Obama on gas prices - Page 3

Malkavian · 05-03-2008, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PursuitOfHappinessParty

As a continuing percentage. Remember that's against a year ago, and I don't remember gas prices being hunky-dorey a year ago. That a 17% profit comparative increase to that very same model in-use a year ago. Looking at continuing quarterly profits since Iraq II started and I see a pattern of gouging and abuse.

Blaming China, India, or the Federal Reserve is fun fodder, and while I have major problems across the board with each - doesn't enter into the fact that for the purposes of this thread it's bag on Exxon-time.

Like I tell my 8 year old, I don't care what those kids are doing, what are YOU up to?!?

What are we up too???

Here you go...

Quote:

CHART:

SUV sales

Sales figures for large SUVs:

April 2004: 71,040

April 2005: 59,914

April 2006: 47,363

April 2007: 59,297

Source: Edmunds.com

Quote:

The numbers for large SUVs rose nearly 6 percent in the first quarter of 2007, and the April figures were up 25 percent from April 2006, according to automakers' statistics provided by Edmunds.com, an automotive research Web site.

The bigger the guzzler, the better the numbers. Sales of GMC's Yukon XL were up a whopping 72 percent last month, and the totals for its Chevrolet sister, the Suburban, rose 38 percent. Topping off the tank on either one can cost as much as $120.

Source

Any questions? Do you see now why i want the gas prices to shoot through the roof? 17% profit increase for oil companies? I wonder who is buying all that oil....

I want to see oil company profits increase at least 50%/year every year until people get it into their stupid heads that this is not a sustainable lifestyle... And the sooner it happens, the better we will be in the long run.

slowhand · 05-03-2008, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdanton

Actually, I don't think he's being so smart. He's right, it's not much help, but to a really struggling family, a 25 cent savings on a gallon of gas is some help.

Let's reverse it and say it goes up 25 cents. His argument is that it isn't that much. It'll only cost you 30 bucks over the summer.

Actually, doesn't the amount it costs or saves depend upon how much driving you do?

What's dishonest, to my mind, is the concept that the federal government, under any president, can do anything about the price of gas.

I'm open for anyone here to give me an idea of what the federal government can do to bring the price of gas down.

Outside of price gouging, I dont know what Congress can do either..But getting back to one of my points, if the savings on a tax holiday are only going to amount to $30, then its not a plan, and its not a solution..It is trolling for votes

PursuitOfHappinessParty · 05-03-2008, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdanton

Supreme court has already determined campaign contributions are free speech.

I'm not arguing that the system stinks. The money needed can't help but to corrupt it. The media is geared to entertain us rather than inform us.

You are, however, kidding yourself if you think any president is going to change this system.

The best we can hope for in a president is one who will consider qualifications above friendship when appointing people. Who will put the law above loyalty if one of those he appoints does something illegal, etc.....

It gets back to that nagging question: MOST of Washington's business is conducted by Congress. How does any president change the way Congress does business?

I prefer not to 'hope' for anything, I demand as a citizen. The executive introduces, the congress passes - it does work both ways.

Campaign and lobby reform will take all three branches. You only have to remember that if we stay amongst the system as it stands, you aren't talking about individuals - you're talking about party.

With legislation, all reforms happen. The supreme court hasn't judged on this as a specific item, as it hasn't ever been enacted.

PursuitOfHappinessParty · 05-03-2008, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malkavian

What are we up too???

Here you go...

Source

Any questions? Do you see now why i want the gas prices to shoot through the roof? 17% profit increase for oil companies? I wonder who is buying all that oil....

I want to see oil company profits increase at least 50%/year every year until people get it into their stupid heads that this is not a sustainable lifestyle... And the sooner it happens, the better we will be in the long run.

You, I, and Bill Maher!! Once it get's that expensive, reform of some sort should follow. The rub is, the Oil Companies know this and will adjust accordingly as per their information dictates.

BTW, most fuel used in the U.S. is used by the military. Also remember, those increases in fuel costs will also increase food, merchandise, and heating costs to the consumer.

In other words, it's gonna hurt.

PursuitOfHappinessParty · 05-03-2008, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdanton

So?

How does our government set the price and profits and salaries and bonuses of private companies?

We have willingly, and happily, walked into this situation. To the extent that supply and demand takes a place here, look at all those big SUV's on our highways.

That's a sticky problem, isn't it? How to regulate private business in a free-market capitalist society.

To me, it's related to the overall corporation problem. Stockholder right reform would be my suggestion on corporate influence in all industries.

As to fuel, I am beginning to feel that since fuel impacts every aspect of our government's and citizen's lives, maybe it's time to make it the social structure that it really is. That would remove it from the profiteering of the private sector and make it a government responsibility.

Venzuela gas is $0.14 a gallon.

PursuitOfHappinessParty · 05-03-2008, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdanton

I don't think it's that complex.

As long as we keep buying the gas while we're complaining, the prices will go up.

"All the market will bear."

When we substantially change our habits, the price will stop going up.

People complain about the rising cost of pay per view boxing, but they keep paying to view. I tell them that if nobody paid to view the next big match, the powers that be would get the message.

If you have a product and can raise the price and sell the same amount, why wouldn't you?

Except you don't need boxing. Boxing doesn't deliver you food, dry goods, take you to work, take you around at work, power your military, get you to the hospital, keep you warm, take your kids to school,..........

Malkavian · 05-03-2008, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PursuitOfHappinessParty

You, I, and Bill Maher!! Once it get's that expensive, reform of some sort should follow. The rub is, the Oil Companies know this and will adjust accordingly as per their information dictates.

Well, that's good... let them adjust, as long as we are consuming less, we should be ok...

Quote:

Originally Posted by PursuitOfHappinessParty

BTW, most fuel used in the U.S. is used by the military. Also remember, those increases in fuel costs will also increase food, merchandise, and heating costs to the consumer.

In other words, it's gonna hurt.

Fair enough. Don't think of it as anal rape - think of it as colonoscopy.

PursuitOfHappinessParty · 05-04-2008, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malkavian

Well, that's good... let them adjust, as long as we are consuming less, we should be ok...

Fair enough. Don't think of it as anal rape - think of it as colonoscopy.

I'm 42, so I thank you very much not to use the 'c' word!

As to the other 'c' word, Americans and the words 'consume less' just doesn't roll off the tongue, does it?

MarkMiller · 05-04-2008, 03:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PursuitOfHappinessParty

I'm 42, so I thank you very much not to use the 'c' word!

As to the other 'c' word, Americans and the words 'consume less' just doesn't roll off the tongue, does it?

No but I am trying.......with very bad results.

Environment Man · 05-04-2008, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slowhand

Outside of price gouging, I dont know what Congress can do either..But getting back to one of my points, if the savings on a tax holiday are only going to amount to $30, then its not a plan, and its not a solution..It is trolling for votes

You actually get it.

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