Submitted by: Josh Greenberger(1,077) Log in to become a member of Josh Greenberger's Fan Club!
(May 21, 2008) With the almost daily rise in gasoline prices
threatening the lifestyle of every American, the question on many
people's minds is, where will it end?
According to the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the
average retail price for gasoline in 2002 was $1.35 per gallon and
crude oil averaged $24.09 per barrel. On May 21, 2008, crude oil hit a
record $130 per barrel, and many stations were already selling Regular
gas for over $4 per gallon.
Goldman Sachs predicts crude oil will hit $200 a barrel in two years. This could translate into $6 per gallon at the pump.
These high gas prices threaten to seriously impact driving habits, air
travel, food purchases and just about every commodity we're accustomed
to. Replacing a meal with a "big snack" is not something Americans are
accustomed to doing, but, if gas prices go much higher, it may become a
sad reality for some.
What are the chances of gas prices rolling back in the near future to
anywhere near the 2002 levels? The answer, I believe, is very good, and
nil. Depending on what we do or don't do.
If we do nothing, things are likely to get a lot worse. If we act now,
we can greatly reduce gas prices, not in ten years or some distant
future, but in a matter of months.
We're currently sitting on one of the worlds greatest oil reserves.
What's stopping us from taking advantage of it is the modern scourges
of political correctness and worrying about what others will say.
In one fell swoop we can drastically reduce the price of oil, reduce
some of Americans' outrage over the Iraq war, and greatly diminish the
power of OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Nations).
We're in Iraq right now -- let's use it to our advantage.
Taking control of oil fields is not necessarily an "either us or them"
situation. There's enough oil in Iraq to satisfy the needs of the U.S.
and Iraq. The 2.3 million barrels of oil a day Iraq currently produces
is a small fraction of its vast oil reserves. Iraq's proven oil
reserves are currently estimated at 115 billion barrels, the third
largest in the world, behind Saudi Arabia and Iran. At its current rate
of production, Iraq would take over 130 years to use up its reserves.
(By then, we'll probably be driving cars on hydrogen broken down from
ordinary water.)
The sad truth is that in the middle east, oil money seldom, if ever,
goes to "the people." In that region, oil generally makes the sheiks
and crooked ruling parties or families rich while the people remain at
poverty levels.
Iraq is already showing signs of going down that precise path of
corruption and indifference to it's own people. On March 7, 2008, two
Senators, Carl Levin, D-Michigan, and John Warner, R-Virginia, said in
a letter to the Government Accountability Office that Iraq has
"tremendous resources" in banks worldwide but is doing little to
improve security and reconstruction efforts.
The letter said, in part, " ... we believe that Iraq will accrue at
least $100 billion in oil revenues in 2007 and 2008 ... Our
conversations with both Iraqis and Americans during our frequent visits
to Iraq, as well as official government and unofficial media reports,
have convinced us that the Iraqi government is not doing nearly enough
to provide essential services and improve the quality of life of its
citizens."
The U.S. could give Iraqi oil money back to the Iraqi people by taking
control of the oil fields and making sure the oil money goes for
essential services. Then, by upgrading existing refineries, building
new ones, and greatly increasing oil exports, they could drive the
price of oil down substantially.
For our troubles, we'd get enough oil to put our economy back on its
feet; a small price for the Iraqi people to pay for being given freedom
and an improved lifestyle they've never before experienced. To be
generous, we might even offer to pay cost price. Either way, this would
reduce the price of oil for Americans even further.
It's hard to say how far the price of gas at the pumps would fall, but
I don't think going back to the $2, or even $1.50, per gallon levels
would be out of the question.
What's more, as an added benefit, reducing the price of oil globally
would put a damper on OPEC's grip on the oil market, and, who knows,
maybe some of its members will have less money to contribute to
terrorism.
What's the downside to this scenario?
Well, OPEC would hate us. But then, some of their members are the very
same despots who hate us already, and the rest aren't exactly in love
with us either. So there really isn't much of a downside here.
The upside?
A long-term solution that offers lower gas prices, lower air fare,
lower food prices, and lower prices for just about everything. Oh, and
now we'll at least know why OTEC (Organization of the Terrorism
Exporting Nations) hates us.
Of course, we'll also have the usual critics shouting, "See? We told
you all along Bush went into Iraq for the oil." To them, my answer
would be, "That Bush, what a genius!"
