It is the square root of sorriness that GOP/Koch Presidentials spin the way they do for their Big Oil benefactors.

They know that spike shocks happen every year and this President has been addressing the issue.

1. Anyone who claims to be able to drop US gas prices to $2 or so dollars is lying.

2. Global oil prices are beyond the control of US Congress, the US Administration and the US President.

3. Prices are affected by emerging countries using more cars (one million more cars in China) and unrest in Iran, Syria, etc, and the no-conscience speculation on Wall Street.

4. We produce 2% of the world's oil, and use 20% - so we cannot drill our way out.

5. However, an All-of-the-Above strategy means we will continue to produce oil (at and 8year high in the US), while developing alternative energies for future industries and jobs.

6. Our imported oil level is the lowest in 16years. That is how we will avoid being victims to Big Oil speculators every year.

Braindamaged!!!: Wassa matter you don't wanna support the President's Iranian Policy? What did you and the rest of your cowardly ilk think would happen when we started to put pressure on the mullahs? $1.25 gas? Just gotta love your critical thinking skills though....NOT...Wait, I've got an idea: Please report to your nearest USMC recruiting station and sign up for combat duty in the AFG. YOU can be on the front lines preserving "American Exceptional-ism." Doubt it though because you are just another conservative with a 6 inch yellow streak down his back hiding behind a computer.

There was no pressure on the mullahs back in 2008. What was the deal then? If Bush gets the blame for high gas prices back in 2008 (as seen in Obama's commercials from then), Obama is at fault for the gas prices now. Right? Ha! I love how this works. Did you people, during the Bush years, not anticipate that, when your boy gets in office, we were not going to turn all your bulls**t right back around on you?

"How horrible it is that we are more advanced, have more cars and therefore use more oil. And you people wonder why the right accuses you (rightly) of not believing in American Exceptionalism"

I very much believe in American Exceptionalism. I can think of a lot of different ways to define it. Our courage. Our ingenuity. Our generosity. Our freedoms. Our standing up for human rights.

But having more cars and squandering more of the earth's natural resources than anyone else is something only Damage 123 would brag about. Well, Damage and Spanky, of course.....

Damage123...."There was no pressure on the mullahs back in 2008."

DoTell BOY...Just how ignorant are you? Obama did not assume office until January 2009...What's your point? Could it be SATAN?????

[Did you people, during the Bush years, not anticipate that, when your boy gets in office, we were not going to turn all your bulls**t right back around on you?]

So, you're just making an @!$%# out of yourself not because you actually have a valued opinion, or actually know what you're talking about, but "just because" you want to "get back at the eeeeeeevil libruls" for making a total dick out of Shrub Junior?

You must be Spanky's "brother from another mother"...

We produce 2% of oil while using 20%. Good analysis, but how much oil reserves is there in the US that isn't presently being utilized? From the numbers I have read, we do have sufficient ability, but not the leadership desire to produce the product.

Sure, we can drill, but we can't refine. Why? Besides the left-wing nut jobs from the left and the environmental groups, oil drilling and transportation isn't good for mother nature. And, if gasoline prices continue to rise, Obama would still defer legislature on the issue. Doesn't he have to justify the billions spent on green energy, or the Chevy Vega Volt? Must keep those laid off Volt employees working, right?

Without a solid energy policy, gas will continue to rise, speculation will continue, and there is nothing anyone can do to stop it. Well, the liberals can continue to blame Bush - after all, they were up in arms when gas rose to $2 gal.

So when Bush had both chambers of Congress didn’t he do anything about building new refineries?

Has anyone ever considered using public transportation or getting a more fuel efficient vehicle? Maybe even a bicycle? Folks, gas prices are NEVER going to go back down below $3.00/gal. again. Do you really believe that big oil would do that? Cut in to their profit margin? Please. Use the common sense you should have. Stop with all the political blaming and face the truth for a change.

So when Bush had both chambers of Congress didn’t he do anything about building new refineries?

Now that is an interesting question that I can't find an answer on. The same question could be asked about the leader of the current administration too.

Perhaps you can provide insight on why both presidents and both parties are not concerned with producing more oil? Could it be the environmentalists, or the misguided belief that 'green' is the only option?

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

As well they should!

The best offense is a good defense!

Amen

This would be better--"How The Gas Prices Are Manipulated By The Koch Brothers And Other Wall Street Players"

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2012/02/26/how-the-gas-prices-are-manipulated-by-the-koch-brothers-and-other-wall-street-players/

Call for an Investigation of the Koch Brothers' Business Dealings with Iran

http://www.dccc.org/pages/kochbrothers

I'd love to see the Kochoctopus and Lush Limbaugh multimillionaires/billionaires get their just due sooner than later.

Yeah phine, I can see delivering produce to the grocery via bicycle! Now a more efficient vehicle would be nice, but with unemployment so high, and jobs so few, how would people purchase that Government Motors Vega Volt?

And how about those sales people out in reality-land who travel to their clients to transact business? What do they do, leave the night prior to the appointment, peddling rapidly to make the meeting?

Have you even considered public transportation may not visit your neighborhood? In the Bay Area, if you need to go into the City on BART, you need to drive to the nearest station, pay for parking, to get on the train. Many people drive rather than commute via public transportation.

Leave it to Bev to cut and paste a solution to the issue from a left-wing media site.

What a remarkable post Bev. And when will you ever document your stupid statement you made about the Catholic Church raising alter boys for sex?

Simple math even my cats can understand - the U.S. uses 20% of demand & only produces 2%...

The sooner we get off the oil teat the better off we will all be!

LMAO Feisty DumbFux!! I wish I could walk through life this simple and get awa with it. Unfortunately, I vote conservative so I must make sense.

