The Energy Weapon

On January 1, 2009 Russia, in what has become an annual ritual, reduced its natural gas supply to Europe by the exact amount the country of Ukraine uses. Unlike previous years, however, a quick resolution to pricing and shipment disputes was not forthcoming. Instead the situation has escalated.

On Jan. 6, Russia reduced the flows further — by the amount that Moscow estimates Ukraine is siphoning —- which shut down some major branches of the line. As a result, a minor inconvenience to European customers has turned into an energy crisis with lights and heat going out in Serbia and Bosnia. Other countries facing flow reductions —- ordered from most to least severe —- are Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Hungary, Croatia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Poland, Germany and Italy.

Russia could —- and very well might —- turn full supplies back on at any moment, but that would mean that Moscow either backed down or achieved its goal. Russia is attempting to use the natural gas pricing issue to topple Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, the leader of the country’s pro-Western factions.

Perhaps someone could alert our Democratic leadership that energy can be used as a weapon.

The Democrats' bizarre attempts to suppress U.S. exploration for fuel is not only foolhardy, it is hazardous to the health and well-being of the country.

Russia's treatment of the Ukraine should serve as a warning. But, given our brilliant Democratic leadership and its avowed allegiance to "The No Zone", somehow I think we've got a better chance of seeing Leon Panetta winning American Idol.