Gas Ripco

Ah, yes. This is a recurring theme. In the 1970's we had rationing of a sort. We had to purchase gasoline on assigned days, based on our license plate numbering. The arguments were about the same as today; the players were for the most part the same; and pretty much the same results. However, this was the first time that I recall that OPEC got the message that they could muscle the U.S. around with this issue, (and muscle us around in general, as in the hostage crisis). There was talk of self sufficiency then (meaning drilling for our own oil, alternative fuels, etc.) also, but as the problem of price gouging subsided, so did the desire to be self sufficient. (I guess it was really just the marketplace, acting like a marketplace). At that time, Nuclear Power was out of the question. The 70's version of the millennium greenies wouldn't hear of it; especially after "China Syndrome"; the Jack Lemon, Jane Fonda film about a nuclear meltdown. Of course the only meltdown that occurred was Jimmy Carter's resolve to demonstrate any leadership. Consequently, we also had to endure the hostage crisis until he left office. (The day he left office). Don't tell me it doesn't matter who is at the helm. (P.S. Did I mention that this was also when we were being threatened with a new Ice Age)?