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Cheap oil built this country

Over the weekend, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel claimed that America was facing a “day of reckoning” regarding health care and energy dependence while discussing GM’s financial plight. Emanuel blamed GM for not investing in fuel efficient technology and for instituting an outdated health care plan (as if the UAW had no part in that).

So, am I to assume that if GM had started building hybrid cars at the same rate as Toyota, it wouldn’t be in financial trouble?

That’s just nonsense. Even when gas was $4.00 this summer most Americans still weren’t sure that hybrids were worth the extra costs. Had GM invested in such technology, they’d be better positioned for the future, but their financial woes would be just as bad.

And, obviously, health care is an issue. It’s true that GM gave too many benefits to the UAW. Still, how much of America’s health care woes are simply related to our obese, lazy lifestyle?

While it’s true that America is facing its day of reckoning, it’s not all about GM’s failures or national health care, it’s about every day Americans getting off their asses and taking some personal responsibility.