[ZULU]

If gasoline costs continue to rise, people who earn less money will only be able to spend it on necessities - and gas to get to work.

The ripple effect will adversely impact all other kinds of businesses.

The rise in diesel fuel will cause the price of commodities to rise even further, resulting in even lower consumption.


There are few other commodities out there which impact so many other industries as energy costs.

The economy right now looks pretty good, but in the long run picture, unless energy prices drop to a reasonable level, is not an optimistic one.

And in the eyes of investors, perception is almost the reality anyway.

[Dane]

The economy right now looks pretty good, but in the long run picture, unless energy prices drop to a reasonable level, is not an optimistic one

Actually current high energy prices is good for the long run for it will allow domestic and reliable energy sources to be competitive and developed.

That's of course if the envirowhackos don't have their way, which it seems they are with you, with your constant bashing of the President.

[Owen]

I wouldn't sweat it. There was a phenomenom called "Clinton Fatigue" in his last years in office and I suspect it's arriving early for Bush -- because he was actually visibly doing something for his terms that was useful to the country, rather than to Monica.

I wouldn't sweat this one iota. I have seen no evidence at all this is affecting the November election, nor will it if we carefully concentrate on the districts that are vulnerable with cash and volunteer time.

If you want to obsess over illegals, then find the vulnerable districts with a strongly pro Border Control GOP candidate.

[Baklava]

It doesn't matter how well the stock market does or how low unemployment goes. Most people judge the state of the economy by their own personal household budget which is being hit hard by rising gas prices.