Manizesto

“Find More. Use Less.” Have you heard this tag line lately? It’s the Republican’s answer to high gas prices. This is NOT a political blog, so let’s not get into a political debate here. It’s a lot more fun to pick apart the particulars and logic of the argument and criticize them.

Since the phrase is so prominent as of late, we’re overdue for an airing of grievances. On the surface, the argument seems to be a great solution to the problem of a limited supply of oil and the need to actively pursue alternative energy solutions. The phrase also positions Republicans as in touch with citizens (which is more than GM can say), that they’re working toward a solution to lower gas prices and, that they, like their left-wing counterparts, care about the environment.

Find more, use less is nice, but completely contradicts itself. Think about it. If we find more oil, then the supply of oil will go up, which not only lower the cost (which is an intended consequence) but also increase the amount we use (not intended). In fact, the only reason oil usage in the U.S. has decreased is because prices have gone as high as they have.

So, you can back up looking for more oil or back up using less, but you cannot back up both. The laws of economics cannot be refuted, my friend.

Photo by hometowninvasion