Topic of the Day: A Rant
Posted 12 weeks 4 days ago byThe continuing rants blaming liberals for the high price of oil are wonderful pieces of literature. Right, the oil man president and his oil man vice, took power when oil was $20 a barrel, and by running this country the way they ran their companies, it is now almost $140. Progress.
And in all the talk about the speculators and the Hummers and the gas tax rebate and China and India, nobody ever mentions that we started a war to get cheap oil, and now oil is up 700 % and rising. Good thing the Arabs are too dumb to buy low and sell high, and too ignorant of Holy Capitalism to corner the market and drive us into bankruptcy. Bin Laden said that was what he was going to do, and now it’s happening. What a coincidence.
And Bushco is enabling that progress, for a few cents commission on the dollar. The vote on the Windfall Oil Profits Tax exposed what a sham our government is. We are paying the oil companies subsidies, I heard 170 billion dollars, so they can fuck us over, and the Republicans cheer, and block any palliative measures.
Basic economics; Every drop of oil the Saudis keep underground is gaining value every day. The less they actually sell, the more the rest is worth. The more money they make, the more they can corner the market.
Basic strategy; The US Military uses up one third of all the oil we can obtain. If we didn’t have that oil, we would not have a military.
Basic Geopolitics; We produce one third of our oil consumption. We get another third from this hemisphere, and the last third from Moslem lands and Nigeria. If we lost the third from Africa and Arabia, we would have to cut our civilian consumption in half to fed the military.
If we have to do that, we can blame the Damn Liberals, who have been out of power for eight years, for that too. Other choices? We will still have nuclear subs, we could nuke Arabia, and try to run on radioactive oil. Might look a little callous, perhaps.
I say drill ANWAR, and the Coastal Shelf, suck every drop of oil out of the ground, and then when that still doesn't help, then maybe the grownups can get to work on alternative energy.
And when Fort Worth falls into a sinkhole we can blame that on the evil liberals too.
Until then, we can just rename this country the United Slaves of Exxon or USX for short. We will need a new anthem however. How about “See the USX, in your Slaverolet?”
Hummm… Needs a little polish, I think.
Thoughts
Make a difference - cheap and easy
Submitted on June 28th, 2008 by John 2000http://bestclicknow.net/CarOnWater4Gas/i...
I think that we often are
Submitted on June 16th, 2008 by John 2000I think that we often are prone to forget, or to ever really become fully aware of, the tumultuous, cantankerous, and precipitous history by which this nation has come to find itself so typically immersed in a tumultuous, cantankerous, and precipitous moment. This is the rule rather than the exception, and it is a rule that extends well beyond our government, our laws, our borders, and our identities. Someone show me some time or place where tranquility, fairness, and reason were the inarguable rule. Show me were this mythical time and place even really existed in this nation whose hope has always been 'in order to form a more perfect union'. By definition alone, it is impossible to be more perfect, but I guess 'better' union wasn't impressive enough when there wasn't really union to begin with.
I offer that the times have always been perilous for this Nation, no less before and no less after Lincoln cemented it as a Nation rather than a federation of states. We have always heretofore managed to take the necessary steps through and from the peril at hand and onto the next one. It is probable that 'we' can do it again, but things are never the same as they were before. Quite often the recorded memory of the steps do not jive with the actual steps. There is seldom agreement about even the 'facts' and descriptions before, during, or after the critical moments come and go.
At such critical moments, as the heel of the foot has finally determined that this is where we are, then subsequent decisions tend to follow quickly in succession out of necessity. Politicians and historians then go about the business of translation and rationalization. Usually, the basic choice consists of compromise AND conflict. I don't think you have one without the other, as compromise leads to conflict and conflict leads to compromise.
This energy thing is a big deal no doubt, but we have survived worse situations. It is simply time to take the necessary steps to get past it. Blame games and 24/7 fire drills of tortured egos and entrenched demagoguery will not expedite any sort of short or long term resolution. It is a time when pragmatic actions now will allay the compromises so they do not lead to greater conflicts. If the congress continues to fail to provide the necessary actions now, then the peril of the coming steps could rapidly swallow the Nation, lock, stock, and barrel.
LOL
Submitted on June 16th, 2008 by PabloMe a praetorian?
In a sense I guess I am. In others no I am not.
It really depends on how you define it which was the point. You can define it in a good light or a bad light.
I see my self standing up protecting the ideals of America. In that way I am a praetorian. But for me to be a group of men who do evil and kill the leader then no I am not.