The looney liberal energy answer - "I wish I could just quit you"

Well, please explain to me how you're going to continue to receive free wifi and HBO if I cannot afford to make a living and be a responsible member of society (taxpayer)??????????????lol

Socialist goofballs

Well people seems that the GOP has been successful in creating what I would call that one in a Million chance in the 2012 Election but this could very well be the straw that breaks the camels back, I don't think the American people are that Naive not to know how and why the price of gas is on the rise, can everyone say PIPELINE ........... LOL

They get it in North Dakata, just drill our own and keep it. We have oil reserves other presidents have tapped into. How much of every gallon is in taxes? Watch around Sep-Nov, price drops. Ummh

As usual, Foolsty has it all wrong. If we need 20%, then we should be drilling and refining that 20%. But the Obama propagandist has to back her idiot leader's foolish energy policies. Can anyone say Solendra? Sure you can foolsty.

Just a liberal troll from the great communist state of illinois.

Is this the part where I'm supposed to be insulted? lol

If so, please try a little harder next time - it ain't working! ;o)

And do tell, redhead, what magic substance we should switch to from oil

We could start with what YOU are emitting from you ass...

Pretty high octane from the smell of it!

sad excuse for an American.

Sorry Pal, contrary to popular belief - YOU do NOT get to decide who is American! Now run along, or you will be late for your Klan Bake! ;o)

Amazing how many of these purported conservatives can't put together a sentence without using profanity directed at other posters. Grow up little boys, invest in a dictionary. The profanity, regardless of what spelling tricks you use, demonstrates small minds and poor judgement.

So fisty's avatar of news for dumb fux like you, grandma. And talking about someone emitting from their ass is classy, huh grandma fux. You are typical two-faced bigot like all moonbats grandma. I don't play games fisty is always posting profanity laced bull@!$%#, grandma. So I am replying with profanity laced facts and truth.

I think your math may be off a little. The ratio of U.S. oil consumption to production is about 2:1, not 10:1 as those numbers would suggest.

How conservative. Let's use it up all now so we can have cheaper gas now, the future of our country and what conservative really means is lost on the me, me, me party of the 1%.

What happened to worrying about our grandkids future? You don't want to invest in green energy and you don't want to leave them any oil. You must really care?

THE TRUTH ABOUT GAS PRICES THAT OBAMA DOESN'T WANT YOU TO KNOW.

Click
this on and learn the truth about GAS prices.

http://youtu.be/S8WReKlUFP4

Cost to operate a Chevy Volt

Eric Bolling (Fox Business Channel's "Follow the Money")
test drove the Chevy Volt at the invitation of General Motors.

For four days in a row, the fully charged battery lasted only 25
miles before the Volt switched to the reserve gasoline engine.

Eric calculated the car got 30 mpg including the 25 miles it ran
on the battery. So, the range including the 9 gallon gas tank and the 16
kwh battery is approximately 270 miles. It will take you 4 1/2 hours to
drive 270 miles at 60 mph. Then add 10 hours to charge the battery and
you have a total trip time of 14.5 hours. In a typical road trip your
average speed (including charging time) would be 20 mph.

According to General Motors, the Volt battery holds 16 kwh of
electricity. It takes a full 10 hours to charge a drained battery.
The cost for the electricity to charge the Volt is never mentioned so I looked
up what I pay for electricity.

I pay approximately (it varies with amount used and the seasons)
$1.16 per kwh. 16 kwh x $1.16 per kwh = $18.56 to charge the
battery. $18.56 per charge divided by 25 miles = $0.74 per mile to
operate the Volt using the battery.

Compare this to a similar size car equipped with only a 4 cylinder
gasoline engine that gets 32 mpg. $3.49 per gallon divided by 32 mpg =
$0.11 per mile.

The gasoline powered car cost about $15,000 while the Volt costs
$46,000.

So Obama wants us to pay 3 times as much for a car that costs more
that 7 times as much to run and takes 3 times as long to drive across country.

REALLY?
No wonder GM is having trouble selling the Volt !

Green Technology is an economic disaster

Goodnight Sunshine

Germany is cutting solar-power subsidies because they are expensive and
inefficient

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/project_syndicate/2012/02/why_germany_is_phasing_out_its_solar_power_subsidies_.html

Spain's Green Disaster a Lesson for America

http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/finance/2011/November/Spains-Green-Disaster-a-Lesson-for-America/

Feisty,

I think braindamaged and micheal + bunch of numbers (he loves to be called that) is the same person :

Damage123 Comment collapsed by the community

Yeah Feisty Dumbfux.

#1.2

and

LMAO Feisty DumbFux!!

#1.15

multiple accounts or just plain unoriginal?

The best offense is a good defense!

________________________________________________________

Leave it to a Dumb Fux lefty liberal to get the concept EXACTLY BACKWARDS!!!!!!!

The actual saying is "The best defense is a good offense".

"The best defense is a good offense" is an adage that has been applied to many fields of endeavor, including games and military combat. Generally the idea is that offensive action preoccupies the opposition and ultimately its ability to directly harm.

Moron.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's funny how the administration touts an increase in domestic production but fails to note that the increase in production went to the world markets and did not stay at home for domestic use or to be added to the strategic fund. All Us production of Oil should remain here. Even at 2%, it's 2% less than we would have to buy from the deserts.

Dom,

All Us production of Oil should remain here.

so you are for the government to dictate to a private industry who they should sell their product to?

Do you realize that the the oil industry claims it needs to maintain the exports to stay in business? And that the exposrts are necessary because domestic demand is weak?

I personally think it's bunch of bologne but unless you are for the gov. control over the oil industry, you have no right to complain about the prices of gas. By the way, I thought the Repubs were all for free market?

When Exxon CEO Lee Raymond retired, he walked away with a $100 million lump sum, on
top of $250 million in restricted stock and options. Not bad for a "struggling" industry.

Energy price volatility is an unfortunate reality, given the geopolitical situation. Even if we MAKE the oil industry to stop exporting, do you really think they will - without a fight - sell us oil cheaper when they could make more by exporting it?

