Drilling for our own oil?

This may be a stupid question but I'm asking it anyways. Do most countries have their own oil? If so, wouldn't we all be better off if all the countries that have oil, drill for their own? I know this sounds simplistic, but I'm trying to use common sense. I would hate to go to war over this. What are your thoughts? Drilling for our own oil?
Oil is a global commodity. If a country, say China, didn't have any, they might want to go to war to get some. Other than business getting involved, making oil global keeps all countries on an ';even keel'; in theory and keeps the peace. ( also in theory)





The US has a lot of oil and natural gas and coal. However, laws were passed to keep from drilling in many of the best locations because of nature, animals, visual blight or pretty much anything that could be used.





So now, we buy 70 percent of our oil from other countries while we sit on huge reservoirs in our own land. There were also laws passed that kept the number of oil refineries that produce gasoline ( among about a dozen other products) to a set amount. Then when hurricanes hit and knock out a refinery, there is less gas to go around and the price goes up.





It really comes down to what we are willing to do as a country not just one group or another. There are so many special interest groups that will sue someone as soon as it looks like they are going to drill or produce oil. Then it never gets done and we end up going back to the early 1800s. ( except there isn't enough whale oil to go around now for our lighting) This truly could happen if we don't get off our duffs and do something instead of just debating.Drilling for our own oil?
No, they don't, and those that don't have to go elsewhere to purchase it.





The United States has NOT depleted its oil reserves, but we have depleted those reserves that are easy to get to. We can drill for our own oil, but it will take a huge toll on the environment, and it will be years before that oil is ready for market. American refineries are old and decrepit, and the environmental lobby will prevent either upgrades or new construction. Everything comes with a price. If this country had made an effort in the mid-70's to develop alternative energy sources, we wouldn't be in this predicament today. But we were too much in love - still are - with our huge gas guzzlers and cheap gas to let them go. We will never see cheap gas again.
We do have oil. But, not enough to meet our energy needs. That is why we import it. I am afraid that if people think we can just go back to our old wells, and find a wealth of oil just for the pumping, they are badly misguided. It will cost a lot to try to pump our own oil since it will be harder to get it out. Most of our wells are called stripper wells which means that they strip the last of the oil from the old wells. Any new wells will not make up for the decline in the overall decline of oil worldwide. We have found most of the oil deposits here on the North American continent. Mexico is in decline and Canada is trying to use the tar sands to produce oil. The tar sands require a lot of natural gas to heat the water to wash the oil out of the sands. Then you have a disposal problem with the leftover sand. It still contains a lot of oil and it cannot just be dumped anywhere. We will eventually have to fight for any oil we need, it has already started in the middle east, that is why we don't want to leave the region. We are afraid that other countries will come in and take the oil and that would really have an effect on our economy.
It is simplistic, politicians are the ones who complicated everything with foreign policy. Most countries do have their own oil, the globe was populated with dinosaures and it was their remains that turned into oil. Your right, but you have something that the politicians don't have. common sense.
Absolutely we should drill for our own oil. Why in the world this government wants to do any business with countries that want to destroy us is beyond me. We should not be dependent upon these people thatwant to destroy the us. I say drill our own oil and take care of ourselves, let them take care of themselves. It all comes down to greed - money, money, money.
Oil shmoil! Last I heard, wind was free. We are wasting so much time . We need to be developing wind and solar(also free)! I really think that is our future. Use these to run our homes and businesses and use the oil for our vehicles. Then there would be plenty of oil and we wouldn't be dependent on foreign oil.


This is a no brainer as far as I am concerned until someone proves me different.
Maybe, but you are forgetting the global economy that so many businessmen savor (i.e., you buy mine, I'll buy yours). It is not about the citizens, it is about the money.$$$$$
Years ago we drilled our own oil, but we had to stop because we depleted our resources, typical American huh?
We have tremendous resources in North Dakota and Alaska and more that need to be tapped. It would greatly affect our gas prices and needs to be done.
Yes, we do have oil here but not enough to supply our demand. There still are a few places drilling but ot enough. I think our money would be better spent using solar and wind generated power.
Ret.Sgt. is top dead center in his answer.