Among the many lessons learned from the Iran war, the most significant should be our need for energy independence.

Oil is a powerful weapon. Any country able to disrupt its supply and delivery is at a strategic advantage against even the most powerful foe. Imagine a scenario where Iran sees defeat imminent and says it will destroy its oil facilities, eliminating the planet’s third-largest reserves. The mere threat would bring the world to its knees.

We can no longer afford to be held hostage by oil.

Most recently, presidents Biden and Obama started us down paths to energy independence. But the dollar speaks loudly in this country, and those paths were blocked by President Trump as he was raking in over $100 million from oil lobbies.

Then his ill-conceived war disrupts supply. Prices go up, we feel the pain at the pump, and the oil companies make windfall profits they can use to buy even more executive orders favoring them over our national security.

Dave Cuzzolina

Hollidaysburg