Earth-Moon Network = Maturing Space Industries

> But for as long as Middle East oil is several times cheaper than
> potential SPS energy, my fantasy is going to remain such.
>

Mike, my thesis has been that oil is priced unrealistically low.

Factor in the hidden costs, e.g. the US military and peacekeeping
operations throughout the middle east, the cost of homeland security,
and the balance of trade deficit.

Factor in a balance of trade surplus if we eliminate oil imports, cost
savings in the military.

Then factor in global warming, the elimination of greenhouse gases.

If the USA stops using oil, then the USA can sign the Kyoto protocol and
all of a sudden the US is the global hero, instead of being the selfish
bad guy. Note how the rest of the world is currently attacking the USA
in Johannesburg because of their refusal to sign Kyoto.

Then the seemingly cheap price of oil today, does not look so cheap.