Gusher of Lies: The Dangerous Delusions of "Energy Independence"

Important facts, distorted views

Although I found most of Mr. Bryce's facts to be interesting, many of the conclusions he would have the reader believe remain unproven at the end of his book. I will resist the temptation to include my own political views, and simply state that Mr. Bryce's book is not for the uninformed. On one occasion, Mr. Bryce asserts, "Energy Independence is neither desirable, nor doable." While Mr. Bryce is entitled to his opinion, he failed, in my view, to sufficiently prove either point.

Never the less, Gusher of Lies is an important book for people to read. But it must be read in such a way as to filter through most of the book's unwarranted assertions. Doing so will allow the reader to absorb the important facts, while allowing the reader to make their own conclusions.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A nice try

The author's primary intent was to demonstrate why the US is dependent on foreign oil for its energy. However, the book only presents why the US is dependent on oil in general, and why alternative energy sources 'Solar, Wind, Nuclear, Biofuels' will be unable to effectively supplement our energy needs. The author misses the point when it comes to the USA's position within the global oil market. He fails to acknowledge that the majority of our oil imports come from Canada and Mexico, but instead focuses on the Persian Gulf states 'the current oil boogy-man'. If the author wanted to truly explain why the US and the rest of the world is energy interdependent- and that the notion of the US ever becoming energy independent is truly a 'Gusher of Lies', he should have presented some data on the world oil import-export market, costs of production etc. The term 'Comparative Advantage' is not found in this book. And that is a fundamental flaw. The US imports oil because 'based upon current oil prices' it is cheaper - in terms of both real and opportunity costs- to buy it from a foreign source than to produce it at home. Comparative advantage is the reason the US imports any number of products and oil is no exception. The author makes a good argument for why the US - and the rest of the world- will remain dependent on oil for its energy needs. But he fails to provide any argument as to why the US 'while it is certainly true' is, and will remain to be, globally energy interdependent.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Tells it like it is!!

Straight talk about the oil dependency fiasco that Americans are being put through by the rhetoric of government, and so-called experts. Meanwhile the general population of America will be suffering for lack of quality air if we follow the fed recommendations. This book is a real eye opener, copies should go to all of Congress.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.