[wayoverontheright]

I'm actually concerned about this because I wouldn't be surprised if the US is somehow behind the falling oil prices, for the express purpose of hurting the Russians and Putin.

I think you are ascribing much more power to the US (Obama) to do this than it actually has.

Crude oil is a world market, and Obama has done everything he could to make fossil fuels more expensive, not less. It's all happening because:

1-The strength of the US dollar, because as bad as our economy is, it is better relative to other nations. Strong dollar means it takes less of them to buy a commodity.

2-US domestic oil extraction is booming because of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling tech advances. More supply. Lots more. We can thank private property laws, Obama simply can't do anything about it. Yet.

3-Other countries affected by the low prices are pumping all they can to balance budget.

[elhombrelibre]

I believe you’re misdirected your comment to me, FRiend.