Another bitch about gas prices

[Norton]

The thing that I don't get is, they just possibly can't use this amount of money. They gain profit just for the sake of gaining it. This is no different than having 1000 cars, even if you can't drive 'em all.

[ABSOLUT CHARVEL]

you are right. i guess what i meant was to find out what the truth is with the oil companys. the last congress hearing with the oil people was a joke. rates right there with the tabacco exec's saying under oath smoking is non addictive.

offshoring is also the root of all evil. Walmart is evil. China is evil. This is the real Axis of Evil. Oh and the Pharmaceutical companys too

[Norton]

you are right. i guess what i meant was to find out what the truth is with the oil companys. the last congress hearing with the oil people was a joke. rates right there with the tabacco exec's saying under oath smoking is non addictive.

offshoring is also the root of all evil. Walmart is evil. China is evil. This is the real Axis of Evil. Oh and the Pharmaceutical companys too

Axl Rose is evil, too



I agree with you.

[VitaminG]

it's just the same problem we see with the finance sector. It's not enough for the banks to post a profit - it has to be a record profit. So they're clearing more money each quarter, and yet the consumer gets slugged with ever higher fees & higher interest rates.

Any of the banks could significant reduce their rates, still maintain a very healthy profit & give the man on the street a terrific break with his cost of living. But while CEOs continue to get massive sign-on payments, bonus packages & severance deals, and everyone's performance is rated by reaching targets (usually based around increasing profits), there's no incentive for the banks to do so.

[~K~]

The thing that I don't get is, they just possibly can't use this amount of money. They gain profit just for the sake of gaining it. This is no different than having 1000 cars, even if you can't drive 'em all.

they attempt to justify it by claiming they are investing in new technologies...

The other issue that is a load of BS is that they keep claiming they are at max capacity on the refineries. Isn't it funny that every time we come into a busy cycle a refinery in mysteriously being taken down for maintenance? How about investing that tech money in more refineries?

[ABSOLUT CHARVEL]

kind of funny how news headlines, weather and summer travel will raise the price at the pumps. Any Mid East conflict or even just talk of a conflict will jack the price. OPEC is another shit pyle

[neverdunn]

Actually, they don't even try to justify their profits. At their initial hearing on Capital Hill, the oil execs were very clear - we have a right to the profits we are earning. As some have stated, there is NO competition. The entire world economy is based on transportation that is run on fossil fuels. They literally own the world. Even if there was a new magic technology that could replace oil, the reality is folks like us could not afford it and it would take a decade to implement at a minimum. And there is another issue - the cost of heating fuel. I don't know what folks around the world do for heat, but God forbid you live in northern New England. Budget plans for oil customers are now being released and the cap on the price per gallon on the BUDGET plan is.... wait for it..... $5.00 per gallon. In northern Vermont, that means $4000 - $5000 per year in heating costs. Wood is now at $240 per cord (dried - if you can find it), meaning about $1200 in costs, but tons of work and that is after the initial investment on the stove. I'm converting to a pellet stove, but my initial outlay is $4000 plus another $1100 for fuel.

I am generally an optimist, but we have yet to see the worst of this and we might never make it back to "normal."

Ever hear of the Roman empire?

[Axewielder]

I don't think that free capitalism can solve all of the world's woes, but I did hear a quote last week that I hope rings true: "The cure for high prices is high prices"

[Soap]

In my mind here's the deal...long post...sorry gang.

1. Yes, the working class is getting screwed and will continue to get screwed big time.
Why? As mentioned already in this thread, this country is going to two classes only rich and poor.

2. They will be no more middle/working class.
Why? To explain this in itself is like explaining an advance algebraic equation and only a few will understand it. Corporate America, global economics including big banks, shadow market and etc all are big players, all of which have their hands dirty and believe it or not, its ALL LINKED.

3. It matters not who will be the next 20 Presidents of this country.
The problem/s aren't isolated or specific to political parties.
No one person can point the finger and really be justified because the problem/s are way beyond any one certain political party affiliation, administration, majority of the floor and etc.

