http://www.energybulletin.net/40035.html

"There is a strange clause in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that applies to only one country—Canada. The clause states that Canada must continue to supply the same proportion of its oil and gas resources to the US in future years as it does now. That’s rather a good deal for the US"

He also talks about how, for Canada to coalesce with other nations that are reducing carbon emissions, Canada has to choose between heating Canadians (providing heat for Canadians, that is !), or burning natural gas for the oil-sands operation.

I wonder how many lawyers the US would sic on Canada if the people voted to de-ratify NAFTA in it's current version ?

"Of course, the current Canadian government will not do so. Nor will the main opposition party. Both are securely bound to do the will of their puppeteers in Washington. But what about the NDP, Canada’s other main (center-left) party? Couldn’t it make the abolition of the proportionality clause a key campaign issue? Surely Canadians care about energy security and simple fairness. By raising the question, the NDP would educate Canadians about the links between fossil fuel depletion, globalization, and climate change, while forcing the other parties to either identify themselves with, or abandon, a policy that imperils their nation’s future."

Maybe Exxon's recent actions when Venezuela nationalized some Exxon facilities is an indication. They're seizing or trying to seize $12 Billion of Venezuelan assets.

Corporate America reminds me of the Empire in Star Wars. With Iraq and other countries as whipping boys, just as the Empire used Alderaan as an example of what happens when you don't comply with the Empire's wishes.

[ 08 February 2008: Message edited by: wwSwimming ]