Oil prices rose on news of the Iranian missile test- if prices were just

[NJmaverick]

being controlled by supply and demand, this wouldn't have happened. This would indicate that those that believe prices are being manipulated by speculators and others are correct. While those that claim the price surge is being driven primarily by supply and demand are far afield of the truth. After all supplies didn't dwindle on or demand increase, because Iran shot a few missles into the ocean. Since a non-oil issue can change the price, it means that factors other than supply and demand are at work.

[Fumesucker]

1. Excellent point.. n/t

[BornBlue]

2. If it is supply shortage

then where is the shortage? I have yet to see a gas station with lines into the street, in fact I got gas yesterday and I was the only person at a pump. It just doesn't make sense.

[NJmaverick]

15. That's a very good question, one the bushies

and the supply and demand people have yet to answer.

[JANdad]

3. But, But, But

It's because of peak oil dontcha know?!!!!

(Canned DU response #1)

[JANdad]

4. Meh...I could care less...

In fact I hope it skyrockets to $400 per barrel...I ride a bike 7000 miles per week...I could stand less cars on the road!!!!!


(Canned DU respone #2)

[JANdad]

5. If all those dumbasses

had not bought those gawdawful SUV's we would not be here right now!!!!!

(Canned DU response #3)

[NJmaverick]

11. That one is true, but poorly franed

How is should be framed is- If the Republicans hadn't blocked efforts to increase the CAFE standards, we wouldn't be in the mess we are right now.

[flvegan]

6. It's "controlled" by investor speculation

which, frankly, is a stupid way to set the price of food and energy.

[beezlebum]

8. i don't know about "stupid"-

pretty easy way to make a profit.

people can't live without food (though they could TRY to cultivate their own...there is just no will or "know-how" fortunately for the poweres that be making profit), the world won't function without oil (won't as in won't not can't)- great googly moogly, looky there, iran launched some $bombs$, $scare$ $scare$ $scare$! fill up yer tanks on your last dollars and drive around in circles! $panic$ $panic$ $panic$! a $hurrycane$, go buy some food and gas before it is all gone!! AND, there is a $SHORTAGE! of $food! and $oil too!!! stock up on your RICE! there isn't enough RICE to feed everyone (yeah...okay)! and omfg! the oil is dried uppppp!!!! OMFG! we're all gonna $$$$DIE$$$$! $BOO!$

"they" have been profiting off of human stupidity, insecurity, and paranoia since the beginning of "civilization." religion is an industry, healthcare is an industry, war is an industry, transportation is an industry (which basically makes daily life an industry, since people want fast ways to get to work, to live conveniently, to see their long-distance families, and so on), food is an industry- all because of our own stupidity. ppl get scared, they're willing to do anything rather than THINK about it. deer in headlights, fish in barrel.

[KharmaTrain]

7. The Game Isn't What's On The Market, But What's Not

Those of us who lived through the oil mess of the 70's can see a big difference...there are no gas lines, rationing or gasless Sundays. I haven't seen a gas station that is out of gas...just trying to keep up with the prices with each new delivery.

That said, the game this regime has long played is not what is pumped out of the ground, but what isn't. And then having control over what then goes onto the market. Keeping the supplies flowing enough to keep the "wheels of industry" going while making the money on the "volitility". It's economic warfare that is an underlying motivation for much of what this regime has and will do.

The "Enron" model has been at work for years here, it's just that many see their halcyon days coming to an end and looking to make one good last "killing" before the party is over. The greed is on and war is a tool of that greed.

I expect this regime to not just go after Iran's "nukes" but also their oil infrastructure. Their large refineries in the Shat Al Arab lie within easy striking range from our Iraqi bases and ships in the Gulf and that destruction would put even more oil out of production for several years and "tightening" the market...especially in favor of those who control the oil. If chenney, inc's timing is right, the Iranian facilities will go down about the time the "Big 5" start pumping from Iraq.

[indepat]

9. But, but, but the Secretary of Treasury has said it is only a supply/demand issue and CNBC's Joe on

Squawk Box seemed to ratify this assertion as fact. Is the Secretary providing disinformation and Joe seeming to confirm this administration source of disinformation as fact? Was Joe in fact simply serving as an administration shill? Please Tammy, tell me this is untrue. :D

[NJmaverick]

10. It's easier to assume anyone from the bush administration is lying

As Kerry said, this is the lyingest bunch of liars

[ProfessorGAC]

12. Supply & Demand Is NEVER More Than. . .

. . .50% of the reason for price fluctuation in a multi-layered commoditized good or service. Anyone who says S&D is the primary and trackable cause is revealing how little they know.
The Professor

[NJmaverick]

13. or in the case of the bushies how honest they are

[ProfessorGAC]

14. Works For Me

GAC