4. Yes, there will be another Katrina.
There will be another non-natural or natural disaster on American soil.
Its coming very soon.
It will serve THE devastating blow to America's already fragile/recession economy.
When it happens, America's vulnerability will be historical, other tragedy's will follow.
Yes, gas prices will soar without question and that will break the back of the middle class people. The middle class will collapse under such an event/conditions.
Were barely hanging on as it is.

5. Better American fuel efficient vehicles...?
Sorry, but thats a joke to me and its honestly too late.
This isn't the plant workers and engineer's fault.
Its goes above all these folks.
Even so, the damage is done and will continue because we waited to long to address our energy and oil problems in the American Automotive industry.

The working class wages aren't the best these days.
Meaning, cost of living, fuel prices and nearly every thing is going up
and the working class is still making what they use to in the last 15+ years.
So no, the middle working class these days aren't making a good living anymore.

With that said, not too many American middle class people/families are going to be able to finance and then afterward afford the weekly fuel on one of these American fuel efficient vehicles that are yet to come.

This is why the statistics of the last several years are self explanatory.
Many are buying used vehicles with extended warranty. Its more practical and affordable for the middle class people. Thats why new cars are just setting on lots. Folks test drive them but usually never buy them. One cannot adequately Market and sale cars based on regional and geographical consensus. In other words, the rich bracket can't buy enough vehicles to sustain the economy, whether the fuel prices are pocket change to them or not.

Lets say it alittle differently.
When your sending a child or children to High School and College, throw the cost of living, fuel prices, failing economics and politics into the equation.
No! I can't afford a new vehicle BUT I can afford a used vehicle with low miles and extended warranty. I will most definitely be much more reserve with my spending.

6. Drilling and finding alternate resources and fuel on America soil?
Good luck with that. Since the environmentalist's have this baby locked up tight.
It sad, when the government knows we are in an emergency situation and yet, can't do a thing about it because these environmentalist groups got it locked and wrapped tight. Next time your in a conversation with a tree hugger, remember its these type of people with their views about the environment, that we can't drill and at the mercy of the Saudis. Next time you see the drummer for the Eagles (Don Henley environmentalist activist) on Charlie Rose speaking against drilling for oil/fuel, remember not to buy their records. These environmentalist lawyers are getting paid wonderfully to protect and ensure these groups interests.
Do you really want a tree hugger/environmentalist as President..."Gore."
Anybody with any sense knows better or should.

My solution:
The way the system is designed today, although a "Boston Tea Party Revolt" would be the perfect solution, it won't happen as it should.
American society is very different today. We are to much of a political, economical, religiously correct driven society. It sounds good, but has major flaws as we are seeing, as this thread is discussing in part.

We are global, were (America) not a single entity anymore.
That changes everything from economics, politics all the way to our wages.
We don't have leaders that can serve in this capacity.
The demands are too much for what leaders we have now and even in the future.
We as constituents can't really grasp (advance algebraic equation mentioned earlier) the effect this "global" change has on our Society. It least not yet anyways.

There is a reason why there will never be an additional official recognized independent party in American society, that will have influence. We need something to reinstate and bring back the check and balances in legislation, the House and Senate, because the Democrat's and Republican's have failed miserably with this part of their service to American society.

Honestly, I thought the Truckers protesting would have some influence in Washington,
but it didn't. Its clear, these oil/fuel reps and etc have no concern for the middle working class American's. Also, we tried, with a single day protest when nobody would buy gas on a specific day, and it proved nothing, because too many didn't take it seriously and went to the pump instead.

Its coming to this....since its apparent theres no legit resolve in the near future.
The recession will hit harder and Americans may see the rationing of various items, products, services and resources.
Folks, this is only the beginning and this thing is gonna get bad really ugly before it gets better, and for the middle working class its NOT gonna get better.

Lets move on and start redefining what poor is and means, since many of us may be forced that way due to the lack of our leadership in this country.

