Thur: History

History: noun
a continuous, systematic narrative of past events as relating to a particular people, country, period, person, etc., usually written as a chronological account; chronicle

This is not the first gas crisis our nation has experienced; a rise in prices coupled with a shortage in production. It's just the first one my generation remembers. Since my work is conversing on a subject that while contemporary, isn't apparently new, I'm wondering what went before.

In 1979, the largest crisis hit the energy economy occured (until 2007, according to caculations which compensate for inflation). Ayatollah Khomeini, Iranian revolution leader (and some say founder of the modern Shiite State), obtained control of Iran, destroying the Irainian oil sector. Oil production was erratic and low; uncertainty was high. Gas prices & oil demand rose in America.

Debates surrounded the issue; some politcal leaders suggested gas rationing. President Carter worked towards the deregulation of fuel prices & made highly visible efforts to encourage energy coservation. He has a wood stove and solar panels installed in the white house (Reagan had them removed)

Other, smaller crisis have occured. In 1990, a brief oil shortage was caused by the Gulf War; the oil fields were set afire as Hussein retreated, and production was stopped until restoration was completed.

The photograph above depicts one of the gas stations abandoned during the 1979 crisis; it was converted into a revival hall. I think I need to keep an eye on my gas stations and see what these spaces will become.

http://www.economicexpert.com/. 16 Oct 2008