Worried about Republicans voting multiple times, like Dems do in Obama's Chicagoland?

Then support a photo ID requirement for voting....

@ Bob You should be worried Santorum's health care will require you

to receive information about

"pursing celibacy as a viable lifestyle choice"

Sandy - do you live in fantasyland? It seems the dems always say things like this with no real bearing on truth.

When it comes to voting, a picture ID should do everything it takes to be able to vote. What state doesn't issue picture ID's? Aren't photos attached to drivers licenses, or state ID's? What's the democrat objection to photo id's? Isn't a photo ID required to obtain food stamps, or welfare? I hear no objection from the dems when it comes to people getting things from the government... only objections to providing ID's for voting... very telling dems...

@ Brianb

The point was Willard said,

"AND YOU GUYS BY VOTING MULTIPLE TIMES CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE" joked Romney.

Voter fraud is not a joking matter.

I have no problems with picture id's...so why wasnt it needed to vote in the Republican primary?

Sandy - I agree that voting fraud is no joking manner. Unfortunately it is pretty obvious that ACORN was involved in it during the last election, hence the reason ACORN no longer exists. You do remember the tape that implicated them in their devious means that came out just after the election in 2008.

Since the liberals are so sensitive about anything the republicans say (while desensitized about what democrats say). it should be taken with a grain of salt... not overblown, and just passed over as another bad joke by Romney... but as usual, the liberals are making way too big a deal over it.

Tammy - who knows... ask the states that didn't require them. If they weren't required for the republicans during the primary, you can be assured they wouldn't be required by the democrats either.

So far the voter fraud is in the Republican Party. I'm glad the Justice Dept. is watching.

@ Brianb I have told you before I am not a liberal. I voted for Reagan twice and Bush twice.

I am not a liberal.

I will not vote for any GOP this time.

The have no message.

They do not tell me how they will govern.

They have no vision for how they see our country in four years.

[I agree that voting fraud is no joking manner. Unfortunately it is pretty obvious that ACORN was involved in it during the last election, hence the reason ACORN no longer exists. You do remember the tape that implicated them in their devious means that came out just after the election in 2008.]

Brianb, ACORN was involved in voter registration fraud...not voter fraud as you continually allude to. HUGE DIFFERENCE. Please, get your facts straight...just this once?

To the best of my knowledge, not a single case of voter fraud has ever been associated with ACORN.....you have to have fraudlent VOTES to have voter fraud. So, it is NOT the reason ACORN no longer exists.

Even John McCain was stumbled on this one:

http://factcheck.org/2008/10/acorn-accusations/

Shortly before he placed his foot in his mouth regarding the ACORN accusations, he was praising the organization.

While we are surely entitled to our own opinions, we are most certainly not entitled to our own facts.

Very nice Sandy. Don't vote for a republican. Just remember that when Obama wins in November that you gave him his second term because you didn't vote against him. I don't want to hear any complaining from you about Obama if you don't do your part to get him out of office. Unfortunately we might be stuck with the lesser of two evils vote this year. Cast your vote for Mickey Mouse... or Donald Duck... Any one that doesn't meet your individual criteria of being the president of your dreams... anyone else will guarantee Obama a second term if enough Americans don't vote for a candidate with enough numbers to beat him. Do you think this country will survive another 4 years of Obama? The writing is on the wall.

@ Brianb I voted for Obama in 2008. I will vote for Obama again in 2012.

I will not vote for Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck. I am voting for a President.

Beating Obama is their only message.

He is the "adult in the room."

"Do you think this country will survive another 4 years of Obama." YES WE CAN

Sad how many will vote for a Micky Mouse. Or are you voting for Donald Duck?

We have become a country of whiney, spineless wimps. All either side can do is affix blame to the other while no one will offer a viable solution. Not one wants to take personal responsibility. We think it is nothing to drive 30 or 40 miles for a hamburger. Think of the gas wasted there. Our forefathers must be rolling over in their graves at the whiney descendants they have left behind. Everybody wants the easy way out. No one willing to make the personal sacrifice to adjust. Disgraceful!

You want to know what kind of "adult" our esteemed President Barack Obama is?

Well allow me to tell you a true and revealing story about the gracious, kind, and complimentary man known as the leader of the free world.

Journey back to the 2008 democrat nomination when Barack and Hillary were going Mano a Mano.  Hillary was traveling to a war ravaged middle east country.  Sinbad (yes that Sinbad) was on the plane as well.  Upon landing, the flight party was greeted by local dignitaries.  The entire greeting was recorded.   Weeks later Hillary over dramatized the landing by insinuating that the flight party deplaned under gunfire.  

This event and Hillary's (mis)representation played prominently in the campaign.  One could argue that it damaged Hillary more than a bit.

I'm confident many of you recall this event being such astute political observers and commentators.

So let's fast forward to a very gleaning and frankly sadly disappointing radio interview in Boston just today.

Sinbad was on the phone with the local host and told of his recent "running into"with our so classy, statesman like President Barack Obama.

As Sinbad put it....."he leaned into me, put his arm around and whispered in my ear...dodge any bullets lately".

As with most listeners, my immediate thought was DOUCHE BAG!

Can someone pass this TRUE story on to Hillary.

I'm sure she will agree with me and all the listeners in Beantown....

Obama is a DOUCHE BAG

WTKK 96.9 Boston play the sinbad podcast right on their website It's the last 2 minutes of the week in review.

3!
#1.1 - Fri Mar 9, 2012 8:07 PM EST

Our forefathers must be rolling over in their graves at the whiney descendants they have left behind. Everybody wants the easy way out. No one willing to make the personal sacrifice to adjust. Disgraceful!em>>

Phine,

You sound like you want to join the tea party. I knew there was hope for you.