Like I said I found it amusing to on this debate about definition because both definitions are correct and no winner can be had!
so are you pablo and
Submitted on June 16th, 2008 by wishnevskyso are you pablo and praetorian too?
Wow
Submitted on June 16th, 2008 by PabloAn argument over who has the better historical definition as both villians and heros from history are being defined.
Nice to know I am fully read too.
Screen names are not always what they seem. But that is another rant for another day!
I know what i am talking
Submitted on June 16th, 2008 by wishnevskyI know what i am talking about. I referred to the Emperors, Agustus being the first. I haven't looked it up but was not Caligula carried to the thrown on the shoulders of his Praetorians? I specifically had the later Emperors in mind, that were raised and deposed, even assassinated by the Legions or the Praetorians. Caligula was one of the assassinated ones.
The Senate, which i referenced existed until the fall of Rome, perhaps longer, although it had a religious as well as a political power. As time went on, its political power diminished, but its social and religious power was maintained.
I read that Constantine I dissolved the Praetorian Guard.
My point, however was that Andrew Jackson was perhaps a democrat, or at least a demagogue, but scarcely one to quote on the checks and balances required under the American Constitution.
He is my least favorite President, and the first of the "Dictators" in the Roman sense to inflict themselves on our country. Unlike Lincoln or FDR, and very like Nixon and Bush, he seized power and trampled the Constitution with a created crisis, unlike the Civil War or WWII.
Ignoring his profound personal problems, homicidal temper, probable impotence, tendency to genocide and total disdain for the rule of law, he was just generally creepy, IMHO.
And i must say that all the rationalizations for ignoring the Supreme Court have as much basis as the contention that the Federal Income Tax is illegal and one has no obligation to pay.
Your are right and wrong
Submitted on June 15th, 2008 by praetorianI actually agree with the basic premise of oil dependence and demand you explained here.
With that said - You are wrong about my screename. For one it sounded nice so ease up on the ad hominem attack to an educated discourse. Second, the Praetorian Guard was created by Augustus , the first emperor, to cement his power. The Republic had long been dead then since Caesar. Personally I think Cato was the best hero of all Rome but his name didn't sound as cool since the OJ trial. LOL
yea I read pablo
Submitted on June 13th, 2008 by AnonymousI find what he writes a little off color but then that is interesting too.
I have actually went to the links he provides in some of his blogs and have gone to the library here at USC to read a couple of the books and papers he listed.
What I found is that pablo does tell the truth as discusting and unashamed as it is.
Ben in LA
look
Submitted on June 13th, 2008 by John 2000Wiz does not drink or do drugs or anything like that. We've already been through this weeks or months ago.
He even announced 'rant' as part of the title.
Anan.You read Pablo?
Submitted on June 13th, 2008 by rom12921My guess is people see the name and the 2-page minimum and decide - not worth the read.
Interesting
Submitted on June 13th, 2008 by AnonymousI noticed that Pablo wrote something kinda of offensive to the bloggers here. yet no one noticed. I think that is kind of funny.
Wiskey must have been drunk and read only the first few lines. Now I understand pablo's rant. Thus I do not think I am one of the stupid bloggers here that he was addressing.
Re; MBA's. In the contrary,
Submitted on June 12th, 2008 by wishnevskyRe; MBA's. In the contrary, i think the "disinterested management" theory is one of the worst things ever to happen to this poor country. Make the worker the enemy, cut any corner, sleaze any product to keep the stock price up, golden parachutes for incompetent managers, and so on.
You will note the Paul Allen, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, the people who made a lot of money on innovation, were hands on managers and owners.
They are also amazingly generous philanthropists and social engineers, pretty damn liberal, even beyond liberal in some cases. And they are dicks in business, as they should be. But unlike the Republican money managers, they use money as a source of energy, not as a way of keeping score in some insane game of consumption.
Paul Allen Museum, finances SETI and radio telescopy, and the private space program, just for example. Bill Gates is the largest philanthropist in the history of the world.
Since 1968 only 12 yrs
Submitted on June 12th, 2008 by rom12921Since 1968 only 12 yrs Democrat Pres, but 34 years Demoncrat Congress.
"...scandal after scandal, investment bubble after investment bubble, swindle after swindle..." I thought you were talking Rep. Admin, not President Clinton.
Ironically, Obama may be the eventually help Conservatives. To combat Obama's domestic agenda, opposition will have to articulate why Socialism won't work and abandon Socialism-Lite McCain.
Let me raise an insignificant objection to painting MBA's with the broad King George brush.
