My brother has a saying he picked up somewhere; Fair is what you pay on the bus. He's a former Navy nuke that currently works with PPM installing wind turbines all over the world. Energy independence seems like a misnomer. Separating our society from the rest of the world is a silly notion. Increasing our efficiency and reducing our waste is better done by all as enlightened and voluntary behavior. Unfortunately common sense is often blocked by those would cry that's not fair !
As an ever expanding population on earth all our activities are interdependent. Regardless of your ideology or party affiliation this seems to be a basic understanding of the modern world. Instead of bickering about a public employees salary or picking on us poor up-staters, wouldn't it be nice if politicians could think into the future rather than the current horse race or partisan bickering ? Energy is a world wide issue. Exploring alternatives and initiating them can happen as a market mechanism. As oil prices climb and yes profits, consumers and industry will explore alternatives. The change is dynamic and sometimes seemingly chaotic.
A third party campaign is often like the ancient, fictional man from la Mancha tilting windmills. Apparently having more than 250K in the most FEC filing, entitles one to introduction by the top lawyer in the state and round the clock media coverage of your medical condition. Granted one is the incumbent. When I say I'll devote half my salary to free lunches it is a joke. When candidates are covered by the media based on 'certain' factors that provide readers with entertainment and nonsensical promises it's a shame.