have not seen in this nation for a very long time.</p><p>

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Gary Truitt may write to him in care of this  publication.