Lalalalalala another five
Submitted on June 12th, 2008 by wishnevskyLalalalalala another five thousand words on how evil Democrats are..
Tell me, was all that wickedness accomplished during the Mondale or the Dukakis Administrations?
Since 1968, forty years ago, there have been 12 years of Demonic... I mean Democratic presidency.
We had the Imperial Presidency of Nixon, The New Morning In America of Reagan, the Read My Lips, No New Taxes of King Bush I, and the Compassionate MBA-hood of King George the II. Disaster after disaster,war after war, treason after treason, scandal after scandal, investment bubble after investment bubble, swindle after swindle. Some people saw a pattern here after a few decades.
That dog won't hunt any more, buddy. It needs a rest.
Bush or not Bush is the question or is it?
Submitted on June 12th, 2008 by PabloMost of those who hate Bush think that all the problems today are Bush'e fault.
The truth is that that is not true. However, Bush made some very bad choices and listened to some very bad associates which he had brought into his administration.
Clinton was also a bad president and to be honest, a mush worse president on the whole than Bush.
Bush Sr. was worse than Clinton.
Then you have Reagan who was a good president only because America was so trashed by Carter who is known and will most likely always be known as the worst president in American history!
The reality is that the American people and most of those who bash Bush have absolutely no clue about how the American Government works and what each Branch of the government is supposed to do!
Lets have a little education period here that you should copy and e-mail to your friends and family because ignorance about government is why America is suffering and why America is in the trash can!
The three Banches of our Government are:
1. President: Roll is oversight of the USA whose primary responsibility is to handle foreign Affairs, Treaties and National Emergencies. The president's secondary job is oversight of Congress by a check and balance of Congress's roll of domestic policy and Domestic laws which govern the economy, Law Enforcement and deal with disputes on a national scale that may become disputes between states or interfere with trade and commerce. This oversight is done through the process of either a veto or signing the bill into law, or allowing a bill to become law by nonaction. Thus the president's only link to domestic policy is through ratification of bills or vetoing what Congress sends to the office of President. The president can not write or enforce any domestic bill to the congress.
The last roll of the president is to select cabinate positions to run the various offices of the government, appoint Federal Judges and review the conduct of the Judiciary Branch to ensure that Judges are following the Constitution. This last one, no President since Jackson has challenged the judgement of the Judges who have been appointed to their jobs.
2. Congress: Roll of Congress is to write laws or to abolish laws that are no longer needed or improper as times change. These laws and policies are specifically over domestic issues which directly effect the citizens of the Country. Thus Congress makes laws which controls the domestic economy, commerce and trade between states and deal with domestic tranquility by introducing and passing laws which deal with law enforcement, economy and trade or business within the USA.
Congress is responsible for introducing and passing taxes and a budget which allows for the government to fulfill its responsibilities to the citizens. Thus Congress is responsible primarily for domestic issues of the USA.
Secondary congress is charged with oversight of domestic problems and issues which threaten the general status of the country as a whole. These are known as congressional hearings or subcommitees.
Third, Congress's roll is to have checks and balance with the office of the presidency as to whom the president appoints to various positions in the government to ensure that those appointees are qualified be they for cabinate positions, Agency Positions or Federal Justice appointments. They also are responsible to ratify treaties that the president has conducted and tentively agreed with other countries as well as provide oversight to declaration of war or other issues which the president does in the Foreign Arena which is the primary roll of the presidency.
Lastly, Congress is responsible for self cleaning of improper behavior of any member of government. This is the roll of impeachment be they congress, senator, President, Federal Judge or any employee of the Federal government.
This is one job the congress has failed and only use as a political attack tool rather than what its supposed to be used for.
3. Judicial: Federal Judges and the Supreme court are charged with interpretation of laws and disputes as they apply to the constitution.
If any law or dispute is not properly defined by the laws or lacking in the constitution, then the judges are to rule that there is no law or prohabition against the parties in question. IF there is a conflict, the roll of the Judicial is to point out the problem and refer this problem to congress for correction.
However the lack of oversight by both the president and congress over the Judicial branch has led to severe breakdown and have allowed for assumed laws to be considered real applied laws. There are several assumed laws which people take for granted but are not actual laws.
Example: Miranda warning is not law. Its an assumed law. Not all states have the Miranda warning as a matter of law and the Federal Government has not passed a law specifically dealing with the Miranda warning issue.
Rowe V Wade is another assumed law because it only stated that certain issues were unconsitutional. But right of choice is not a right by law. Its just assumed right because congress has not passed any laws which dealt with why Rowe v Wade was unconsitutional.
