Sensing a Tug of War Over Oil Consumption

Re “U.S., China Are on Collision Course Over Oil,” Commentary, Feb. 2: Gal Luft proposes a “frank dialogue” wherein the U.S. conveys to China the “benefits of circumventing oil” as an energy source so that there will be sufficient low-priced fuel to power the U.S. economy.

Perhaps anticipating China’s response, Luft also recommends development of a “comprehensive strategy designed to prevent China from becoming an oil consumer on par with the U.S.” What does the writer have in mind? A blockade of China’s ports or of Saudi Arabia’s? Immediate declaration of war on China, perhaps? Kudos to The Times for choosing, out of all of the opinion pieces available, one that at the same time is both profoundly stupid and, if heeded, exceedingly dangerous.

John Yates

Los Angeles