Why $4 Gas Need Not Wreck Your Budget

Usually, I spend most of my Internet time sending messages to the President and members of Congress about big oil and what it is doing to our economy. Well, we've heard it all as to what is or who is to blame. The big joke around our house has been for some time now, if oil and gas prices go up; someone has stumped his toe. We hear "cut spending" is why the government reps say they were sent to Washington, and it doesn’t make any difference whether Democrat, Republican, or TEA PARTIER. Now, it’s the markets and the hidden speculators. (Just another excuse in a long list for our government to dodge the issue.)

Starting back in the late 1990's, I warned those of our government that we were headed for a bankrupt economy if federal and state laws were not passed to ward off "price gouging" and the artificial setting of market prices for oil. I went so far in 2003 to email every representative and senator, even the President. (Incidentally, Hillary Clinton returned her email and told me to talk to some other senator.) The message was simple and plain, "Take care of the oil companies or get ready to be sent home!"

Of course, that was ignored and the government shifted in representation. I felt I represented the average voter in the U.S. then, and I still feel the same way today. We didn’t vote for anyone, but against. Without the required federal laws to perform adequate investigations on the oil companies and their investments, our economy is doomed. Lame Congressional hearings with big oil executives are not enough. We need to take back our government from the oil companies and their cronies.

So, I guess we do it again, "Clear Them Out!"

Join me and tell our government, “We’ve had enough!”

Larry Whitfield of NC 5:29PM March 12, 2011

Like drill for our OWN oil instead of shovelling billions overseas to folks who hate us?

How about if we drop the 'green' stuff like solar (which got blocked in the Mohave desert due to concerns about the desert tortoise not being able to get out of the shade) and wind (which can't cover its own operational costs without massive subsidies - and is hated by the eco groups because it minces birds) and go with third-gen nukes? Hey, if France can figure out how to make it work, so can we! They get 80% of THEIR power from nukes - why can't we do the same?

Maybe the answer lies in the actions of those in Washington. Not in their words - but their actions.

JLawson of GA 11:08PM March 06, 2011

Who are you to tell me what to do with my money? Why aren't you investigating where our gas taxes go? Or why we aren't drilling for our own oil? POS.

schlotz of AL 8:11PM March 06, 2011

I have a small car (with a stick shift and manual transmission) that is getting older and must last for at least the next 15 years. Nonetheless, with regular service, it runs great. However, periodically, my car does need major service (fortunately very rarely), which I just had done. To make up for the cost of my recent servicing, reduce my gasoline usage to the bare minimum, and especially for me to stay in shape and remain healthy (which is of great importance to me), I will use my car for only longer trips. For trips of up to nine miles (each way), I will continue to use my two legs and feet (i.e., walk). When available, I will use public transportation (which costs $1.50 for each ride or $6.00 per day). I will drive my car only when other alternatives are not available or feasible. At age 55, I am in great shape and have no health problems. Some people think that I am still in my 30's. By the way, I really enjoy walking, which has become a hobby.

Steve of CA 6:41PM March 05, 2011