[oceanview]

its a simple political reality. and Bush doesn't help himself by seeming to be disenaged about the topic - he never speaks about it, and when the administration does, they basically say that there isn't anything that they can do.

I have said it many times - open the strategic reserve and sell oil from it to US refiners at $42 per bbl. Then go sign a contract with the new iraqi government to replace those reserves at $40 per bbl, the $2 spread being spun politically as "war reparations". That will play politically, because americans expected an improved oil supply situation as part of the iraqi war. once the speculators and hedge funds see this move, they will start dumping their positions - and the $12-15 component of the price that is due to speculation can be driven from the market.

[demkicker]

I have said it many times - open the strategic reserve and sell oil from it to US refiners at $42 per bbl. Then go sign a contract with the new iraqi government to replace those reserves at $40 per bbl, the $2 spread being spun politically as "war reparations". That will play politically, because americans expected an improved oil supply situation as part of the iraqi war. once the speculators and hedge funds see this move, they will start dumping their positions - and the $12-15 component of the price that is due to speculation can be driven from the market.

By George, you may be onto something hear with your idea! Someone needs to wake up the Bush administration. Afterall, they're going to get blamed anyway so they may as well TRY to help out us consumers.