Ron: A bit in awe at your well written and lengthy post. I'm tired and I am going to spend the weekend doing something else. Back to front:
1) The economic value of half a trillion bucks speaks for itself regardless of what Bush or anyone else's real goal is. (As I've already said, there is no possibilit of US energy independence, this is purely a fiscal and strategic value.
2) This is a value judgement which the American people are entitled to make through their legislature and Political Action Committees. You may be right.
3) A case HAS been made. See above. A case has been made against.ditto.

As for music. As for folk songs. Cuts both ways. See below:


ARTIST: Stan Rogers
TITLE: The Idiot
Lyrics and Chords


I often take these night shift walks when the foreman's not around
I turn my back on the cooling stacks and make for open ground
Far out beyond the tank farm fence where the gas flare makes no sound
I forget the stink and I always think back to that eastern town

/ D ABm G Bm / G D - A / 1st / G D DA D /

I remember back six years ago, this western life I chose
And every day, the news would say some factory's going to close
Well, I could have stayed to take the dole, but I'm not one of those
I take nothing free, and that makes me an idiot, I suppose

   So I bid farewell to the eastern town I never more will see
   But work I must so I eat this dust and breathe refinery
   Oh I miss the green and the woods and streams and I don't like cowboy clothes
   But I like being free and that makes me an idiot I suppose

   / G D A D / G D Bm A / D ABm G Bm / G D DA D /

So come all you fine young fellows who've been beaten to the ground
This western life's no paradise, but it's better than lying down
Oh, the streets aren't clean, and there's nothing green, and the hills are dirty brown
But the government dole will rot your soul back there in your hometown

   So bid farewell to the eastern town you never more will see
   There's self-respect and a steady check in this refinery
   You will miss the green and the woods and streams and the dust will fill your nose
   But you'll be free, and just like me, an idiot, I suppose