[CMAC51]

But the oil companies are killing this country economically for their own greed.

As long as you use the oil companies as the scapegoat, you will not be part of the solution. The oil companies are just a creation of capitalism providing necessary goods and services at the highest price the consumer is willing to pay. It is called supply and demand and that is what economics is all about. If you want to fix the problem, it will be those evil oil companies that drill for new oil. It will be those evil oil companies that build the refineries and pipelines. The enemy is not the oil companies, they will supply all of the product they can as long as it is profitable.

The real enemy is whoever or whatever artificially restricts the supply of oil, gas, or other forms of consumable energy. Let them drill, let them build refineries, build Nuke plants, build hydroelectric projects and the cost of energy will fall. Focus on the problem, not the people who will really be part of the solution.

[TheForceOfOne]

You're right. People pay fortunes for rare art, cars, etc.. but of supply and demand. The more common an item the lower the cost.

Drill drill drill....now.

[right wing]

You explained it so well. Thanks!

[southlake_hoosier]

The oil companies would be able to expand their oil production, but why should they?

Every other big business throws money at Congress to get what they want. If they really wanted to expand their drilling all they would have to do is throw some money towards Congress to support their position (lobbying).

But, why would they? If everything stays the same they just make money, and don't have to spend a dime.

I know that the oil companies are not spending.

I agree, lets start drilling, build nuke plants, whatever.

If I remember right, the bill that gives the oil companies billions of dollars does not include opening up new areas to drill, so where is the new oil going to come from?

I also seen that Wal-Mart is donating $1M towards the effort. They don't have to do that, and I am sure they can afford more. But, I don't care, they made the gesture.

Let's see the oil industry do the same. Say, hey we don't want to profit from other Americans misfortunes. They got billions of oil welfare coming their way. They don't need it from fellow struggling Americans right now.