[CharvelRocker]

To expand on another post:

That's what I've been saying. If they had spent the money into energy research&development instead of a war, it would've been much more efficient. Bush doesn't want to upset the oil companies, I guess..

Just like the president has complete power right? They're all being fed by the oil companies, but that is for another topic. Part of the reason our own people are starving is because we send more aid money and help to other countries than we do our own. But I guess it's not politically correct to bring that up, so let's bash NASA instead.

We help people overseas more than we help ourselves anymore to try and salvage our image. So when our own people suffer, we'll still be shipping help to others. I have nothing against helping other countries. But we've given better help and response to other countries disasters than we have our own as of late.

Next, Congress is busy screwing around with Steroids and Spygate while gas hits $4 a gallon. Why? Because they are a bunch of wimps who don't want to tackle the real issues or ones that could hurt them. If they attack the oil companies, it hurts their pocket books. Even though everyone can agree it's absurd what they are doing, congress doesn't have the guts to get up and do anything.

[Ralph E.]

In my mind here's the deal...long post...sorry gang.

1. Yes, the working class is getting screwed and will continue to get screwed big time.
Why? As mentioned already in this thread, this country is going to two classes only rich and poor.

2. They will be no more middle/working class.
Why? To explain this in itself is like explaining an advance algebraic equation and only a few will understand it. Corporate America, global economics including big banks, shadow market and etc all are big players, all of which have their hands dirty and believe it or not, its ALL LINKED.

3. It matters not who will be the next 20 Presidents of this country.
The problem/s aren't isolated or specific to political parties.
No one person can point the finger and really be justified because the problem/s are way beyond any one certain political party affiliation, administration, majority of the floor and etc.

4. Yes, there will be another Katrina.
There will be another non-natural or natural disaster on American soil.
Its coming very soon.
It will serve THE devastating blow to America's already fragile/recession economy.
When it happens, America's vulnerability will be historical, other tragedy's will follow.
Yes, gas prices will soar without question and that will break the back of the middle class people. The middle class will collapse under such an event/conditions.
Were barely hanging on as it is.

5. Better American fuel efficient vehicles...?
Sorry, but thats a joke to me and its honestly too late.
This isn't the plant workers and engineer's fault.
Its goes above all these folks.
Even so, the damage is done and will continue because we waited to long to address our energy and oil problems in the American Automotive industry.

The working class wages aren't the best these days.
Meaning, cost of living, fuel prices and nearly every thing else is going up
and the working class is still making what they use to in the last 15+ years.
So no, the middle working class these days aren't making a good living anymore.

With that said, not too many American middle class people/families are going to be able to finance and then afterward afford the weekly fuel on one of these American fuel efficient vehiclesthat are yet to come.

This is why the statistics of the last several years are self explanatory.
Many are buying used vehicles with extended warranty. Its more practical and affordable to the middle class people. Thats why new cars are just setting on lots. Folks test drive them but usually never buy them. One cannot adequately Market and sale cars based on regional and geographical consensus. In other words, the rich bracket can't buy enough vehicles to sustain the economy, whether their fuel prices are pocket change to them or not.

Lets say it alittle differently.
When your sending a child or children to High School and College, throw the cost of living, fuel prices, failing economics and politics into the equation.
No! I can't afford a new vehicle BUT I can afford a used vehicle with low miles and extended warranty. I will most definitely be much more reserve with my spending.

6. Drilling and finding alternate resources and fuel on America soil?
Good luck with that. Since the environmentalist's have this baby locked up tight.
It sad, when the government knows we are in an emergency situation and yet, can't do a thing about it because these environmentalist groups got it locked and wrapped tight. Next time your in a conversation with a tree hugger, remember its these type of people with their views about the environment, that we can't drill and at the mercy of the Saudis. Next time you see the drummer for the Eagles (Don Henley environmentalist activist) on Charlie Rose speaking against drilling for oil/fuel, remember not to buy their records. These environmentalist lawyers are getting paid wonderfully to protect and ensure these groups interests.
Do you really want a tree hugger/environmentalist as President..."Gore."
Anybody with any sense knows better or should.

