What would energy independence really mean for American foreign policy?  For years, politicians on both sides of the aisle have paid lip service to energy independence as a worthy national goal.  During the 2008 presidential campaign, energy independence was likened to the space race of the 1950s and 60s.  President Obama declared that the U.S. should strive to be energy independent by 2020.  Despite the rhetoric, an aggressive strategy for achieving energy independence has yet to be adopted.  America’s dependence on foreign oil is one of the most acute foreign policy challenges facing the United States.  Energy independence would dramatically reduce the number of our costly overseas engagements enabling us…