The whole point of this post is to make it as clear as possible here. If you hate how things in America are specifically the economy, loss of jobs or quality of life, then elect better representatives to congress!
If you want better foreign policies or better treaties or other issues on the foreign arena then elect the better president who is better at foreign policy!
If you hate how the judicial branch is acting, then its an issue of both the president and congress who represents you to conduct proper oversight.
The real problems in America is that Americans are just plain stupid when it comes to understanding how their own government works.
This is made extremely clear and obvious during this election for president and even by most of the bloggers here! The truth is if people want to fix jobs, the economy, the environment, lower the price of oil, have alternative fuels and make the over all life you have better, THEN FIRE WHO REPRESENTS YOU IN CONGRESS AND ELECT PEOPLE WHO WILL ACTUALLY DO THE JOB THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO DO!
If you want better foreign policy and better protection from the crazies of the world, then elect the right person for president.
Its time that Americans get it that the president has very little input other than foreign trade and treaties which effect the domestic economy, jobs and general business in America.
Yea the president can demand that his vision and policy are the right path. But the real power in America is with Congress! Its why its so important to know whom you actually elect to represent you be it city council, State representatives or US Congress both senate and House members.
The problem is that the common America has been either too blind or too dumb to realize who actually runs the American Country. Congress controls all domestic policies and runs what bills and laws are to be put before the president. But if the president is weak or not very good, then you get what we have today. Bad government all around.
So if you are hoping Obama as president will fix the economy, then the sad truth is that you are very dumb and I have ocean side property in Arizona that I want to sell you!
Its congress who controls domestic policy as its primary roll. The president only either rubber stamps the congressional policy or objects to it. Even then Congress can over rule the president and still pass laws.
But congress can not engage in Making treaties or engaging in Foreign policy. To do so is an act of sedition and there is a penalty of impeachment or charge of treason for congressional people who do it. Pelosi by going to Syria for example could have landed her in jail for treason or congress could have held an impeachment trial.
The point is that if people want better jobs, higher quality wages, better economy, and higher standard of life, then they have to elect better representation to congress at both the state and federal level.
If you want to be safe from the crazies of the world and want better foreign policies then elect the president which better serves that purpose.
IF your upset with Federal Judges, then elect either better representatives to congress who will actually oversight the judicial branch or a president who will also oversight the judicial branch.
Its time that government leaders and the people of America actually do better than the statis quo!
No we can't blame America
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by LibertyThat would require accepting personal responsibility. You are right in the aspect of 'we' should have listened to Carter. If you are referring to 'we' as citizens in general. Carter tried to make the public aware of the importance of the conservation of energy, but 'we' didnt listen. That is the point I had hoped to make with comparisons to the choice of cars Americans are accustomed to and that of other nations. The goverment isnt responsible for the fact we use energy in excess. No more than they can make someone recycle..do you really believe the average Joe would have been willing to purchase an electric car 20 years ago?..The eighties didnt become known as the 'decade of excess' because 'we' were so concerned with conservation...I agree with the Officer at Watch metaphor, the timing was fortunate for Clinton, he was able to abandon a sinking ship. There have been obvious mistakes made in the Bush administration. But to place the blame solely on him?...One might say a snowball thrown at the WTC during Clinton's leadership became an avalanche that buried Bush...how is that for a metaphor ;-)
Americans should blame themselves as well...
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by Mercyphotographyat least 50% of them, for voting for the " guy they would want to have a beer with ". Having in the number one spot a man of average mental capacity ( if even) should not be an option for the only super power left, it is a recipe for disaster.
Some folks on the red part of this blog think and write that " Bush bashing" is old and so on and on. They put what they call " Bush haters " in the same bag.
Well not quite, I don't hate Bush, I have contempt for him; for his inconpetence, his arrogance, his stupidity.
George W. Bush is a very unfortunate accident in US history...with huge consequences for the rest of the world.
Ultimately Bush is a pathetic joke played on us for the past 8 years.
Decadent cultures make very
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by wishnevskyDecadent cultures make very few good choices. America is the culture that went from adolescence to senility without ever reaching maturity.
The American Century was from the Death of Lincoln to the Death of JFK. There was a book "Parkinson's Law" that said that when you reach the top, there is no place to go but down. A lesson no dominant culture has ever learned.
The reason i am a self employed luthier, is because my last three employers declared that they were "going to be number one in the industry." All three went bankrupt.
