If we are serious about energy independence, then we can finally be serious about confronting the role of Saudi Arabia in financing and providing ideological support of al Qaeda and other terrorist groups. We cannot continue this Administration's kid-glove approach to the supply and laundering of terrorist money. To put it simply, we will not do business as usual with Saudi Arabia. Kerry promises to curtail money laundering and put a lid on loud-mouthed religious leaders. "Look at me, I'm taking a stand!" Granted, this speech is from May, but still -- these are prepared remarks, and yet there is no mention of the truly serious problems in Saudi Arabia. No concern is expressed about the likelihood that Osama bin Laden may soon be chairing OPEC meetings. Instead, he offers this gem: I have proposed a plan for energy independence from Mideast oil in the next ten years. How does he plan to do that, you ask? Why, 'new technologies', of course! (And new fuels, but no mention of the "d" word or "extraction", although he does speak of a "tap." Is there a beer-powered car in your future?) Is it realistic to call for independence from Mideast oil by 2014? (Not just Saudi oil, mind you -- Mideast oil!) Funny, but that sounds a lot like Buchananist isolationism to me. What about the global village? Perhaps John Kerry's New World is on Another Planet. John Kerry, on Security and Strength for a New World | 
