We can't make enough, yet we make it to store...

Well folks, it looks like logic strikes again! (Yes I am being quite sarcastic.) I am sure that by now nearly every one has heard the tale of how we can not produce enough oil to meet our current demand. I am also sure that everyone has heard of our national oil reserve. The amazing thing is, that these two entities actually co-exist! It is a proven fact that while we are unable to produce enough oil for our current consumption, our government is still producing it for the reserves. Correct me if I am wrong, but aren't reserves set aside for just such an emergency? Aren't we supposed to use reserves in the event of running out, or not having enough? OK, lets take a step back. I will give the government the benefit of the doubt, maybe we aren't in that serious of an oil crunch yet. We may not be in bad enough shape to tap into the reserve, but we certainly can't keep up with the current demand. Wouldn't it make more sense to continue keeping our reserves, but stop adding to them? This way it puts more oil into circulation for the public, and keeps our reserves "on reserve". This is simply one "no brainer" approach to getting more oil into the nations use. Oil effects nearly every aspect of life for the "American lifestyle",and as it's cost rises it causes many other goods and services to go up in price as well. The only thing that is not going up are the wages that the average American is earning. With the cost of living going up and wages staying the same, and in some cases going down, is it any wonder our economy is in the shape it is? I don't know what to tell you, other than having an oil tycoon in the White House, where did we go wrong?