China and the oil syndrome

When energy prices are on the rise, articles, commentary, pundits and letters to the editor blame the same foe. In a refrain eerily repeated almost word for word across the front pages and respected news programs nationwide, we hear the culprit identified loud and clear.

It’s all China’s fault.

Our most trusted newspapers and talking heads have told us that China’s “soaring demand,” “insatiable thirst” and “quest for oil” are absolutely unprecedented in the sweep of human history and single-handedly responsible for the run-up in energy prices (though, to be fair, some people will lump in India for adding fuel to the fire, so to speak).

StarTelegram