Ron, it may be anecdotal but I was working in the oil industry in the mid 70's. I worked for Dowell, Haliburton's compaetition. This was in the Bakersfield area. Exploration and development of new wells was and remains today an on-going process. When the new wells were brought in they were immediately capped, that's CAPPED and the oil was not pumped out of the ground. In the Elk Hills reserves (note the word "reserves") they were actually pumping oil back into the ground. Granted, much of this was the Naval Reserve but the same went on (goes on) on the private leases. My fiance onws portions of three wells in Texas and derives a small royalty check from each. In all it amounts to about $150.00 a year. Why? The government won't let them take the oil out of the ground. I repeat: THERE WAS NO OIL SHORTAGE. Period! Rather, our country's strategy is to use the rest of the world's oil before it continues to use our own at any appreciable rate.

In regards to Mr. Carter's spurring Detroit to produce more efficient vehicles. It was a real success. Japan benefited greatly.

And as far as Carter personally, well, there you have me, my friend. It is sort of personal but I won't go there. Let's just say that it touches a nerve that has little to do with his blundering or this thread. I'll try to reign in on my personal animosity toward him. I will repeat, however ( I don't know if it was in this thread or another!?) that while I believe Mr. Carter is a sincere and honest man I don't believe politics and especially the Office of President were suited to his talents. I hear he swings a mean framing hammer. Or oar.

And please note: You, I and just about everybody else who has an opinion on our Nation and its leaders would probably quail at the enormity of the job and its inherent responsibilities were we or they thrust into it. Who, in their right mind would want it? Not me. I'm with Johnson on this one, "If nominated, I will not run. If elected, I will not serve." That man certainly had a way with words.