Well, let’s see, about 5,000 in Iraq and Afghanistan, not counting the 2,000,000+ Iraqis.

About 6,000 deaths per year from asthma in the US, up from about 1,500 in 1975.

I suppose, we should count the 2,000+ 9/11 victims since oil is a major underlaying factor in extremist terrorism.

29 in West Virginia.

11 in Louisiana.

And Jeremy Davidson, 3.

http://www.roanoke.com/news/nrv/wb/81731

I may have forgotten a few.

I agree with the comments above about putting too much emphasis on the supply side and too little on effective ways of reducing oil consumption (something that CAFE has failed at). However, I wouldn’t gloat. Right now, our main alternative is electricity, which is most generated from coal. Not exactly good for the environment either.

In the political world, there are current two bills, which are on the brink to being considered for laws. Energy and Climate Bill, which increased hopes for a greener future. Then comes the well-known Immigration reform. As an individual of this country, my choice of the menu, is the climate bill. Because WE must take whatever actions possible to protect our environment. We must realize that time is passing, and there is no time for breaks. We must realize that if we don’t clutch this issue by its’ base, then we are seeing a future of about thirty years to be awfully stated.

So, the oil spill which is wildly spreading within the gulf of mexico, is warning of our deadly dependence on oil. It possibly is a sign that if action is not taken, then we may face trastic catrostophies in the years to come. WE MUST TAKE ACTION NOW.

I always say everything has a cost (direct, indirect or hidden) and this is what you get when you irrationally talk up deregulating and less government backed up by incompetence from regulators. More attention needs to call out hypocrites who champion mindless political ideas but when an emergency happens they are silent (Sarah Palin) or raise the red flag for federal assistance (Bobby Jindal) but only go back to the mindless ideas that contributed to such horrible accidents a few months or years later (beyond the environmental damage more importantly to those who lost their lives).

I must be clear, we should be critical of any tough talk from this administration and the finger pointing that will come from subcommittees or committees (ie. The House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming) Just blaming Republicans does nothing to get to the root of the problem… Most hearings on Capital Hill do nothing and are a waste of taxpayer’s money because we all know that those who finance high ranking committee members are the ones who influence the direction of such regulations. Also just as damning is the judicial system in Louisiana where judges are known to rule depending on who finances their campaigns.