If the world market believed that we were serious about energy independence and we were going to utilize all of our own existing resources, the speculators would stop speculating up they start speculating down as we get our own oil out of the ground.

In this quote, Herman Cain argues that if the world market believed the U.S. was genuinely committed to energy independence by fully utilizing its own resources, it would shift the behavior of speculators. Cain suggests that speculators—who bet on the price fluctuations of oil—would stop driving prices up and instead, prices would drop as the U.S. increased its own oil production. This would create a more stable market and reduce dependence on foreign oil, making the country more self-sufficient.

The origin of this statement reflects Cain’s strong stance on economic independence and energy policy. As a businessman and former presidential candidate, Cain advocated for a free-market approach to addressing the country’s energy needs, including exploiting domestic oil reserves. His comment points to a belief in the power of market forces to stabilize prices and reduce volatility if the U.S. committed to using its own energy resources.

Cain's words also speak to the broader issue of energy dependence and the impact of global markets on national security and economic stability. By increasing domestic oil production, the U.S. could reduce its reliance on foreign sources, potentially leading to a decrease in speculation that often drives oil prices higher. Cain’s view is that self-sufficiency in energy would provide more control over prices and make the U.S. less vulnerable to geopolitical instability affecting oil supply.

Ultimately, Cain’s quote suggests that energy independence would not only have economic benefits by stabilizing prices but would also strengthen the U.S. economy and its role in the global market. By addressing the root cause of high energy costs—reliance on external sources—Cain envisions a future where the U.S. is less susceptible to oil price speculation and better positioned to ensure long-term economic stability.