Rob,

Calling the president of the United States, whoever he/she is a douche bag, just demeans you. Fine, you are against his policies, state those facts, but name calling just is beneath you and the party you say you side with. Shame.

No, no tea party for me. The phinephancy party. I have started my garden, drive only when needed, and think of our routes and errands to run whenever out driving. Just careful planning and personal responsibility - like my mother and her mother etc. My family has been here since before the revolution. I come from pioneer stock. Learning to adjust and survive is in the DNA.

If its any consolation I would call the pope a douche bag if he acted like one.

I have yet to hear him say anything to illicit that label unlike the story above concerning Obama.

If the shoe fits as they say. Perhaps, Mr. Obama should act presidential from here on out.

Phine

Amen on the name calling. That is why they can not win me over.

Rob,

I also want a government that provides a safety net for those less fortunate than me. I want safe bridges. Good roads and schools. Police and fire protection - all things the government provides. No, I am not close to being a tea party person. But, I know that as an individual, there are many, many things I can do to not only improve my own situation, but maybe influence someone else, thus passing it forward.

And calling anyone names like that is something you punish a child for. Adults should not behave in such a fashion (BTW, I am Catholic, so you are at two strikes with me!)

Phine

Amen again.

Sandy,

All this political bickering and name calling only serves to alienate the independent vote, those folks in the middle. At this time, only the left is even offering ideas (I don't have to agree with all of them, but at least they are offering them). The right is only bashing the right, listening to them I get downright depressed.

Oops, the right only bashes the left! My bad! (Since casting blame is the in thing, can I blame my cat?) LOL

Phine

I agree. Our country is still the best.

Besides I believe Congress makes more of the policies than any President.

Wow, how do you post so fast?

I also want a government that provides a safety net for those less fortunate than me. I want safe bridges. Good roads and schools. Police and fire protection - all things the government provides. No, I am not close to being a tea party person. But, I know that as an individual, there are many, many things I can do to not only improve my own situation, but maybe influence someone else, thus passing it forward.em>>

Sandy,

Again we agree. To be honest (now this is just my opinion, not a fact), I think the whole balance of power is a bit askew between the 3 branches of government. I don't really know how we fix it. But it just feels out of kilter.

Rob,

Your party has also referred to the president as the enemy. Both sides share equal blame. And while you may not like the president, he was duly elected by the majority of the voters. And thus, deserving of the respect of his office. While I personally did not care for George W. Bush's policies, I accorded him the respect of his office. He was duly elected. You should do they same for President Obama. It is the right thing to do.

Phine

I would vote for someone, if they said the word compromise and I thought they meant it.

Statesmen.

phancy - If you are referring to the candidates bashing, I will agree with you. They are all running negative campaigns... even Obama is doing it and it will get way worse as November approaches. That's the way this run-up to the White House is going this year... it's unfortunate.

If you are referring to the boards, my dear, you need to pay a little closer attention to the name calling that's going on here. You know I refrain from it because I find it to be very silly. Labels are labels, such as liberal, conservative, dem, repub... those are labels and not name calling... any deviation from those labels are name calling... they happen from both sides on these boards. Would you consider RWNJ name calling? I do.

BB,

I prefer the label American ( or red hot mama - but that is for another time). And we can try, can't we, to be a bit more moderate in our speech, if we really want to. All it takes is one person at a time to try. Pollyanna of me, I know. But I can dream, can't I?

Sandy,

Shame on you for using that bad word - compromise! LOL! I agree, that's the one I would vote for too!

Phine,

My nickname years ago was "Red Bomb" I was small and had red hair.

But today I like the label American.

Would love to sit and chat about our days as Navy Wives.

Compromise

Sandy,

Don't know about you, but I definitely have stories that are meant for private, adult telling only of the Navy days! Our house was the place all the single "squids" used to come and hang out for a home cooked meal. So, you can just imagine....................................

And I agree, compromise!

Phine,

My husband was deployed alot. Plus we were stationed at Camp Lejuene for 13 years total.

Deployed there, too

Sandy,

We called Mayport home. (And Sardinia). Also spent some time in Norfolk. Mayport was, um, interesting to say the least. Stayed in the area, now we are in St. Augustine.

We were in Norfolk 1973 to 1982.

Was your husband deployed alot? We retired at our last duty station. Belton, Mo.

He had his share of sea duty. But, it wasn't too bad (he was an engineman). Mostly the FFG class. We were in Norfolk from 83 to 85. Bet if we went back we wouldn't even recognize the place! He spent a lot of time in the Med - we were stationed at the old NATO base in Sardina. Now, that was fun! Love, love, love Italy. I could easily go back there and live! (BTW, now the old NATO base is a national park, how's that for change?)

My husband was a corpsman. Alot of people, say that wrong. Was in Spain for awhile.

Wish were not land locked now. Norfolk has probably changed, alot.

If I am more than 10 miles inland I get twitchy! LOL! Were you at Rota?

We were at Barcalona only shorty.

Had the best chicken I ever ate in Barcelona. Got it from a street vendor. Cooked over a wood fire, stuffed with fresh herbs. I have tried for years to reproduce, but can't.

Piea not sure of spelling. A rice dish with squid. We ate in Barcelona.

There was this squid salad that the hubby loved in Sardina. Me, I am just a fried calamari type. (Just something about those tentacles..........) I also do NOT do octopus! (Another Italian favorite).

Ok. Now it's official. I'm hungry!

I enjoy reading your posts because, you do make some good points without name calling.

I am not good at writing or typing my point of view. In person I do love to talk and try to hear the other persons point of view.

I enjoy talking with you too, Sandy. Off for a snack then bed (I hate this time change, my body is out of whack). I will see you later!

Me too. This Grandma has two boys spending tomorrow night.

Sandy,

The only Candidate that considers compromise a good thing in any way has been Dr Paul, he's also the only one with any reasoned stances on anything.

