The war in Iraq, a spike in gasoline prices, and the presidential campaign have reignited public debate about America’s reliance on other countries for the oil that fuels our nation’s economy. Dating back to the OPEC embargo of 1973, arguments over U.S. oil dependence historically have been sidetracked by misleading claims and outright myths. In the meantime, the problem has only grown worse—even though each of the past seven American presidents has pledged to steer the nation toward greater energy security.

Reid Detchon is the executive director of The Energy Future Coalition.