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I guess I might as well say this to you as anyone, but has anyone considered that there are Americans employed in the American (domestic) oil industry?

That we hang in there during some abysmally tough times and are only in times like this making a decent living?

That we buy durable goods, when we can afford them, or that the industry uses incredible amounts of steel, construction equipment, and fleets of vehicles?

No, I didn't think so.

I hope prices never collapse (again). That is a big part of the reason we are dependant on foreign oil.

As for those of you who have fled city living but drive for two hours to work in one, that is your choice. No one guaranteed anyone cheap fuel.

Sure, I know that some people are employed by oil companies. Most aren't, but some are. Most of my hatred for the industry is for OPEC nations who keep oil in short supply in order to drive up prices. But if you want to talk about the companies themselves, fine. I'm sure you do buy a lot of materials. But that pales in comparison to what the high price of energy is going to do to the economy eventually. Also, these energy prices are crippling people in my area. It's not just gasoline, it's natural gas, too. We have seen our bills more than double since 2000. People I know keep their houses in the mid 60s all winter long. True, I live in an area that's not well off. It's a small town. Most of us live there because the house prices are much lower than the city and there's not much crime. But we still have to work there. It might be a choice, but it's one that we have no control over.

So yes, I would like to see the fossil fuel cartel of nations rendered powerless by a cheaper fuel that is readily available. I'm sure the oil companies are profiteering, but I don't have a problem with capitalism. And I won't have a problem when the market comes up with an alternative that sends the oil industry down the tubes.