Josh Greenberger: As a computer consultant for over two decades, has developed software for NASA's Goddard Institute of Space Studies, AT&T, Charles Schwab, Bell Laboratories and Chase Manhattan Bank. Has appeared, in the form of letters and articles, in The New York Post, New York Daily News, New York Times, Village Voice, Jewish Press, Hamodia and others. http://joshgreenberger.com Articles have ranged from humor to scientific to current events. Wrote a book disproving the theory of evolution (Human Intelligence Gone Ape a.k.a. http://wholettheapesout.com/mainline.php Who Let The Apes Out), available in stores and online. Has written several screenplays. http://innocenttarget.com/di_screenplay.php
» left by Robert Melaccio, Sr.(6,698) Robert Melaccio, Sr. (144 days 3 hours ago.)
Just a fact that is little published. We of course are not producing enough to meet demand and demand is higher then supplies. Not known so much. Production is a real issue. Countries like China and India and other "emerging markets" as our candidates like to call them are now using our jobs, tax dollars and investment to increase buying cars. I find it interesting while demand for large cars is going down here it is rising in China. Now could these companies have had the foresight to see this coming and increase production? Production where and how and if? No, the market is all being left to speculators and your $6.00 a gallon figure is right on. The super elite rich who buy in the billions and sell at will forcing the prices up and up. We the bovine consume the "party line". The fact is people who don't need it are making money even as I write hand over fist. What does this all mean. How simple must we get people? Just what does it mean to YOU at $6.00 a gallon? Can you pay your bills, your credit cards., your mortgage, your utilities, etc, etc, etc. When a nation loses its ability to maintain itself it then is open to the fall in more ways then one. Good article. My comments for the masses.
» left by Anonymous (143 days 15 hours ago.)
You're right about we "are not producing enough to meet demand."
Unfortunately, that's more of a long-term solution, and we need a quick
fix right now. We definitely should take out all stops (and
environmental concerns) to increase production and explore new oil in
and around the U.S. Respond to this comment
» left by JimJam from Melbourne, Australia (141 days 5 hours ago.)
Why on earth do you think you are entitled to take what another country has? Even if they aren't using it the way you think they should, that doesn't mean you are justified in taking it. This is what is wrong with the US and none of you get it. Not everything is about Americans and how you live or how much you pay. You know, there's a whole world out there. Perhaps you could start by cutting back in your own lifestyles. You expect everything for nothing while others pay for it. Grow up and stop acting like spoiled brats. You can't have it just because you want it. That's why you're always at war with someone, and why so many other countries, not just the 'unfriendly ones' are so critical of you. Learn to see beyond your own needs and stop feeling so entitled. You are just one part, one relatively small number, of a planet full of people with needs and entitlements. Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (141 days 3 hours ago.)
JimJam; "You expect everything for nothing while others pay for it" America distributes billions in aid to nations all over the world, more than any other nation. They world hates us because this article makes a suggestion to do something we've never actually done? How ridiculous can you get? You have your facts and your head mixed up. If you knew the facts, you'd know that almost every place in the world where there is unrest it usually involves Muslims, not America. The world hates us because we live better than they do. If they'd all stop killing each other for a minute, maybe get a chance to build up their own country. The answer to your question: After all the aid and charity the U.S. gives around the world, yes, we are entitled to something in return when we need a little help.
» left by JimJam from Melbourne (140 days 18 hours ago.)
And you believe too much of your own country's propaganda. Very little of what your country does is done without conditions, and more often than not with ways to make money for American companies. Granted, it is difficult to develop perspective from within, but many of your fellow countrymen and women do. It's not impossible. According to the official IMF (International Monetary Fund) figures, the US is very low on the list of donations and aid in accordance with your GNI. The UN goal for all countries is 0.7% of GNI (that's Gross National Income). The highest is Denmark, at just under 1.0%. They are followed by 19 other 'smaller' countries, including Australia, and your country comes in at 0.2%, second lowest on the list! Hardly what I'd call generous. Your last clause, '...we are entitled to something in return when we need a little help' sums up my point exactly. Childish and petulant. If you really want to be informed and make declarations of resolutions to problems, look outside your own borders. NO country is entitled to take what they want from another country! That is a declaration of war. And to do so on the lame excuse of high prices is outrageous. If you want to remain insular, put the blame where it belongs and look for resolutions from your own government and your lifestyles. Things aren't going to get better. Resources are running out for everyone and we have to come together to find answers for everyone, not just have the biggest bullying the smaller and 'taking their lunch money!' JimJam Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (140 days 15 hours ago.)
