With the election coming up I dont understand why Energy is not at the top of everyones platform. This is completely absurd to me. I filled up my car on Friday for $3.49 a gallon. I think a gallon of gasoline has been over $3.00 for over a year, and nobody is doing a damn thing about it. For the first time in my young life I am actually contacing my local Congresswoman. Yes I sent an email to Tammy Baldwin today and I urge everyone to do the same. Here is the content of that email:
Dear Congresswoman Baldwin,
I am new to this voting district, so I cannot say that I supported you in the last election. I know both of my parents have been supporters of you for a long time. I feel like there is a major problem being overlooked by the platforms of all our local and national politicians. That problem being skyrocketing energy costs. I like most of Americans am affected dearly by these increases Especially with the cost of one gallon of gasoline. I have spent the morning reading a little bit about you, and see that you serve on the committee on Energy and Commerce. How has your committee tried to combat these increased costs? I worry that the democratic platform has placed such a high priority on the increased health care costs in this country that they may have lost site of a far more grave issue. I guess I don't understand how from 1980 to 2000 gas prices were some where in the range of $.080 to $1.80. For twenty years they stayed that way. Since 2000 we have seen gas prices nearly tripled. Yet, I watch the debates and hear little mention of what is being done to lower these prices.
I am concerned that there is not a ceiling in sight for these price increases. However, I am far more concerned of what seems to be a lack of concern by those leading this country. I am concerned that your constituents are spending over a $100 a week in order to commute to work, when our economy is as bad as it has been in my memory. In closing I just would like to hear what steps you and I can do to help make a difference on this issue. Or is it time to give up hope, sell my car and learn to ride a bike again?
Sincerely,
Concerned Voter
I guess it is worth noting that I don't even pay for my own gas as I have a company car. However does everyone else feel like this is a problem being kept under wraps by the American public? I dont understand how this isnt issue number one of the American public in the upcomming elections. The way gas prices have gone up in the last 10 years has been absolutely absurd. I for one wonder how much every American is spending on gas per year. I also wonder how our economy would be different right now if that money was being put to some different use.
As a 25 year old, one of my biggest concerns for this country, is the amount of retirees that I will probably have to support in my lifetime. This is quickly becoming just as big of an issue with me. I would like to hear what some of you have to say on this issue?
5 comments:
Well, I for one haven't really delved into the economics behind gasoline prices, but I do know that the U.S. government really has no control over what price OPEC sets for crude oil. They pretty much dictate supply and the pricing follows suit. Gasoline prices are also affected by investors who drive up the price through commodities trading. Either way the only real solution is for the government to offer greater incentives to companies and individuals for the usage and development of alternative fuel sources.
I agree that the U.S. Government does not have direct control over the gas prices however they have more than enough power to influence commodities pricing. I just think our consertive President is doing very little in efforts to secure record gains for his friends with the oil companies. With these record prices, gas companies are making record profits, while we are sitting here with out thumb up our ass. Do something, how about instead of giving big oil tax cuts when they are making billions of dollars, how about give them to anyone that will drive a hybrid car? I dont know the answer but it fucking pisses me off.
Well, a Congressional committee is going to grandstand about it today by publicly interrogating senior execs from Exxon Mobil, Shell, BP, Chevron and Conoco.
These business people will explain supply and demand for the six millionth time, and in truly record breaking fashion, Congress will yet again fail to understand it.
Whaddya mean we can't just keep building roads while train tracks rust into the ground? Public transit? Sure, let's start a bus system that also depends upon oil! Um, wait...
To step on a line from the Dude, "Great plan, it's a Swiss fuckin' watch if I understand it correctly."
"Well that is the great thing about your plan Walter, it is so fucking simple!"
Tk- I agree we are completely dependant on gasoline, and that probably is our biggest problem. I havent noticed traffic dimenishing or the amount of SUVs on the road going down either. I guess until we become less dependent on gas, we will always be paying out the ass for it, because of its limited supply. Still I just dont understand why this isnt a bigger issue. I dont understand why the liberal leadership doesnt push this to the front of there agenda. It seems like they are unsure of what they want to stand for right now, in a time when our country needs them to be the strongest. We want to make health care available to everyone, we want to withdraw all of the troops from Iraq, we want to stop global warming. All of these things are important issues, but they are taking the common place stand on these. They are showing which means they plan on using to get these down, they are just middling around and bickering. Until a liberal candidate steps up, and pushes some of these issues, and illustrates how they can make changes, I will feel more comfortable putting my faith in McCain. I dont know why, but i think it has to do with the overall organazition, of the conservative party. I think I feel like they are in a position to make things happen, and envoke change where need be.
Interesting view I read in Newsweek about gasoline prices: they aren't anywhere near what the market will bear. People haven't changed their behavior at all yet.
Gasoline: $3.49 per gallon
Starbucks Caffe Mocha: $3.30 for 16 ounces ($26.40 per gallon)
Bottled tap water: $1.29 for 16 ounces ($10.32 per gallon)
And gasoline is actually very useful, in comparison.
Post a Comment