Its the Oil, stupid

Published in Omaha World Herald Sept 14, 2007

Gen. David Petraeus said the battle in Iraq is between sectarian groups for power and resources. ¶

The late economist Milton Friedman recommended oil reserve stock certificates be printed for all voting age Iraqis so they could cooperate in their own best interests to get the oil out of the ground and to market. Oil would be taxed at 10 percent at the ports to construct infrastructure and sales taxes would be added for local needs. ¶

This would solve several problems: ¶

-- Individuals share the oil revenues equally regardless of location. ¶

-- The United States shows it has no designs on Iraqi oil reserves. I hope this is true. ¶

-- Politics becomes much less important, as it’s only used for running the trains, planning highways and defending the nation. ¶

-- Those elected can’t distribute revenue unevenly to their friends or religious sect. ¶

The oil reserves in ANWR display the type of political football created when politicians control resources. ¶

Once they have income, Iraqis can form their own version of an Omaha Public Power District to start their air-conditioning again. Don’t give money to the politicians. No wonder the political solution is so difficult.