The word for this is hubris. The Republican Party, and our MBA President have been running on pure 100 octane hubris from day one.
I don't like it, but i recognize it when i see it.
when the ship sinks, it is
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by wishnevskywhen the ship sinks, it is the Officer of the Watch that has the responsibility. Bush and Cheney were so resolute in declaring that they were going to put the country on a business footing.
And they did. Bush made as big a failure of his presidency as he did of his other three businesses. This time the Saudis did not bail him out.
Did you read it? Do you know
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by wishnevskyDid you read it? Do you know the difference between a casual blog and a published work? Do you know the difference between history and sarcasm?
Why blame OPEC...
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by MercyphotographyNot just American issues but issues of supply and demand....basic market rule.
America should have listened to Jimmy Carter in the late 70's, the time to act was 30 years ago. But NO, what did we have instead, some other Presidents ( Reagan and Bush Sr.)... in the back pocket of the oil co. and the big 3 in Detroit.
20 years ago GM had an electric car ( on line), it was killed by one of the genius " forward " thinking CEO....probably another guy on the board of Texaco or the like.
Bottom line, we had too many idiots running the show for way too long( both in the public and private sectors) and we are now paying the price.
Direct your frustration in the approprate direction
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by LibertyHow is the Bush Administration the responsible party for all of this? I agree with the point made of 'Bin Laden being right on target'..just in a different context. The disaster of 9-11 didn't occur due to the Bush administration. He had been in office a mere 9 months and these attacks had been in the works for a few years. Wait, am I just imagining it or wasn't 9-11 the second attempt at bringing down the WTC. No I'm not,it was! Take the blinders off, the blame for all this is much deeper and much bigger than Bush. He is taking the downfall for numerous errors made and the poor judgement of many. The issue of oil and gas price as I pointed out are not just America's issues. It is a worldwide problem. There is a four letter word where blame should lie..it just isn't Bush,...it is OPEC.
English Composition 101.
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by charlesbaronWhat really needs polishing is your writing. Declaring Arabs,as in all Arabs, as dumb, and using cheap vulgarity as part of your rhetoric displays intellectual laziness. Didn't you author a book?
Better than a rant...a good argument.
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by MercyphotographyWell noted here, Bin Laden goal was to trigger a collapse of the US economy.
From a situation that could be a world wide depression on a large scale...it seems that Bin Laden was right on target, thanks to the incredible stupidity and incompetence of our current Administration.
As far as the GOP, I think the 3 letters should stand now for Greed Oil Power...as it does define Bush's era GOP's agenda and core support.
You know, you three of four
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by wishnevskyYou know, you three or four guys have such right and full fantasy lives. It's always the Liberals. Name a bill that Nancy Pelosi passed over Bush's veto. I think there was one, but not two.
The world has changed, and if you think there is going to be a conservative landslide this November, is is my sad duty to disabuse you of that notion.
Bush blew it. He destroyed the Republican party, and shamed the Conservative movement for a long time. I just heard that 30 right wing pastors were meeting with Obama. "Oh, we know he's a baby killing Muslim, but his heart is good?"
Horsepucky. They want to be on the winning side. And it's a shame. McCain is a real conservative and a pretty ok human being. You know, for being nuts and all.
And i just heard the weather man for Wisconsin describe the flooding as "unprecedented" Something about a hydrological event with no way of predicting the outcome.
I could have guessed that flooding in June is a little weird.
Back to oil. That whole deal is over. Over. If not now, then in a decade.
America the "only superpower?" Over. The Arabs are not scared of us any more. If we can't nuke them, they don't care.
We should be lucky if they just run us broke.
So now what?
You got all the answers, you tell me, and i'll write Nancy Pelosi.
America bad.
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by HamiltonRest of the world good; but the liberals will fix everything.
Just to name a few...
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by LibertyPortugal, United Kingdom, Japan, Korea, Germany, Norway, Austria, Croatia,...countries and nations affected by the global issue of increased demand for oil. They are paying much more for gas, and have been for years. With the mentality that the entire world revolves around America's issues it is easy to forget we still have it good compared to most others. How dare they demand oil when transportation such as the rickshaw is plenty good enough for them. Has anyone ever paid attention to the make and model of Japanese and European domestic cars?...The Japanese loved what Toyota did for them for more than one reason. They are compact for a reason. No Chevy Suburban or Chrysler Mini-van type models have ever been common place as everyday transportation in other countries. Get ready for the return of the Gremlin and Pinto :-0 The issue of high gas prices is here to stay. We are known world wide as the nation of excess for a reason.
