This week we are continuing our series on “what’s in the news” and we begin with oil prices:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126110607887196613.html

As the article notes:

“Oil prices have risen nearly 60% this year, thanks in part to OPEC production cuts. But the cartel faces problems heading into 2010. Some members, such as Iraq and Venezuela, are increasing output even as OPEC tries to purge a huge buildup of oil. And waning stimulus efforts could pinch consumer demand for oil in industrialized nations.”

In other words, even though we are experiencing a recession, oil prices are going up because OPEC has restricted production. So the question is: how long will we Americans allow OPEC to hold a gun to our heads?

The time has come for the US to quit importing its energy and start producing it right here and right now.