[Fishrrman]

Rockinright wrote:
At this point, I don't care if it's price gouging, market forces, lack of refining capacity...or a combination of all of the above...all I know is I am sick of paying $3 a gallon for gas...

$4.00 per gallon gas (it's already $3.35 and climbing at some places around here) and shortages to boot, are going to lead to a Democratic takeover of Congress this November.

It DOESN'T MATTER how much rhetoric a few Freepers are going to extoll regarding the concept of "free markets". It doesn't matter one whit

With ever-increasing gas prices that literally zoom up nightly, facts becomes useless. What matters more is "public perception".

And right now the perception is that the prices and shortages are due - at least in part - to the greed of the energy producers (look that that Exxon retirement package!), speculators who run rampant and unregulated, and the inability (or unwillingness) of the President and his party to do anything about it.

For example, the current "ethanol imbroglio" could be ended immediately - by an executive order suspending the EPA-mandated ethanol switchover requirements. After the executive order was in place, the Repbulican-controlled Congress (our side still "controls" Congress, right?) could expedite legislation to restrict or perhaps end outright "botique blends" of gasoline in favor of a few "regional" blends that can be produced more efficiently and cheaply, reducing price-pressure on refinery products and maximizing production "throughput" at our refineries.

My bet is the Congress and President will do next-to-nothing, or just plain _nothing_ as prices zoom up and actual shortages ensue (as they are occuring RIGHT NOW). Of course, President Bush will take a moment to express his "concern" about high gas prices, and then go on to other business (derisive snort).

We'll have $4 a gallon by fall, perhaps $5.

And a Democratic Congress, to boot!

- John

[RockinRight]

What exactly do you propose they do?

We need more refining capacity, less regulation/EPA BS, and the ability to drill for our own oil. Is that what you're thinking?

[Rutles4Ever]

At $4.00 a gallon, those of us who own SUV's are paying $100 a tank. I stupidly allowed my wife to talk me into getting one in 2003. Gave up the relatively fuel efficient Honda Accord. We're a one car family, but $400 a month for gas is going to hurt -- and aside from the car payment, we're debt free!

[Lunatic Fringe]

Be-ver-ly Hills... that's where I want to be...

[steveegg]

Under that scenario, prepare for $6-$7/gallon gas by the 2008 elections.

[redgolum]

We'll have $4 a gallon by fall, perhaps $5. And a Democratic Congress, to boot!

Swiftly followed by impeachment and war crime trials.

[The Foolkiller]

$4.00 per gallon gas (it's already $3.35 and climbing at some places around here) and shortages to boot, are going to lead to a Democratic takeover of Congress this November.

It DOESN'T MATTER how much rhetoric a few Freepers are going to extoll regarding the concept of "free markets". It doesn't matter one whit

---

Yep. Dead on. I've said the exact same thing here for months, and been called a communist for saying something's got to be done. Incidentally, they have NEVER responded or commented on the public voting their wallets and causing a dem takeover. Never. Most interesting.