Fighting for SurvivalFor over 100 years, King Oil has reigned supreme over all other energy sources. Due to the significant impact of oil trade across the globe, oil has proven to be the driving force of the U.S. energy sector and an important player in the global economy. Every kingdom throughout history has seen its share of war, and there are no exceptions. for the oil crown. The oil sector continues to play a vital role in America's struggle for stability and prosperity. Oil continues to maintain sovereignty over the United States and, by extension, the world due to established infrastructure, American currency, and the need for national protection. Infrastructure: we have it! Solar, wind and hydroelectric power are all great. However, as the recent Alternative Lie series highlights, these alternatives still require extensive research and development (R&D) before they can be considered viable options to replace oil. Some of these alternative energy sources are simply too expensive for the average American family, while others feature components that are not environmentally safe. Until suitable energy alternatives are created, Americans can continue to rely on our established network of oil refineries and pipelines. In the 1940s, America began laying its first oil and gas pipelines underground. We now have a vast network that stretches more than 2 million miles from coast to coast and transports more than 11.3 billion barrels of oil each year.13,17 The drilling boom Shale is expected to add another 400,000 miles of new gathering lines (the pipelines closest to the wellhead that transport oil or gas to a storage facility or larger main pipeline) over the next two decades. 7There is currently...... middle of paper ...... the revolution could well be the blade to end everything. If this happens, the consequences for petrostates remain unknown, but the scenarios are not ideal for anyone. For all we know, there could be societal collapse, mass poverty and anarchy. As always, the United States will likely be there to help pick up the pieces, for our own sake and for the sake of the entire world. Throughout history, kings have always been involved in wars and unfortunately, there is no exception for King Oil. However, this time the war is not just about oil, the stakes are much higher because this fight is for survival. We are fighting to maintain our stability and prosperity, a majority stake in the global economic market and the suspension of hostilities around the world. Without our military presence in the world – both caused and enabled by oil – we would probably not succeed.. 15