Hi phine, Night phine....;-0)

Because MSNBC is Obama's reelection network.

Bob in Vagina...who is Bob McConnell?

Obviously Obama is doing his level best to deflect his desired gasoline rate. Here's his history:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L29yBMay5o&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M1WlV7vafk&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRuXrbjlrRg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg98BvqUvCc&feature=related

Why no mention in the article about Obama repeatedly blaming the high gas prices of 2007-2008 on George W. Bush?

I thought faux news said the president control the gas prices....at least thats what I head a few years back.

Not surprisingly, when they show Bush in a 2008 press conference being asked by a reporter what he thought about gas prices climbing towards $4 per gallon, his response was, “That’s interesting. I hadn’t heard that.”

Great video from 11/22/08 on Fox lol http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UzEnKdBAb_o

http://www.triplepundit.com/2012/03/fox-news-high-gas-prices-presidents-fault-obama/comment-page-1/

But here's the difference Tammy. After Bush did hear about it, he did something about it. By November gas prices fell to $1.89. The reason they fell was because Bush made announcements that he was going to increase drilling on federal lands and open up the strategic oil reserves.

Obama simply won't do that. It's not his desire. His desire is to break middle class Americans and bring them into the government entitlement fold. Once dependent on government, they will be faithful democrat voters.

Don't think this is his desire? Take a look at the number of people now dependent on food stamps as compared to before he took office.

Hmmmm? So the repubs want to break the middle class by stripping the remaining wealth from us to give to their rich buds, and the dems want to break the middle class in order to get us reliant on gov't handouts. It's enough to make a body ask, "Who is Rocky Anderson?" Well, hereyago:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7DSLUPRunw&feature=related

[His desire is to break middle class Americans and bring them into the government entitlement fold. Once dependent on government, they will be faithful democrat voters.]

BAAAHWHWHWHWWHWHWWHWWWHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Brianb-999431 Sorry but you are wrong. Gas prices fell dramatically for a few reasons none of which can be chalked up to Bush unless you consider the economic crash. Gas hit 4.21 just before that. The American public has a mental line in the sand of 4.00 a gallon. At that point people dramatically restrict driving, which is where we are heading now.

Now if you recall the last big spike we had last year our president changed policies for speculators that required them to put up more of their own money...prices fell, no economic crash required. But, if you are a student of economic supply and demand, you will see a recovery in progress as demand is going up steadily as is the price. It's part of the free market that the Ruplicans keep yelling about.

Exactly what would you have him do Brian? We have already quadrupled drilling over the past 4 years. And we are now a net exporter. The pipeline bs was proven again and again not to ease prices but possibly raise them in areas of the country. We also saw a spike when the Libya UN action happened and now with Iran and Israel in a standoff an Syria effecting the region we are seeing another spike as speculators are betting on a war. Again, part of that free market that Republicans keep yelling about. What I believe we will see is the president once again requiring speculators to have more skin in the game. 10 percent front money is not enough but did serve as a warning...obviously one that needs repeating.

Tammy, You beat me to the point.

Brian is completely wrong; GWB did nothing and couldn't do anything about the price of Gas.

It's historic 3 month slide in price was due to the impending economic crash...period.

BTW - Speculators made a boatload of money selling short.

The Market is cruel to to novice investor.

Why do you hate capitalism?

@ Maxx Power

No spin

Just facts the GOP

1. Give tax breaks to big oil companies.

2. Gives Billions to oil companies for subsidies.

3. Big oil companies make huge profits ever year.

The GOP has given you the screw.

...and does anyone remember why gas prices and oil prices were so low way back when?

Maybe it has something to do with how our economy was completely in the s**tter thanks to the financial meltdown of 2008.

And sometimes "facts" are just twisted rhetoric.

1. Tax breaks to big oil companies - these are Research and Development tax breaks that every industry -including the oil industry - have available to them. Tax incentives that provide incentive to companies to research, develop, buy equipment, expand and create jobs. Jobs are important, yes?

2. Subsidies - are the same tax breaks described above.

3. Big oil make huge profits every year - Actually the profit margins of oil companies are around 2-5%, as opposed to beverage makers (ie: Pepsico) have profit margins of 12-15%.

The Democratic Party has handed out talking points, and think the American people are too gullible or lazy to figure out the truth or see the "facts" in actual context.

Candice, oil profit margin is aprox 7.73 (Exxon) Toss in subsidies for "research" and let's not forget those tax breaks which amounted to what??? oh yea no taxes in 2009

Remember the oil companies testified that they didn't need subsidies? I do. Here are a few more fun facts for Exxon:

ExxonMobil had the largest profits of the Big Five oil companies in 2011, raking in $41.1 billion for the year. This 35 percent jump from last year is driven in large part by record-high oil prices. Today, the oil giant announced its fourth quarter profits of $9.4 billion, a 2 percent increase since 2010. Here are a few other facts about ExxonMobil:

• Exxon’s $41.1 billion in 2011 profit translates into nearly $5 million in profit every hour, or more than $1,300 every second. The annual profit comes near the record revenues of $46.23 billion in 2008.

• Stock buybacks for Q4 were $5.4 billion, and $ 21.60 billion for the year, equivalent to 53 percent of total 2011 profit. This enriches executives, the board of directors, and largest shareholders.

• Exxon pays a lower tax rate than the average American. Between 2008-2010, Exxon Mobil registered an average 17.6 percent federal effective corporate tax rate, while the average American paid a higher rate of 20.4 percent. [In 2010, Mitt Romney paid an effective tax rate of 13.9%.]

• The company paid no taxes to the U.S. federal government in 2009, despite 45.2 billion record profits. It paid $15 billion in taxes, but none in federal income tax.

• The oil giant uses offshore subsidiaries in the Caribbean to avoid paying taxes in the United States.

• Exxon is sitting on $11 billion cash on hand as of September 30.

