[lepton]

The oil companies or more of a drain on the American economy than an asset because they drive up the costs for almost every other business in the country.

Ummm. They drive down costs. ...Otherwise we'd be doing those things that cost us less.

...Or is there some mandated program that requires you to buy gas for the heck of it?

[stockstrader]

Exactly. Our oil companies compete in WORLD markets. They most certainly DO drive DOWN costs.

What does he think would happen if we didn't have a capitalist system in the oil markets....and let our GOVERNMENT find, drill, refine and deliver our oil?

I'm sure we would have more oil and cheaper gas right? (sarcasm-off)

[Naptowne]

Please rephrase that comment so it makes sense and explain to me how high gasoline prices don't drive up the expenses of other businesses. Tell Dow Chemical or homebuilders that high gasoline prices are driving down the cost to do business.