barbiebutt's Blog

I think the economy is doing better than many in these blogs would like you to believe, but you're right that oil prices affect EVERYTHING. It's not just that 99% of us need gas (we do), but think about the fact that every single industry relies on gas directly or indirectly. It's not just the airlines and freight companies. Food prices are certainly on the rise, as farmers and truckers need to compensate for the increased fuel costs. Every business that ships products and/or documents (Are there any that don't?) will be paying fuel surcharges when they ship these items, etc.
I don't think ANYONE (except those who wish harm on this country) wants the economy to be stymied by high gas prices. This is why I'm not so quick to jump on the "It's Bush and his oil buddies!" bandwagon. Sure, he may still own oil stock, but the economy will be part of his legacy, and I sincerely doubt that he is "pulling the strings" when it comes to oil prices.

I think there are some interesting points made here. Why do they charge so much for gas ? Because they can. I see as many vehicles on the road as I always have. Big vehicles. The industry is cashing in on the American way of life. Can George Bush prevent that? What he can help do something about is the national debt. If the economy struggles it's because the government just keeps the printing press running 24/7 and the more they print, the higher the national debt, the higher the national debt, the less value to your dollar. Gas in many other countries is 6 and 7 dollars a gallon, but only a small percentage of people can even afford a car. Do we have it that bad here??

Zeeball, if you see as many vehicles on the road as you always did, that tells me a little about your age group. Traffic has tripled in the last 30 years. Gas was 35 cents a gallon then. You don't remember the good old days. Yes, I agree that GREED has become the American way of thinking. Or even the whole world. No, I don't think we have it bad here...for now, but I think all of us ...deep down are afraid the bottom is going to fall out. This can't go on forever.

Yep, greed is killing us!! And greed comes from both ends of the spectrum. At one end are the companies (big oil, credit lenders, health insurers, hospitals, pharmaceuticals, etc.) who can charge exhorbitant amounts for their goods and services, and on the other end, we have people taking out loans and credit cards knowing full-well that they WON'T be able to pay it back. Those of us "in the middle" end up paying more for our loans, medical bills, even stuff we buy at grocery and department stores to make up for those who can't (or just won't) pay. When I worked in retail, my manager told me what % of the price of items actually goes towards loss recovery from shoplifters; I wish I remembered the actual #s, but it was rediculous.
(See, there are some things even moderate-conservatives and lefties agree on.) :)

I thought the same thing yesterday when I heard about the refinery. I am surprised the gas didn't go up another 20 cents over night. Give them time.
And Zeeball, I guess I really meant that there are so many cars on the road...so much gas being sold...so much money changing hands...all for gas.
I had you laugh about your comment about right wing conservatives, and lefties agreeing. Of course we can agree...we are all Americans...with the same goal...prosperity for all...we just have different views as how to get there.

We need better National, State, and Local mass transportation systems like trains and buses that are reliable enough that we can use them and get to work on time. Americans also need to learn how to live in an urban environment with people who look differently than themselves, instead of retreating to the suburbs like in Medina county where there isn't as much mass transit options.

Hello Erock and Zeeball! In Europe and other countries in the world, Cars are able to achieve an average of 45 miles per gallon of petrol. Primary fuel actually diesel. If our country can adapt, by using these more fuel efficient vehicles, we would no longer need to rely on any foreign oil. Unfortunately, Lobbyist for the oil companies would rather that not happen. Running for politics is a very expensive endeavor to undertake. Oil lobbyist are more than willing to accommodate financially, those in need in the election expenses. As long as the newly elected, remember the oil companies once in office.

The only way I see things ever changing is on a personal basis. We have to change our consumption habits. Ellak is right, Erock is right on. Greed is on both ends, producers take advantage of the consumers greed to always want more. Economics is a funny thing. How does supply and demand work. Large demand, short supply, high prices. Little demand, large supply, lower prices ? I wish. Certain things we will always pay through the nose for. They can get the prices up to 4 dollars a gallon, and they will. They drop them back to 3 dollars a gallon and we stop complaining. Yet we are still getting hammered, but we think we have gained ground by the dollar a gallon price break so we start to buy more again. Guess what ? We lose no matter what, so I've just decided to pay what it is when I need to and cut out some of the unnecessary driving. People will drive 20 miles to save a dime a gallon ????

Gorbash, you make sense about the need for a reliable mass-transit system, right up until your jab at Medina County and other suburbs. Some of us don't want to live in "the city," and it has nothing to do with people that look different than us!! I hope you're being sarcastic, as there are about a milion reasons that someone might NOT want to live in an urban area.

EROCK, what did you think of Drey's blog, WHAT IF CLEVELAND WAS ANNEXED? I thought it was very interesting.