Gas Prices and Democrats...

[Dawgs]

Does anyone else feel that the Democrats should be taking advantage of this opporunity?

Aren't we in the middle of national crisis?

Who else would like to see the Democrats come back to Washington for an emergency meeting on gas prices? They could invite Bush and the Republicans to discuss this problem, and show the entire country that they are at least trying to do something.

Yes, it would look political, but so what. Everyone is being hurt by this crisis, and eventually the whole economy will be hurt by it.

I know there is not much they can do to fix it, but at least they can acknowledge that the problem exists.

Thoughts?

[KG]

1. it would be great, but don't hold your breath.

[Not Me]

2. *ush promised to 'jawbone' with the Saudis if this ever happened

c'mon big guy...call your markers in.

[BlueEyedSon]

4. Is that some new euphemism for a

blowjob?

[Hubert Flottz]

11. No It's a euphemism for a phrase out of the Bible I think.

Something about someone slaying someone else, with the jawbone of an ASS! It doesn't say jawbone of an ASSHOLE, so our "fearless" zero is once more off on the bad foot!

[Mizmoon]

7. I think he did call his markers in

that's why it's so expensive. His family must be raking in the cash.

I bet the twins will drink to that!

[eallen]

20. Here's a picture of that "jawboning." I'd call it "swapping spit."

Bush doesn't believe in two men kissing, unless one of them controls the world's largest oil reserves:

[magellan]

3. Great idea

Soon to be another missed opportunity.

[SHRED]

5. 1999

Weren't the gas prices around a dollar a gallon?

Man, I can't imagine the outrage if $2.50-$3.00 a gallon hit a Democrat President.
The corporate media would be howling.

[Algorem]

6. Kucinich's Gas Price Spike Act Will Lower Gas Prices ?

http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/0811-12.htm

Gas Price Spike Act Will Lower Gas Prices

WASHINGTON - August 11 - With gas prices skyrocketing out of control in Northeast Ohio and nationwide, Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH), today, renewed his fight to pass HR 2070, The Gas Price Spike Act of 2005. The legislation, introduced by Kucinich in May, currently is co-sponsored by 37 Members of Congress.

The bill will address the spike in the price of gasoline by placing a windfall profits tax on oil companies; giving tax credits for the purchase of ultra efficient vehicles; and provide federal grants to reduced mass transit fares.

“Consumers in Northeast Ohio, and nationwide, are being gouged at the pump,” stated Kucinich. “The only thing rising faster than the price of gasoline right now is the skyrocketing profits of the oil companies.”

“Congress can no longer sit on the sidelines and watch as skyrocketing prices continue to take a heavy economic toll on consumers and risks further harming our economy,” continued Kucinich. “Congress must act immediately upon returning in September, and I am renewing my efforts to pass HR 2070, and bring immediate relief to consumers.” ...

[eridani]

21. No, it won't--it will just put a stop to profiteering.

But that's a positive good. However, no law can possibly have any effect on Peak Oil.

[usregimechange]

8. Damn right, just put forth a plan and hammer it home.

[eallen]

9. Mostly, there's not much the government can do about the price of oil.

Obviously, if we start a war with Iran, then we'll see a real spike in the price. :yoiks:

Keep in mind that the price of oil is determined on a global market. The US is the largest consumer, purchasing about a quarter of world production.

In my view, a wise energy policy would stop subsidizing consumer trucks and SUVs, would encourage conservation, and would spur research into alternative sources. There are no quick fixes. On the other hand, there are many things individuals can do.

:hippie:

[Dawgs]

12. I agree. I don't think it can be fixed, but...

it can be addressed. What the hell do we have leaders for if they don't lead. The American public is desperate for answers, and all do during this time is spend it on vacation.

[Tesha]

14. I'd imagine *NATIONALIZING THE OIL COMPANIES*...

> Mostly, there's not much the government can do about the price of oil.

I'd imagine *NATIONALIZING THE OIL COMPANIES* might allow the government
to have a wee bit more influence and then at least the record profits
would be going into the public coffers, but I'm one of those wackos
who don't think gas prices are nearly high enough yet.

There was an editorial that suggested we tax gasoline up to $10 a gallon
*RIGHT NOW* instead of letting the oil companies slowly bleed us up
to that level; I'm all for that. Let's get the dislocation over and
get on to a time when we've already adapted to the idea that oil is
a finite, expensive (directly and indirectly expensive) resource.

Tesha

[eallen]

15. Yep, nationalizing US oil might drive up prices.

There are some facts you might want to keep in mind, in designing your nationalized oil industry. (1) The US imports most of the oil it uses. (2) US oil production peaked in 1970, just as Hubbert predicted twenty years earlier. US production is in decline. And there's not a damn thing anyone can do about that. (3) The only oil that the US government can control by nationalization is the oil within US borders, and the oil it controls by conquest abroad. (4) Oil is priced in a global market.

Venezuela, which has a nationalized oil industry, and Canada, which has a capitalist oil industry, are two nations that export oil and gas to the US. Guess which of these nation's has the more effective energy industry. Guess which of these nations is more enriched by its energy industry. Chavez might learn something by looking to his neighbor to the north. The far north.

:hippie:

[Tesha]

16. Horseshit. Prices of finished goods (and profit levels) are set here. (NT)

[eallen]

19. Horseshit back at you. Major cost of gas is oil & taxes. Here's a cite.

In 2003, the price of a gasoline broke down as (a) 44% the price of crude, (b) 27% federal and state road fees, (c) 15% refinery cost and profits, and (d) 10% distribution and marketing. Here's a government brochure that breaks it down for you:

http://www.eia.doe.gov/neic/brochure/oil_gas/primer/primer.htm

The people who benefit from the rising cost of oil are primarily those high up the supply chain. Don't believe that? Here's a graph that compares how Chevron, a fully integrated oil company, has done compared to Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust, which simply owns a slice of oil production:

http://ichart.finance.yahoo.com/z?s=BPT&t=5y&q=l&l=on&z=m&c=CVX&a=v&p=s

You tell me which is enjoying the windfall from rising oil prices, and I'll tell you which one I put some money into a couple years past.

:hippie:

[Hubert Flottz]

10. They "Don't Care"

They're on vacation...

[Clintmax]

13. Damn! Sniped! n/t

[xchrom]

17. hey -- i don't love the gas prices -- but i love that some good values

oriented, bush voting, god fearing christians might REALLY be suffering from this.

i am sometimes vindictive.

[Gold Metal Flake]

18. Yes, any Democrats not beholden to petrodollars should speak out.

....

...


.....


You find any yet?

[eridani]

22. What they should be doing--

--is pointing out that the generation currently reaching adulthood must deal with Peak Oil, and that the gas prices are the canary in the coal mine.