First, I talk about amounts, you talk about percentages. The u.s's smaller percentage of aid comes out to more than most, if not all, other countries' aid. Then, talk about believing propaganda. You're regurgitating the same u.s. hatred propaganda the mindless of our society have been brainwashed by terrorists into believing. Giving (Iraqi) people what belongs to them is not bullying. Saying it is, is just your rediculous twist. You better wake up and recognize what "bullying" and evil is: when they (terrorists) cut people's heads off, that's a problem to reckon with. The u.s. is nobody's problem. And it's precisely because of your kind of sick backbone-less attitude that we have a global terrorism problem. Terrorists can terrorize country after country, to you that's not a problem. But the propaganda poured out by the terrorists, that you've picked up well. It would've been nice if you had an original thought. I honestly wish the u.s. was the bully you claim it is; we wouldn't have an oil problem right now.
» left by JimJam (140 days 11 hours ago.)
First, you cannot make comparisons with other countries unless you use percentages. So, if you are going to claim a form of superiority in terms of aid, and use it justify taking what you want as in some way deserving, you can only do so by using percentages. If one country has a million dollars and gives one thousand in aid, and another has a billion dollars and gives ten thousand in aid, the cost, sacrifice and generosity of the smaller country is far larger and more generous. As for regurgitating terrorist propaganda, just because my opinion is different to yours does not automatically mean I am on some opposite side, yours being 'good' and mine 'evil.' Talk about proving my point. I have my own opinions, and they are based on many things, none of which have anything to do with propaganda of terrorists or terrorism. I deplore terrorism, in ALL its forms, no matter who perpetrates it or why. It is not only Muslims who do it, by the way, and to think they are the only ones who cause trouble anywhere in the world is errant and ignorant. There are attitudes other than your own and who you choose to see as your enemy. The majority of Muslims - and, no, I am not one or involved with any - are decent, law abiding people. You wouldn't know most of them if they were surrounding you in an elevator. What you are saying in that regard is no more than repeating what your government has said, and claimed to justify going into Iraq in the first place. Since then, it has been disproved and your government has had to admit it. Perhaps they don't let their own citizens know, but the rest of the world knows. My views of US foreign policy were formed long before any of this 'terrorism' rose its ugly head and is based on a wide variety of issues and actions taken by many, including and especially your country. No matter how hard you argue your point, the fact remains NO country is entitled to take what they want from another country. And using the excuse of 'giving the Iraqi people what they want' as some form of justification for doing so is about as illogical as it gets. By the way, how many Iraqi people do you know or have asked just what it is they want? Or is your inherent American superiority all you need to decide? I am through debating with you - unless you come back with something intelligent, backed by facts - but I give you this one piece of advice: beware taking anything on face value, especially justification for war or police actions in other countries. You've been told how wonderful life is for Iraqis since Hussein was toppled, but the truth and facts known around the world, including from and in your ally countries, which mine is - we have soldiers in Iraq also - are quite different to what you seem to believe.
G'day to you, and use the internet to research wider. You might be surprised.
JimJam Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (140 days 5 hours ago.)
JimJam:
First, You have to stop with the nonsense about I'm just "repeating what the government" is telling me. You make it sound like America is China, and Australians are free people. Our government isn't telling us anything, and we're free to read and believe whatever we want. Plus, we have plenty of brainwashed nuts like you right here in America (proof that our government isn't making us believe anything).
Second, you seem to live in your own world of "truths," while in fact you know very little. You've been so brainwashed that you don't even know where your anti-american stupidity comes from. It's been perpetuated by terrorists, and it has caught on throughout the world. And the people who have latched on to these nonsensical anti-American notions are those who are too ignorant or stupid to think for themselves.
You also seem to know nothing about the facts on Muslims. You've replaced facts with your own meaningless feelings (which helps no one but terrorists and war mongers). There was a study done by a university professor that showed everywhere in the world where Muslims have a border with non-Muslims, there is war. Come out of your cave and check it out for yourself.
A guy like you should be living in Disney World; the real world doesn't seem to make you very comfortable.
p.s. No need to respond, you don't make much sense anyway.
» left by Anonymous (136 days 11 hours ago.)
1.34 thats British pounds for a litre of petrol. You have cheap petrol in the USA. Or Gas as you call it. Your filling your tanks for a lot less than here so stop moaning and enjoy. George is doing his best.
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