Consider the whole, complicated picture, which involves health, welfare, social and technical sciences, macro and microeconomics, international affairs, and more. I don't claim to know it all, but for me the answer is simple. We depend very heavily on foreign oil supplies to grow our economy and increase our standard of living. We compete in a global economy for scarce resources. Which countries have most of the remaining oil reserves? Are they our friends or foes? If there are significant shortages of energy (inflation), will we be able to provide food, clean water, and healthcare for all U.S. citizens (and border jumpers)? If families can't find work, and can't afford food and water, will good citizens become desperate to provide for their families (crime)?

U.S. citizens are in a bitter debate about what to do regarding interconnected problems on different fronts. There are groups supporting each cause, often with valid justification. However, can you see the whole problem? If we set our goals towards the future, survival of a free nation for our descendents, like the founding fathers did, we can maintain world leadership.

In my internet research, I have seen  reporting, blogging, complaining about oil and global warming, but not many references to nuclear energy. We could use a new oil refinery or two if only to replace older ones, however, more refining capacity is not a priority because there will be no meaningful increase in the oil supply. We should live within our means and use the oil that we can get at a reasonable price, which is $80-$100 per barrel. This is high in historic terms but low compared to what we will pay if there is no focused strategy to conserve and develop alternative energy supplies. Keep the oil in the artic reserve; there is a better solution and the oil is a valuable future reserve.

Realize that there are unavoidable consequences for whatever action we choose, so we must choose the lesser of evils. I hope my 3yr old son will be able to draw clean water, have a job that will comfortably support his family, and buy electricity from a grid that is powered by nuclear energy. There are other energy sources worth developing, but increasing nuclear power generation is the only feasible alternative that will keep the U.S. from sliding into a survivalist and starving society. One day soon, we will hear this message from our president. We are not ready to accept it yet, so he or she can't admit these facts without being cast out. How many problems will nuclear energy create? How many solutions does it provide? Consider this carefully before making you conclusion, but don't take too long, as our problems will only get worse.