1) And yes trends are our friends. At one time OPEC controlled oil supply and prices and created price spikes and our economy was crippled and we went to war to defend the world's economies including our own. I believe that trend is in the past. Wouldn't you agree? Why, because of our energy independence. A straight answer would be welcome, although I'm sure you won't give one.
2) Why would Saudi Arabia stop producing oil? That's a nonsense response. But I'll entertain your foolishness. That would mean that the US would ramp up crude oil production making us even more of a global energy supplier that would create even more jobs and revenue and oblivate our trade deficits. The world would be more dependent on us and bow down to us. You know, like the world used to bend down to OPEC. Is that a topic of discussion you would propose in your class?
3) No, taxes in CA will always be higher than LA because the state is short feedstock, crude oil, and must import oil from overseas. And with the number of cars, which they say they hate, the state taxes on fuels will always be higher to pay for crumbling highways and their polluted air. Can't get those Californians out of their cars though. You see we can't get pipelines built from our oil deposits in the Dakota's and West Texas to where its needed for refineries in CA. You know why, I hope. It's your Obama and Biden buddies that all think we will be driving EV's in 20 years. LA has oil and access to oil from Latin America on a cheaper delivery basis than CA.
4) Your last statement is the most idiotic. Do you believe that african nations would want to grow crops like the US? So food independence doesn't matter to them. Food and oil are commodities. Do you believe that America is blessed having natural resources that we can discover and produce for the benefit of our citizens livelihoods? Are you drinking or just stupid. Why would anyone, let alone a professor, claim that "the degree of our independence doesn't matter"
5) You are dumb as a stump, and as I said before, the fact that you spout this BS on this board is harmless but that you are teaching our kids this crap and that is what makes you a serious threat to our nations future.
6) Finally, anyone that supports your posts on this board are as dumb as you.