These political essays, which originally appeared in the Huffington Post, chronicle the financial and environment malfeasance of the oil industry during the last five years. Oil is a commodity that is essential to the world's economic well-being. But it is also an industry rife with corruption. In OIL AND FINANCE, author Raymond J. Learsy chronicles the problems within the oil industry and details how these issues affect both US and global politics. Culled from a collection of essays that first appeared in the Huffington Post throughout the last five years, OIL AND FINANCE provides an illuminating understanding about where we've been and where we're headed as a nation with respect to our fossil-fuel consumption, our environment, our financial system, our security, and our place on the global stage. It uncovers the truth behind oil pricing including its speculation and manipulation, the politics of oil and its impact on our security, oil's influence on our domestic and foreign policies, OPEC's success, and the menacing impact of oil on the environment. OIL AND FINANCE presents a real-time account of a nation in crisis. Filled with contemplations and reactions, it is also a call to arms and a battle plan. It communicates how we can reduce our dependence on foreign oil, develop alternative energy sources, stabilize our economy, shore up our national security and prosper as a people.