DNC: US "blindsided by skyrocketing gas prices" as Bush "sat on his hands"

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=52181

Dean: Bush Needs to Take High Road on Gas Price Crisis

8/26/2005 4:20:00 PM

To: National Desk, Political Reporter

Contact: Karen Finney of the Democratic National Committee Staff, 202-863-8148

WASHINGTON, Aug. 26 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The following was released today by the Democratic National Committee:

Because President Bush and the Republicans in Congress have failed to take action to reduce skyrocketing gas prices, state and local governments across the country are being forced to take matters into their own hands.

This week, the state of Hawaii became the first state in the nation to cap wholesale gas prices, and USA Today reported that rising gas prices have forced state and local governments to consider laying off workers, raising local taxes and cutting back on essential services. (Reuters, 8/25/05; USA Today, 8/24/05)

"President Bush has sat on his hands as ordinary Americans and their communities have been blindsided by skyrocketing gas prices," said Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean. "While oil companies have enjoyed record profits, President Bush's lack of leadership has allowed the gas price crisis to spiral out of control, leaving painful decisions to state and local governments. It is time for President Bush and the Republicans in Washington to put the pedal to the metal and steer us toward a sound strategy for reducing gas prices."

Paid for and authorized by the Democratic National Committee, http://www.democrats.org. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

http://www.usnewswire.com/

[Triana]

1. About DAMN Time...

...they said something. They ought to be shouting this from the rooftops, in the streets, on the internet, and anywhere on television/radio/news they can get it and repeat it incessantly every day - along with a LOT of other things.

I won't hold my breath waiting for them though...

[livetohike]

2. Rather than asking for reducing gas prices, why not try

asking the people to sacrifice - conserve energy - etc? It's not the Bush way.

[GoBlue]

3. Why not indeed, Dr. Dean?

Less demand means lower prices.

[RC]

4. Gas or fuel prices affect the cost of everything else.

The average person sacrificing by driving less won't make much of a dent. If we don't do something, $60 worth of groceries will soon fit in your shirt pocket.

The proper course of action is to go after the oil companies the way we did the tobacco companies and then have them use their obscene billions in profits to fund research into alternative fuel sources.

[livetohike]

5. I understand what you are saying but the truth is

if there is less demand for oil, the prices will go down.

[RC]

7. You forget why the price of oil is so high.

To seperate us from our money. Winter is coming. This is a two step deal. First gasoline - which affects the cost of everything, then fuel oil/nateral gas.

[livetohike]

10. I know and I am worried about my Mom back in PA

she is living off of a reduced fixed income since my Dad passed away this last November. She will need help with her heating bills (natural gas). I worry about all the Seniors in the colder climates, heck make that worry about everyone......

[Name removed]

6. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[madfloridian]

8. We want our Dems to fight, but we will slam them when they do.

Dean knows that the reason for the high gas prices is pay off to Bush's buddies. Of course that is simplistic, but it is the bottom line. The whole world has had high gas prices but us, and now we do and we will. This is only the beginning.

This was a great statement, and several snide responses.

Fight, Dems, but we will slam you if you don't say it just right.

This was a call to put the cap on the high prices, and Bush is capable of doing that.

[Servant]

9. Serious Gas Crisis

There is an inevitable Gas crisis coming sooner than later. Consumption is exponentially increasing around the world, and production is steadily falling. Once production is unable to fully meet the demand, prices will skyrocket out of control, suburban living will take an enormous hit, businesses which rely on trucking will take a big hit, it is going to be bad.

Alternative fuels are a solution that can only work many years from now, they are not developed enough and don't have the infrastructure to solve the immediate problems that will come from the Gas crisis. The Government must immediately expand and revive Mass transportation systems, railroads, etc... to soften the blow the Gas crisis will cause.

Oil fields capable of meeting demand are not being found and highly unlikely to be found, the ones currently in use are not going to be enough and many of them are facing serious deficits due to improper or simply long term usage.

[newyawker99]

11. Hi Servent!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Arkansas Democrat]

12. CNN In The Money

Just now reported that gasoline prices are headed for triple digits and sooner rather than later!

[leesa]

13. Blindsided?? Wasn't too hard to predict if you were paying attention.