Rom
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by PabloYou are correct. I agree.
Where was the original Republican of non involvement unless it came a knocking with the ideals of speak softly and carry a big stick which was an old time republican idea.
Now what do we have? Republicans looking like the Democrats.
The Democrats looking like the libertarians.
And the Libertarians looking like Marxist.
Its time for a new party to take up the cause of the people!
wishnevsky
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by PabloPrice of oil will continue to climb because there is no slowing of demand.
When America is competing for a limited supply the price will remain high or will climb. Thus the only way to remove the stress is to remove the demand on the world market.
Thus domestic production must be increased! A better solution is to replace the oil demand with alternative fuels thus it serves the same as reducing demand. Hydrogen by the way is the cheapest and cleanest alternative fuel out there. Its even cleaner than electric!
If America actually bit the bullet this year and went to alternative fuels and forced automakers to make Hydrogen powered cars and light trucks, then America would be free of foreign oil within 4 to 5 years. That is a fact!
Point B is true only when spending on the military exceeds 20% of the GNP.
Although that may be where America is going, we are still way below that figure. America uses 4% of the GNP on military. Compare that to other countries, America is less. But then America is the 3rd largest country on the planet and is number one when it comes to consumption and ecconomy.
America is suffering more under graft and pork than what America spends on the Military. Graft and pork represent 6% of the GNP. So its time to outlaw Lobbyist and special interest and get them out of the beltway!
not nice to point
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by rom12921point A: who knows, short-term guess -same or up
point B: see my blog. let's do the math.
We cannot afford to invade countries that might have WMD or slightly hostile in their rhetoric or uncooperative w/the UN or much else
Point A; You think the price
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by wishnevskyPoint A; You think the price is going to go down?
Point B; wouldn't be the first government gone broke supporting the military.
Rant in the Right place
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by PabloWhen the Democrats took over the congress two years ago the price of oil was $43 a barrel.
Since congress is responsible for domestic ecconomy and not the president then what should that tell ya!
Geez Rant on the right people! Its the Democratic controlled Congress that has held up real solutions for controling the price of oil.
I am a geologist and people will assume that I am for Big Oil or part of the Big Oil! The answer there is No!
But Big oil only gets 4 to 8% profit on the oil right now. But the problem of high oil costs lay at the feet of Democratic liberals and ignorant Republicans who can not find there own arse!
The Democratic control congress has been denying real solutions while posting some really ignorant and hugely moronic bills that are just stupid! Then they claim that they were trying to help the American Citizen while they were really trying to slit the throats of the average citizen they claimed they are helping.
I for one do not want that kind of help!
The problem. High oil prices are being driven by three factors.
1. Increasing world demand for oil.
2. No new production of oil domestically
3. No new legislation to deal with alternative fuels.
Adding a tax to the oil companies was an absolute moronic idiocy of the highest order. It would be of the kind which would destroy America if it would have passed. I am glad it did not!
Why? Because when you do windfall profits taxes of the likes which the democrats proposed, where will it end? Answer there is no end to it. After the oil company, then the technology sector then the industrials and so forth. Thus you have governments determining what is acceptable profits. Its an out of control RobinHood in Reverse where eventually the government steals from the people to fund itself.
I would have loved to seen just a bill to remove the subsidies from the oil companies. That would have been the best thing they could have done. Oil companies no longer needed those after the price of oil crossed $30 a barrel after the Oil crash of the 1980s when oil fell to $7 a barrel for a time.
The best way that congress can fix the oil price is to actually pass legislation requiring a change in fuel types and give those removed subsidies to other forms of alternative fuels like hydrogen fueled cars and light trucks and for Coal to oil technologies.
If America actually did that, then America would have a near free source of fuel and it would make America independent from foriegn oil. But the demand for oil will always be there because of plastics and other synthetics which require it.
America should also allow for drilling in ANWR to get at the million barrel a day reserves there as well as expanding production in the Alaskan National Petroleum reserve which is two times the size of ANWR!
Drilling off the coast in many places is also way better than not. 12 to 20 miles off the coast is far enough that it will not harm the view!
But its not the fault of the president about the price of Oil. I just wish Americans actually understood how the government actually works!
Congress controls domestic policies with the president having a checks and balance of a veto. But the president can only veto that which Congress puts on the president's desk.
So if the legislation is just plain bad and getting worse its really not the president's fault. Its congress! And its who is in control of congress!