• Exxon spent nearly $13 million on lobbying expenditures in 2011. The company gave nearly another $900,000 in federal campaign contributions. 92 percent of contributions went to Republicans.

• Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson made $29 million in 2010 (according to the latest records): He made $2.2 million in salary, a $3.4 million bonus, and stock awards valued at $15.5 million.

• Exxon is drawing out a legal battle for damages on a spill from 22 years ago. Exxon hasn’t paid $92 million in cleanup for the devastating Valdez Alaskan oil spill. In its Sept. 30 court filing, Exxon argued the damages it agreed to pay only covers “restoration” and not additional “clean-up.”

Very good Candice. I'll bet the average American doesn't realize that the government (all forms) actually take in more money from a gallon of gasoline than do the oil companies. The government takes no risk, but taxes more than the profits to those taking the risk.

Tammy - State it. Tell us you don't like driving in your car. Tell us you don't like the plastics that make up a multitude of items in your home. Tell us you want us to go back to oil burning lamps and fireplaces. You don't use a car/truck/pov?

Tell us that you hate all the modern things in life that involve the use of petroleum products. Tell us you hate to see oil companies make profit from their hard work. Tell us that you object to the amount of people they employ. Tell us how bad it is for them implementing as much money into the economy. Tell us you don't like electricity in your home... going to the grocery story to buy your shipped in foods. Let's be honest, you are against the capitalist gains they make for their shareholders.

If I am wrong about all this, then stop complaining because the oil companies are living the American dream and making money. It's all about the money, right? It has nothing to do with all the services/goods the oil companies provide to our country... correct?

Whatever happened to personal responsibility? People, gas prices may eventually go back down, but never to the amount you wish/think it should. This is a cold hard fact we have to face as a society. The question now is how to adjust to it. Gas prices effect all aspects of our society, so, how about planting a garden (even a container garden can work)?

All I hear is blame (blame Obama, blame Bush, blame the wars, blame Aunt Dottie in the basement). Instead of blame, how about trying something useful? Our parents and grandparents went through shortages of a Great Depression and WWII. They survived. So can we, if we really try.

I'd agree with you, Candice- but two polls disagree with your premise.

Seems voters do not have such short memories after all- they remember Bush taking action when action was needed, and the price of gas plummeting- well before the financial meltdown, by the way. Was it $1.89? No- but it wasn't $4.08, either.

Industry estimates are that Obama's policies are preventing two million barrels a day from reaching the market- with more curtailing to come.

Add to that the fact that, if reelected, he will allow his EPA to shut down fracking- a plan I'm sure all those employed by that industry in Pennsylvania will just LOVE to hear- and I'm thinking that goes a long way toward explaining the collapse in his poll numbers.

Maybe his algae plan adds in? You know, the one where his big dollar donor T.J. Glauthier stands to benefit even more than he already has? Could be.

So, respectfully, I disagree with you conclusion about the voters. They get it- Obama is not just incompetent, he's corrupt.

Since that is now hitting them, hard, in the pocketbook, they are casting blame.

Obama shelved in 2012.

International Business Times Feb 24, 2012: Gasoline demand plummeted -- down 5.4 percent, or about 500,000 barrels per day, from a year ago, marking the 24th week in a row that year-on-year demand is lower.

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/304040/20120224/rise-u-s-gasoline-prices-wall-street.htm

According to the USEIA (US Energy Information Agency), domestic production declined during the Bush administration. It was 5,000,000 BPD (barrels per day) when Obama came into office. It is now 5,500,000 BPD, a 10 % increase.

http://www.examiner.com/economic-policy-in-national/u-s-oil-production-increased-10-under-obama-major-oil-discovery-gulf

Half a million barrels a day increase in production. Half a million barrels a day decrease in use.

That is an extra million barrels of oil available every day !!

Production is up (9 year high – give credit to whoever) and demand is down (15 year low) so both should result in a price drop. The real problems come from the Middle East, refinery production (shut downs) and speculators.

If you want to bring the price of oil down then stop all the talk about going to war with Iran.

USA Today Dec 16, 2011: The U.S. exported more oil-based fuels than it imported in the first nine months of this year, making it likely that 2011 will be the first time since 1949 that the nation is a net exporter of such goods, primarily diesel.

"It's dramatic. It's transformative," Edward Morse, a former senior U.S. energy official who now directs global commodities research at Citigroup, says of the historic shifts. He says the U.S. is importing a smaller share — 49% in 2010, down from 60% in 2005 — of the oil it uses, adding: "We're moving toward energy independence."

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/story/2011-12-16/us-oil-boom/52053236/1

Algae

Republicans from Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) to Sen. Mike Johanns (R-NE) have requested Department of Energy grants for algae research. All three lawmakers wrote that algae investments would reduce America’s oil use. For instance, Johanns wrote that an algae biotechnology center “would develop technology to decrease our dependence on imported oil.”

Republican allies in the oil industry have also invested in algae, including No. 1 oil lobbyist ConocoPhillips and Exon Mobil, which sunk $600 million in algae biofuel research.

noJo,

"Industry estimates are that Obama's policies are preventing two million barrels a day from reaching the market- with more curtailing to come."

Could you give me the source for your statement above? Is the 2million, you are referring to is the amount Saudi Arabia said they could increase if need be?

To some people, it is much easier to assign blame than look at facts and assume some personal responsibility.

phine,

Just looking for facts without the blame. Have done some good reading about oil production,and some on the commodity market that trade in oil futures.Now on to some research about refineries and pipelines.

I did not know when first posted this morning about big picture of the oil industry, I would be trying to figure out the "hot topic" of the day.

Northstar,

That is why I always enjoy your posts - you always have YOUR facts straight. I was referring to some unnamed posters (I think you know them).

PS If you are getting good at predicting things, how about next week's lottery numbers? LOL!

