Why the Toyota Prius hybrid car is more important than ever

Hybrid cars or not, the most important American issue should be fuel economy. In fact, multiple ex-CIA directors, National Security officials, and Pentagon officials have called foreign oil dependency one of the greatest threats to National Security.

The problems of oil dependency; however, are only just emerging.

Frederic Lasserre, head of commodities research at SG Securities in Paris, said that "in terms of refining capacities ... we are close to the max," as far as diesel and heating oil is concerned, adding: "The market is now fearing that we will see a global shortage ... for next winter." (Reuters)

A global shortage of heating oil this winter?

Already some oil analysts are worried that a strong hurricane season could down oil production and refinement in the Gulf of Mexico. Add a cold winter on top of a harsh hurricane season, ever-increasing oil demand, and the U.S. could easily fall into an energy crisis later this year.

The U.S. is playing with fire. Even if temporary, I believe oil will hit $100 per barrel within a year - without any terrorist intervention.

Hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius, demonstrate what is possible. Americans are not going to drive econoboxes, and the second generation Prius proves real choices are possible. You can have power and fuel efficiency.

Why do American auto-makers seem to believe that only shareholder dividends make America stronger? They better hope for a warm winter and luck in the hurricane season. If oil does hit $100.00 per barrel for an extended period of time, companies like GM will be split and sold.

Gross ignorance can only be tolerated for so long.