So let me get this straight

[Vanraw]

I've always felt that we'd eventually see a major new renewable energy source come out of China or India before we invented it here. We have little incentive in the West. We've really spent a laughably small amount on fusion research. Wasn't America's stake in the project like $1 billion?

This always bugged me. I wonder how much our Energy conglomerates had to do with these policies. In the end research into Fusion technology (Or any other concepts like anti-mater) is about alot more then just heating your home. They will be about things like how to go to other stars and planets. Its America's short term view again.

I've always felt that we'd eventually see a major new renewable energy source come out of China or India before we invented it here. We have little incentive in the West. We've really spent a laughably small amount on fusion research. Wasn't America's stake in the project like $1 billion?

You'll know when global warming is serious business or when the energy crisis becomes real, because you'll see companies like Exxon start pumping huge amount of money into R&D.

Well Exxon is already. All the major energy companies are sinking huge amount of thier profits into researching green / effcient technologies of the future. If for no other reason, they know that Oil and NG will run out someday.