Nation’s energy strategy is a disaster

To the editor:

As made evident by Paris, the Middle East is becoming increasingly unstable. We import 19 million barrels of oil per day. Why continue importing it from volatile regions? Our energy strategy is a disaster. When it comes to energy independence and geopolitical strategy, we are restricting ourselves from common sense policy solutions. The Keystone XL Pipeline is an integral part to that formula, as well as lifting an archaic ban prohibiting us from exporting our oil to allies abroad.

Sir Edmund Burke once stated: 'Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it.” Why is this statement relevant to energy? Simply, energy - specifically oil - finances our most dangerous enemies. Fully utilizing our domestic resources alone will help bleed dry the funds of Al Qaeda and ISIS, thereby preventing them the means by which to wage war. Lifting the export ban will deprive Russia of significant influence over our European allies. America is at a nexus. We have before us the greatest choice of our generation; do we empower our enemies, or choose a pro-American energy strategy that will secure America's future? That choice is simple. As a 31-year serving veteran, I choose the latter.

Kendall Tack

Wellsburg