Politicians will say whatever they need to in order to get/remain elected. For example, from memory all candidates become in favour of ethanol when they visit the states that most benefit from it regardless of previous statements. They will say whatever they need to in order to secure their party's nomination and then become more "moderate" in order to win the floating voters.

I clearly remember Carter and thought reducing consumption was totally the obvious and right thing to do at the time since fossil fuels were finite (I didn't hear about PO or climate change then). Unfortunately over the years politicians did nothing and I forgot and was lulled into a false sense of "security" on the basis there couldn't be a problem if our leaders were ignoring it. Now over the last few years i have learned of PO, climate change, NPK, depletion of resources... and am pessimistic that politicians will do anything until the people demand action. Ggiven the voiciferous complaints over fuel prices that are still cheap i think it will be a long time coming.

There seems to be very little proper debate between the two parties, it's almost like name calling between kids with both sides trying to top the other's promises and show how they "feel" the people's problems and what they are going to do to "help" even if it is a crazy solution:-(