My solution:
The way the system is designed today, although a "Boston Tea Party Revolt" would be the perfect solution, it won't happen as it should.
American society is very different today. We are to much of a political, economical, religiously correct driven society. It sounds good, but has major flaws as we are seeing, as this thread is discussing in part.

We are global, were (Amercia) not a single entity anymore.
That changes everything from economics, politics all the way to our wages.
We don't have leaders that can serve in this capacity.
The demands to are too much for what leaders we have now and even in the future.
We as constituents can't really grasp (advance algebraic equation mentioned earlier) the effect this "global" change has on our Society.

There is a reason why there will never be an additional official recognized independent party in American society, that will have influence. We need something to reinstate, bring back the check and balances in legislation, the House and Senate, because the Democrat's and Republican's have failed miserably this part of their service to American society.

Honestly, I thought the Truckers protesting would have some influence in Washington,
but it didn't. Its clear, these oil/fuel reps and etc have no concern for the middle working class American's. We tried, with a single day protest when nobody would buy gas on a specific day, and it proved nothing, because too many didn't take it seriously and went to the pump.

Its coming to this....since its apparent theres no resolve in the near future.
The recession will hit harder and Americans may see the rationing of various items, products, services and resources.
Folks, this only the beginning this thing is gonna get bad really ugly before it gets better, and for the middle working class its NOT gonna get better.

Lets move on and start redefining what poor is and means since many of us may be forced that way by our lack of leadership in this country.

Wow, excellent post. I agree with every word.

I have been saying for a few years now that America is headed for a major downfall.

History always repeats itself, and EVERY empire in history has fallen. Our time has begun, and I am very sad for all of us who are caught in it.

[OnlineStageGear]

n my mind here's the deal...long post...sorry gang.

6. Drilling and finding alternate resources and fuel on America soil?
Good luck with that. Since the environmentalist's have this baby locked up tight.
It sad, when the government knows we are in an emergency situation and yet, can't do a thing about it because these environmentalist groups got it locked and wrapped tight. Next time your in a conversation with a tree hugger, remember its these type of people with their views about the environment, that we can't drill and at the mercy of the Saudis. Next time you see the drummer for the Eagles (Don Henley environmentalist activist) on Charlie Rose speaking against drilling for oil/fuel, remember not to buy their records. These environmentalist lawyers are getting paid wonderfully to protect and ensure these groups interests.
Do you really want a tree hugger/environmentalist as President..."Gore."
Anybody with any sense knows better or should.

You are soo correct it isn't even funny. There are known pockets of natural gas here in the US which could heat our homes for the next 100 years. There are estimates on the amount of oil we have in the ground here in the US which could cut out demand on foriegn oil by over 1/2. We also haven't built a nuclear power plant in over 30 years. I am all for a clean environment but something here has got to change.

[SEEGERMANY]

There are known pockets of natural gas here in the US which could heat our homes for the next 100 years.

Do a Google search on the Haynesville Shale here in Louisiana. It's estimated that it may be the largest natural gas field in history. Land is being leased in my neck of the woods for astronomical amounts. DeSoto Parish is gonna be slap dab full of Jed Clampetts by this time next year.

[jacksoncsplayer]

In my mind here's the deal...long post...sorry gang.

1. Yes, the working class is getting screwed and will continue to get screwed big time.
Why? As mentioned already in this thread, this country is going to two classes only rich and poor.

2. They will be no more middle/working class.
Why? To explain this in itself is like explaining an advance algebraic equation and only a few will understand it. Corporate America, global economics including big banks, shadow market and etc all are big players, all of which have their hands dirty and believe it or not, its ALL LINKED.

3. It matters not who will be the next 20 Presidents of this country.
The problem/s aren't isolated or specific to political parties.
No one person can point the finger and really be justified because the problem/s are way beyond any one certain political party affiliation, administration, majority of the floor and etc.