Since the democrats took control of Congress, the price of oil has climbed from $43 a barrel to $141.80 a barrel as I write this. It will be over $150 a barrel before July 31st and will reach $200 by December 31st.
Thus I place the blame where the blame belongs on Congress! Specifically the Democrats who control what bills are put on the schedule and those same Ignorant Pelosi controlled morons are pushing to destroy the America we have!
Why did the Democrats place a bill to be voted on that would force America to give 2% of its GNP to 3rd world countries in addition to the aid we do now but not allow for meaningful bills or solutions which will help average Joe on Main Street USA?
Answer that one those who think that the democrats are blameless. Its a shell game that the democrats are playing! Blame the president for our mistakes or for doing nothing.
Blame the party in control of the white house for the Democratic screwing of America to the point that America is near death's door.
Its Congress you guys. Its both Democratic and Republican morons who have sold the American people up the river! Right now, the democrats are putting into effect the old Carter Strategy which was a failed policy and it destroyed the ecconomy in the late 1970s and led to banking, and industrial collapses of the early 1980s and forced businesses to leave America in the first place!
I have been saying this and repeating what Paul Madison has said. I heard today that McCain is now saying what I have posted some three months ago!
But the truth is McCain is part of the problem. He is a Senator thus a problem!
But when it comes to who will be the better president, then Unfortunately, there really is no choice. For the presidency is mainly about Foriegn relations and oversight and judgement.
Obama has no real judgement based on who he has attached himself to. After all, what kind of judgement does a man have when he knowingly associates, does business with, engage in partnerships with and then bring into his campaign to help him be grounded in the right ideals! These people are criminals, murderers, Thieves, Terrorists and having links to Genocide!
Is that what we want in a president? Hell no! I would hope that sanity claims the senses of the masses who support Obama before its too late.
Unfortunately, there really is not that much of a choice for president this year. They all suck! But who is the better when it comes to the main job of the president. Unfortunately it is McCain!
I say Unfortunately because I do not like him and do not like all his positions on several areas. However, the alternative in Obama is just too horrible to consider!
Its when we take a close look at Obama we see something that just is not right! Its not a black verse White issue!
Obama has family that are terrorist in Kenya and in Egypt and in Gaza! His family are known for genocide and are known Hamas followers and supported by Hamas. Yet these Hamas followers have ideals which are Shiite in doctrine and want Sharia law so that it would give them the most power over the individual and people as a whole.
What his family is doing in Kenya is Black liberation movement to remove all whites from Kenya then Africa. Yet, Obama is not Black nor is he of African descent! He is more Arab than Black and more White than Arab. Something people never consider! Obama is considered non African because he is less than 6% African which makes him less than 1/32nd.
Obama is Arab and white. Yet he claims a black African heritage because his skin looks black! Where is the outrage of those who are sensitive to this fraud? They are the true racist because they look at phyical appearance!
I would vote tomorrow for C. Powell over Obama and definately over McCain.
So its not a race issue. Its a fundamental issue of character and judgement!
Obama has no respectable Character and his connections and embracing of Terrorist, murderers, thieves, and criminals prove Obama has no judgement which is a must for a president!
If Bush has taught America anything, its look at whom the candidate associates with and whom he says is his advisors. Those are the people who will be the voice and power behind the president.
We have all seen how bad things can be with the wrong people in government with Bush. Now we are looking with Obama a sheer list of people who make Bush's associates look like genuses and choir boys and of high character and judgement comparied to the people Obama plays with.
If Bush was bad, then an Obama Presidentcy would be sheer horrors and a nightmares well beyond Elm Street much less Main Street USA!
A waste of time.
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by HamiltonThere are no problems in the world or the history of the world that can’t and shouldn’t be blamed on Bush/Chaney. And of course those wonderful liberals have all the right answers, thank God.
No misses
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by rom12921Your "basics" include some relevant, related facts, but I have questions.
Basic Econ: If it is in the ground, then how do they make more money? The asset is conceivably more valuable, but untapped. No sell, no cash. You imply (Saudis) know what the price will be in the future. Just because we have seen a steep trend upward does not mean it will continue(tech stocks, real estate). If it did, then by the time we talk Presidential politics again, unleaded would be $16 +/gallon
Basic strategy: Military action must be supported with $ and resources. This conceptually forces the government to force the governed to support the military and can lead to a cycle of tyranny which you describe "cut our civilian consumption in half to fed the military." Libertarian 101.
Blame game is not unique to the 'Right' as I pointed out.
relatively rambling rant regarding ridiculous rhetoric !
