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For almost four years, gas prices flirted around the $2.00 mark. There were times it would go above it, and then recede back to $1.60 range. People complained about the price every time it went above $2.00. They became instant economists by proclaiming how detrimental it would be to their families and to the economy if the gas prices were continue to rise. Unfortunately none of them were that concerned to speak out about it. Instead they kept their mouths shut, and not once ask this administration why the gas prices are skyrocketing and why they haven’t intervene.
So this brings me to my point. Just how high does the price of gasoline have to be, in order for YOU to speak out? Just how high does the price of gasoline have to be, in order for YOU to demand alternative fuels or different ways for transportation? Such as solar cars, hybrids with 300+ mpg, or vehicles running on hydrogen and its only waste is H2O.
For much of 2005 and after the 2004 elections there have been numerous instances where gas prices would spike up more than .30 over night. There were times it would slowly settle back down close to its previous price, but would never go below, or even reach it. For those who don't remember, gas prices during the 2004 elections were steady at an average price of $1.80 for regular unleaded. A lot of folks thought the Bush administration would take measures to lower the price of gas, tricking Americans into thinking things are being done to lower the price. Interesting enough, the prices were steady, probably too steady. The prices were frozen at $1.80, as if someone had suppressed the rising cost of gasoline. It would come to no surprise this was no coincidence, which pointed the fact this was exactly what the Bush administration wanted. As noted from an undisclosed report during the 2004 elections, rumored the Bush Administration was purposely lending off our oil reserves to oil refineries, in order to cap the gas prices at $1.80. Then later the oil refineries would have to replenish the reserves, for the amount that was loaned to them. While selling off our oil reserves is probably the most logical thing to do, during a national crisis like we’re in now. But the problem was when we loaned the oil to the refineries, the amount of oil coming into the market was already starting to spiral down, as the price of gasoline was beginning to spike. When the election had ended in 2004, the lending of our oil reserves also had ended. Soon after, the prices at the pump soared. In one month time, the gasoline jumped from an average of $1.80, to above $2.00 a gallon. From that point on, the price of gasoline would continue to spike up, and then receded, but would never settle back down to the previous price. As the weeks flew by in 2005, gas prices soared at a record rate. Before, it took nearly three years, starting in 1998 for gas prices to increase from an average of .98, to an average of $1.20, to the beginning of Bush’s term. From then on, it took only a year for gas to soar to $2.00. As for 2005, it had taken 10 months for gasoline to reach an average $3.50, from an average of $1.80 right before the Nov. 2 elections. Some fear this momentum isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. It is predicted by mid September, average price of gasoline will be $4.00, and as much as $5.00 end of the year. As far I’m concerned, these estimates are not far fetched. Prices are already nearing $4.00, and we will no longer see gas prices dipping below $3.00 ever again. The aftermath of Katrina had only threw more fire into an already raging price war.
So it all comes down to the AVERAGE American. Just how much does the price of gasoline have to be, in order for YOU to speak out? Considering our minimal wage is still stuck at $5.15, the average miles driven to work for most people is at least 7 miles one way. Estimates say it would take an hourly wage of at least $7.00 in order to make it worth while for someone to drive to work, if gas prices were to hit at or above $4.00. Believe me; if gas prices would hit $5.00, or even $4.00, there will be widespread damages to our national economy. If people do not start speaking out now, the problems will just continue to become bigger, and the consequences for ignoring them will be devastating.
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