4. Yes, there will be another Katrina.
There will be another non-natural or natural disaster on American soil.
Its coming very soon.
It will serve THE devastating blow to America's already fragile/recession economy.
When it happens, America's vulnerability will be historical, other tragedy's will follow.
Yes, gas prices will soar without question and that will break the back of the middle class people. The middle class will collapse under such an event/conditions.
Were barely hanging on as it is.

5. Better American fuel efficient vehicles...?
Sorry, but thats a joke to me and its honestly too late.
This isn't the plant workers and engineer's fault.
Its goes above all these folks.
Even so, the damage is done and will continue because we waited to long to address our energy and oil problems in the American Automotive industry.

The working class wages aren't the best these days.
Meaning, cost of living, fuel prices and nearly every thing else is going up
and the working class is still making what they use to in the last 15+ years.
So no, the middle working class these days aren't making a good living anymore.

With that said, not too many American middle class people/families are going to be able to finance and then afterward afford the weekly fuel on one of these American fuel efficient vehiclesthat are yet to come.

This is why the statistics of the last several years are self explanatory.
Many are buying used vehicles with extended warranty. Its more practical and affordable to the middle class people. Thats why new cars are just setting on lots. Folks test drive them but usually never buy them. One cannot adequately Market and sale cars based on regional and geographical consensus. In other words, the rich bracket can't buy enough vehicles to sustain the economy, whether their fuel prices are pocket change to them or not.

Lets say it alittle differently.
When your sending a child or children to High School and College, throw the cost of living, fuel prices, failing economics and politics into the equation.
No! I can't afford a new vehicle BUT I can afford a used vehicle with low miles and extended warranty. I will most definitely be much more reserve with my spending.

6. Drilling and finding alternate resources and fuel on America soil?
Good luck with that. Since the environmentalist's have this baby locked up tight.
It sad, when the government knows we are in an emergency situation and yet, can't do a thing about it because these environmentalist groups got it locked and wrapped tight. Next time your in a conversation with a tree hugger, remember its these type of people with their views about the environment, that we can't drill and at the mercy of the Saudis. Next time you see the drummer for the Eagles (Don Henley environmentalist activist) on Charlie Rose speaking against drilling for oil/fuel, remember not to buy their records. These environmentalist lawyers are getting paid wonderfully to protect and ensure these groups interests.
Do you really want a tree hugger/environmentalist as President..."Gore."
Anybody with any sense knows better or should.

My solution:
The way the system is designed today, although a "Boston Tea Party Revolt" would be the perfect solution, it won't happen as it should.
American society is very different today. We are to much of a political, economical, religiously correct driven society. It sounds good, but has major flaws as we are seeing, as this thread is discussing in part.

We are global, were (Amercia) not a single entity anymore.
That changes everything from economics, politics all the way to our wages.
We don't have leaders that can serve in this capacity.
The demands to are too much for what leaders we have now and even in the future.
We as constituents can't really grasp (advance algebraic equation mentioned earlier) the effect this "global" change has on our Society.

There is a reason why there will never be an additional official recognized independent party in American society, that will have influence. We need something to reinstate, bring back the check and balances in legislation, the House and Senate, because the Democrat's and Republican's have failed miserably this part of their service to American society.

Honestly, I thought the Truckers protesting would have some influence in Washington,
but it didn't. Its clear, these oil/fuel reps and etc have no concern for the middle working class American's. We tried, with a single day protest when nobody would buy gas on a specific day, and it proved nothing, because too many didn't take it seriously and went to the pump.

Its coming to this....since its apparent theres no resolve in the near future.
The recession will hit harder and Americans may see the rationing of various items, products, services and resources.
Folks, this only the beginning this thing is gonna get bad really ugly before it gets better, and for the middle working class its NOT gonna get better.

Lets move on and start redefining what poor is and means since many of us may be forced that way by our lack of leadership in this country.

One of the best posts ever! Wow.

[mjtripper]

After a quick search: Crude oil began futures trading on the NYMEX in 1983 and is the most heavily traded commodity.