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by John 2000good one!
I ran with random ironic iraqi ravings
You missed the point. Bin
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by wishnevskyYou missed the point. Bin Laden said that he would wage economic warfare on the US. He has proved that America is vulnerable. The WTC strike was more economic than military. He has some sympathisers among the Saudis and other oil producers.
If i am right, they are attacking the US, and making a profit on the economic warfare, and the Saudi hugging Bushco is helping them do it, out of ignorance and greed.
And then they (the Right) blame it all on the liberals.
I hope you don't think i am the only person mad about this. People are losing jobs, businesses are closing, people are probably dying as gas prices rise.
You have not seen anything yet.
Consumption
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by rom12921Good point. Just like any business you only have what come in and what goes out. Increasing oil supply, what come in, is only 1/2 the equation. Results will be slower and less effective without looking at consumption (what goes out).
I thought I addressed the subject a rant about gas prices with my own relatively rambling rant regarding ridiculous rhetoric (can't help it).
Sorry, not a McCain supporter.
ENOUGH BLAME TO GO AROUND
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by janmbLESSON HERE;
DON'T VOTE FOR THOSE ANNOINTED WITH OIL
Alliteration you are good
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by wishnevskyAlliteration you are good at, also changing the subject.
But i will give you a survival tip; Don't try and hand out McCain bumper stickers at a gas pump.
I know that oil has peaked.
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by wishnevskyI know that oil has peaked. I also know that Exxon has acted as if it would never run out, and the Republican Party has obstructed every effort to reduce oil consumption, invest in alternative energy and so on, right down the line since the days of Carter.
I also can see that there is an organized propaganda effort to "solve the energy crisis" by drilling our last reserves of potential oil. even though none of that oil would be on line for a decade.
I also see many Republican mouthpieces saying "It's all the fault of the environmentalists."
Here's an idea; let registered Republicans pay 20.00 a gallon for gas, they think that it's such a good idea. They will get it all back when their Exxon stocks go up.
Good example of a rant
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by rom12921def. A rant is a speech or text that does not present a well-researched and calm argument.
My point about oil prices is that Pelosi people professing poison partisan propanganda (I love alliteration) when they really are no better equipped or effective than the Bush Administration.
Speaker Pelosi cannot logically claim the Bush Admin is dishonest and "do-nothing" ('06)because of high oil prices rise, then when they double again despite the Democrats "commonsense plan" be in the clear. Unless, of course, her statements were just a rant.
Please read:
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by koolmom21"world oil peaking represents a problem like none other."
How can I say this with out offending you??? You need to do your homework. It is not the President or the right or the left or Exxon or even the USA-it is the world and lack of oil!!!
I am always surprised to see so many people that think they know what is going on in the world and developed strong feelings based on lack of knowledge.
Please read:
Kjell Aleklett, Professor in Physics
http://www.energybulletin.net/11621.html
Don't care. If one of the
Submitted on June 11th, 2008 by wishnevskyDon't care. If one of the other bloggers can blame the drought on the Mexicans, i can blame the oil prices on the oil companies and the oil producers.
Plus i am pissed. My life is set up so that i don't have to drive to work, i do have a 30 mph truck, and live in a small city. But these plutocrats have got on my last nerve. The Republican Machine is cranking out this piffle, and i am tired of it.
Saudi Arabia bids to calm oil market
Submitted on June 10th, 2008 by John 2000... and rant. Good article below. I see no mention of Liberals nor Bush. There is no mention of real oil shortage. It does discuss negative aspects of both subsidy and taxation.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jh...
If I am not mistaken, the 'subsidy' we the people are 'paying' oil companies is actually just taxation of the corporations below the maximum rate (oil weighed in at 13.3%), whereas
subsidies paid by governments in such oil producing places as Indonesia, Venezuela, Iran, and Saudi Arabia actually go toward artificially
keeping prices down locally and thus tend to spur that demand further.
Out of curiosity, I looked up 'rant' from Webster's.
Rant, n.
High-sounding language, without importance or dignity of thought; boisterous, empty declamation; bombast; as, the rant of fanatics.
This is a stoical rant, without any foundation in the nature of man or reason of things. Atterbury.
Rant (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Ranted; p. pr. & vb. n. Ranting.] [OD. ranten, randen, to dote, to be enraged.]
To rave in violent, high-sounding, or extravagant language, without dignity of thought; to be noisy, boisterous, and bombastic in talk or declamation; as, a ranting preacher.
Look where my ranting host of the Garter comes! Shak.