I could write a book here but will refrain. I do want to make some points.
Everyone should agree that conserving energy, and producing some of our own food
and energy is a good thing.
Now:
1-Ethanol does go bad. It has a short shelf life. This may be because of the additives.
2-Biodiesel costs more money and energy to produce than it gives back. It's also
cr@p. It yields less energy. Yea, I'd love to find an old Mercedes diesel and convert
it to bio. It would be a fun project and a learning experience for my son, but it won't
do anything for our planet. I'd love to, and plan on building an electric car out of an
old MG and charge it off solar panels or the grid, but that too is no answer.
The only positives of ethanol and biodeisel I can see is reduced dependance on
foreign oil.
3-The new low sulfer diesel fuels is horrible and seperates, causing huge maintenance
expenses and reduced efficiencies.
At this point in history, nuclear power combined with hydrogen production, is our
best bet. No, it's far from a perfect solution.
Sorry, but all the alternate energy people claiming it's going to save the world
are idealistic, ignorant, or simply lying. Follow the money.
Back to the original topic:
I doubt a depression is on the way. Fuel prices are definately depressing though.
This is cyclical and will pass. Unemployment is at 5%, a historically low number.
Inflation is rising but in check. The stock market and real estate markets are still
way overvalued. This too shall pass.
I hope people understand, regardless of democrat or republican, conservative or
liberal, that politics are at play here.
Keeping a few months supply of energy and fuel is ALWAYS a good thing to do.
Natural disasters or a major terrorist attack are much more likely than a great depression,
something the government will simply not let happen.