"in this age of technology - why can't this be enabled?"
Sorry to quote my own question - but I reckon it's a crucial democratic argument. Would anyone sane person find it acceptable that they could save a buck or more in petrol for the sake of a few Middle eastern lives? I reckon no - it would not be acceptable at all. The only reason the USA is prepared to expend billions of $ in Middle Eastern politics, is for their energy resources. And the US satellite nations must therefore tow that line.
The sad reality is that greed, like any drug, is a precursor to insanity. And it is alive and well in all our 'Narcissocracies'.
Why can't all voices be allowed to be officially heard in these matters?