Tammy - Exxon Mobil also employs 86,900 people, not including the multiplier effect of those 86,900 jobs. Brian's right, Tammy. We like to blame the oil companies for the price of gas, but petroleum finds its way into so many products you use everyday. It's convenient to have a villain, but it's also very narrow looking.

The real problems come from the Middle East, refinery production (shut downs) and speculators.

Every time oil prices spike, it's speculated that speculators are speculating! The truth is, though, each time there's a "government investigation" and each time they find speculators don't really have much to do with it. The futures markets are all based on hedging and hedging is pure speculation. While the futures markets do experience periods of "crazy," the futures markets actually help hold prices steady.

Another reason you didn't touch on, Dennis, is the weak dollar. As long as our economy is stalled, our debt and deficits increase and our political environment is shaky, the dollar will be weak and the we'll pay for it with the price of oil.

Phinephancy - I agree. But the difference is our grandparents had a sense of unity during their time. Now, we have winners and losers, a self centered, immediate satisfaction society and it's getting more divisive everyday.

Let's quit blaming. Let's throw a handful of exceptional scientists into a room, lock the door and don't let them out until they come up with an affordable alternative. In the meantime, we need the "all of the above" open policy. The real "all of the above" though. Not the one the President works into his speeches but doesn't really mean.

Hi, No joe. I'm all for biofuels - but ones developed by the free market and entrepreneurs - not government funded. There's too much corruption when the government gets involved. One of the problems with biofuels is the infrastructure needed to deliver the products. I'm tired, too, of the President working tirelessly, and now he's feeling our pain. He may be tired but I think he could really care less about us out here. I paid $4.11 a gallon over the weekend. $60 to fill the tank. Feeling bad about it doesn't help a family survive that.

Candice,

The government can and should help fund some of the research. Look at the good that came from government funding of the early space program. I am not saying corruption cannot and will not be a problem, but there is a place for government R & D funding.

And, while it is an easy target to plan the party in power (President Obama), I have yet to hear any real ideas from any of the others.

Although the idea of locking some scientists in a room is one that brings a big smile to my face. That would be fun!

The Smart Energy Act and the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2011, for example are Republican ideas - bipartisan actually. Almost all the special interest groups - even the opposing ones - support these bills. I wonder if they'll get passed. Considering it's an election year......

So much good did come from the space program. Even more so because the technologies developed wound up in private sector products. The scientists from NASA don't have much to do these days. A few of them could be our captive problems solvers.

Candice,

I would say I would like to be a fly on the wall of that meeting, but I freely confess, I probably wouldn't understand a word they said. Although, it would be fun to watch them argue a point! (I have a warped sense of humor).

Consider: a decade ago, end users of oil held about two-thirds of futures contracts, while speculators - that is, those who bought to resell - held about one-third. Those proportions have now basically reversed. When oil prices rise to new year-to-date highs on a report of sabotage of a Saudi Arabian pipeline, only to fall again as soon as that claim is debunked, as happened last week, you’re obviously witnessing the effect of speculators, not end users.

Estimates of how much speculation has hiked prices vary, but close observers think 15 to 30 percent is credible range.

Based upon the volume of Oil Produced and consumed vs the volume of Oil bought and sold the ratio is 27 barrels of oil traded / to one barrel of oil consumed.

Therefore one could conclude that supply and demand issue account for 1/27th the price change; the balance of change is due to market speculation.

Wow, you're becoming as adept a poll dancer as "no joe".

But Newt Gingrich is flat out PROMISING $2.50 a gallon gas when he's elected - so why aren't his poll numbers going through the roof? Could it be that no one with a lick of sense actually believes he can really do that?

P.S. - Hey, Noid, I haven't been around most of the day - do you know if NoJoe's had her annual fit about the President taking 15 or 20 minutes to fill out his basketball bracket yet?

[But Newt Gingrich is flat out PROMISING $2.50 a gallon gas when he's elected...]

Yeah, even the CEO of Exxon-Mobil said it ain't gonn happen...so, it is my belief most people aren't that stupid as to actually believe him...

...ok...whew...I did say "most"...

Brianb, it's "egg on face" time for NBC/WSJ.

Both ABC/WaPo and CBS/NYT showed opposite results from their polling- in one short week. It's not just gas prices- they also show that majorities DO support "conscience" exemptions to the birth control mandate- and that support goes UP when it is defined as a religious exemption.

So, what's the problem with their polling?

I've pointed out before that their pool is off- way off.

Their first clue should have happened way back in November- when their polling indicated that democrats were favored over republicans by two points in the mid- terms. Republicans won by eight points.

I have also pointed out that, in most of their polling, union households are vastly over- represented. The BLS data shows 11% union membership- their polling has union representation of 15%.

I'm pretty sure they partnered with Marist because WSJ will not be renewing their partnership. When that polling does not workout, maybe Noid will be amenable. I doubt he took statistics in college- but he'll certainly get them the results they are looking for on any topic.

Sandy,

When you talk about big tax breaks to big oil, don't blame the GOP alone, blame the various Government Committees that set the policy. Let's see, for years Charles Rangle set the tax codes, and as the head of this committee, any benefit to big oil resides with him and the then controlling leadership.

Any business makes a return from equipment amortization, employee expense, reduction of plant and fixtures.....and there is more! If you dislike this methodology, then complain to your Congress. Until then, any company will continue to take advantage of the current laws of the land.

How can you believe the GOP is at the wrong?

@ Da Noid,

Yep, I can recall my brother speak of purchasing his first car. Worked years during the summers to have the money to purchase a car and insurance. Gas then was at .19 gallon, and he had to pay .21 for high test to keep his TR3 running.

Look at trends after each gas crisis - rising prices, then a settling at about $1.50 over the previous gallon price.

You must be on the moon base with Newtie, eh???

You sound like a racist? Hmm, what state are you from, miss? Or Ala.??

