Ah, but remember that the net present value of an annuity is based on what that annuity truly turns out to be. If there's a point even in ten years where oil has severe scarcity, it will pay off quite well.

But I don't think it's about that. I think that, unlike most countries, the American infrastructure is utterly and completely dependent on oil. It's its lifeblood. In my opinion, it's about concerns for the future and securing a resource that's vital for the survival of the entire nation.