Posted by
txag007 on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 8:12:50 PM
Senator Chuck Schumer said today in response to President Bush’s plea for the Congress to allow drilling in ANWR, “Which side is (the President) on? He can’t be both for big oil and for lower prices.”
It’s true we live in an era dominated by the sound byte, but any discussion based on Mr. Schumer’s statement establishes the premise that “big oil” is directly and solely responsible for our woes at the pump. Whilst numerous accusations have been made, not one shred of evidence indicating price fixing has been publicly submitted by a politician making such claims.
On the other hand, I could easily say, “The people of this country can’t have it both ways. They can’t be for lower gas prices, and vote for liberals,” and I would be closer to the truth. Evidence does exist that the high fuel prices we are paying, while undoubtedly due to a combination of factors that include a weak dollar and speculation on Wall Street, are primarily the result of restrictions held in place by a Democratically-controlled Congress which reduce supply in a market of growing demand for oil and gasoline.
Neither statement, however, will bring down the price of fuel. That will only be done when those who matter insist upon it. Write your congressman.