Steeler Fan -

I was just reading that, too, and found this part interesting as well:

"Mr. Finebaum then asked Mr. Romney if, as president, he would follow Mr. Obama’s involvement in sports, like giving interviews to ESPN, playing pickup basketball games and attending N.B.A. games.

“I hope I have a chance to get some great tickets to some great sporting events,” Mr. Romney said, “and I assure you I will make effort to get over to London for the Olympic Games.” He added: “Would it be fabulous to see the Final Four? Absolutely.”

But.....but......but......this can not be true! For three and a half years now, we've been told that President Obama is the first and only President ever to leave the White House for non-emergency reasons! Surely Mitt Romney isn't saying that he'd fly over to London AT TAXPAYER EXPENSE just to watch the Olympics, is he? Surely he wouldn't use his position to "get some great tickets" to sporting events, would he? Why, I'm just speechless! :)

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/12/discussing-manning-romney-touts-ties-to-football-team-owners/?hp

Not only that, JoAnne but are we to believe that with Romney's kind of income and the people he knows---Nascar team owners, football team owners to name a few----that he can't get tickets to whatever he wants to see?

I'm already waiting for the faux outrage when the President posts his NCAA March Madness brackets.

Steeler Fan, as a Patriots fan I couldnt agree more...we dont want Peyton Manning in the AFC East. No joke..

Romney is a Pats fan, why wouldnt he say that? You are such a leftist zealot you cant let a Republican talk sports without snarking at him...

Steelers are done...past their prime..like Obama.

[Nevermind that this dimwit has no energy policy, but instead focus on the traitorour POS and his unrelenting assault on the U.S. Constitution. The worst president in history easily, and he must be impeached then tried for crimes against the nation.]

Ok...where to begin...

First...please outline just HOW Obama is a "traitorour" (I'll assume you mean "traitor");

Second...please outline just how the president is in an "unrelenting assault on the U.S. Constitution".

a) Since you used the word unrelenting, please outline each of these unrelenting assaults;

Third...please outline on what basis the president "must be impeached then tried for crimes against the nation.

a) also, in your eagerly awaited outline, please list each of these "crimes" and what evidence you have of each "crime".

The world eagerly awaits your response...don't let us down.

The world eagerly awaits your response...don't let us down.

Mickey,

The all knowing 'hunter' has taken one to many arrows to the head!

And I'm not talking about the 'big' one! ;o)

what a dumb statement.

HOW LONG DOES OBAMA GET TO HANG ON TO BUSH' ASS?

it's been 3 years already/ grow a set and take responsibility.

obama said that if the economy stunk after 3 years he'd be a 1-term president. well it still stinks and it's time for obama to go.

The economy stinks according to ?? I have no problem with the way things are. The problem with most Americans is that they never stop whining. Did you read what I wrote above in its entirety? So now, I think things are fine and you hate the way things are. There is proof that the economy is growing; unemployment is reduced, gas prices are up but that's just the speculators playing their "rich man games." You say he has failed and I say not even close. You think that one ass hole cannot ruin the future for years to come, I think it can gradually be fixed but yes; Bush ruined the economy for years to come. You don't want anyone to say that Bush went beyond stinking up the whole country, I say he "stanked the joint up!" You voted for that lying piece of doggy sh!t, I had better sense.

I say Pres Obama should stay put while you claim he has ruined things; then, what should Dubya have done after his first term? Dubya and Chipknee should have been crucified in a public square; where does the conflict end? It will never end and you and I will never see I to I (pun!) This same thing happened during Vietnam; we (the troops), stayed too long at the fair until this nation was split down the middle. Some favoring the so-called war while others condemned it. This nation is split now in many areas. I think the Democrats will always rule with a tender, more compassionate hand and you think the underprivileged are a burden on society. BTW, I don't know where you learned to count but the President's term is NOT over yet. He is allowed the same four years as his white predecessors, so how can he have already failed? (ROFLMBAO!) He is not a "temp" president, he is the President, PERIOD! (Blah-hahaha!)

You want Bush to be blame-free; how do we undo the fact that he and Chipknee killed Saddam Hussein for being a dictator in a land where dictators rule? How do you fix that one? Bush's term is over and he is out, but just like Saddam's death CANNOT be forgotten or overturned, America CANNOT simply IGNORE all the other damage that Bush caused. Some decisions have long reaching tentacles and the effects are devastating for years into the future. Your guy failed! That's a matter of record and because he failed so miserably; he will be neither forgotten nor forgiven any time soon because he lied to the American public! Osama bin Laden claimed credit for 911 and that's how we ended up in two wars simultaneously. Everyone who died as a matter of consequence, on the field, in the towers, in rescue attempts; whatever, I blame it all on the incompetency of two empty-headed fools; Dubya and Chipknee!

In 2008 it was all "Hope and Change" from Obama. Then he was elected and we've had 3 years of "It's not my Fault"

Maybe you all live on a different earth! The earth I live on, in 2008, gas was $4.12 per gal. Many of my neighbors had to cancel their vacations due to high prices at the pump. $1.87 per gal? Really? Got any swamp land you want to unload on me as well? I can prove that gas was $4.++ in '08. A gallon of milk, ($3.99), or a gallon of gas, ($4 avg), consumers had to make these choices daily. ReSuckicans are so confused that even they don't know which lie is the truth. You want something on Obama so desperately that you all would lie to Santa Claus if it would make the President look bad. Gas prices are the worst possible way to size up a president and you know it!

You've opted to create your own view of Pres Obama because the real one won't fulfill your little sick fantasies of a "failed black president!" He hasn't failed and you know he hasn't but he has to be wrong, he just gotta be, right? Even a blind man can see the truth! If it is not racism; then why do ALL try to pretend that this president is, "the worst president ever?" LMAO, OMG! Does that mean that the damn-near-impeached Nixon was better than Pres Obama? REALLY? WOW? You're ALL children!