Opinion Talk

By Steve

May 27, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

I don’t think it matters one way or the other because it looks like we’ll be paying 8 bucks or more soon enough anyhow. This country had better get serious about alternative sources of energy and they better do it now or we’re all going to wind up broke and in rationing lines.

By Honest Sam

May 27, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

Yes, this is a very good idea. Not only will it benefit the environment but it will also lead to real developments in alternative energy. People are complaining about gas prices now but haven’t truly changed their ways.

By ron

May 27, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

Speak for yourself,Honest Sam.I’ve cut my gas usage by 60%.I started last November.

By zeke

May 27, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

This just shows the perils of electing people with no expertise in the economy, the environment, and science! These idiots swallow the crap put out by Gore and the environmental extremeist as fact! In fact, Gore or the environmental radicals have no clue as to the reasons for any change in global temperature! They claim that human activity is causing a global warming! Crap! Then explain how these same things happen over and over again, even when they happened millions of years before human industrial activity??

By jeff

May 27, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

Honest Sam, Your an idiot! There is no real way to change our way at this time, Our entire nation and our way of life is about to crumble do to the cost of gas and there is no ready alternative in sight. The car makers are years away from marketing autos with other than fossil fuel engines. The cost of gas is going to bankrupt everyone of us and the country.

By been green

May 27, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

agree with the comments thus far…

it’s time to slow down the SUV’s from 80 to 60mph. it’s time to manage the thermostat better it’s time for tankless water heaters it’s time for turning off the lights when you leave the office it’s time to quit being a fuel hog

it’s patriotic to save energy, for crying out loud!

By Fix-It

May 27, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

What an absolute joke this dumbacratic run congress is! All you bush bashers, where are you now? I guess it is OK for congress to raise gas to $8 a gallon, while OPEC nations pay less than 75 cents a gallon. Better yet has anybody said one word about the total open borders/amnesty bill? History will prove that this will be the beginning of the end of America as we know it! We voted for change not complete stupidity!

By RealityKing

May 27, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Much like the elitist liberals that have been pushing for this type of Euro sytle gas price over the last 20 years.., I too can afford $8 a gallon.

But it will be nice to have these great big expensive roadways absent of poor people… Don’t you agree Jay, Cynthia?? I mean, isn’t this exactly how progressive America must become to stop man-made global warming???

By Common Sense

May 27, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Please try to remember the truckers who bring you EVERYTHING. The increase in fuel costs impact us in every way.

Another consideration, what about the country doctor who drives 100 or more miles a day to take care of people in rural areas. Should he/she be subjected to rationing of gas at the expense of those in need of medical care?

While some joy riders in SUVs do impact our world, personal responsibility is the answer here, not penalizing everyone who drives.

By Robert

May 27, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

Global Warming is just another step in the evolution of the Earth. Gas prices are high because the Muslims couldn’t bring us to our knees in combat. They are now focused on holding oil over our heads, we are spending millons on their oil. Enough to pay for them to keep attacking us. Saudi’s were involved in 9/11 and involved with al-quida. Wake Up America!

By Robert

May 27, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Global Warming is just another step in the evolution of the Earth. Gas prices are high because the Muslims couldn’t bring us to our knees in combat. They are now focused on holding oil over our heads, we are spending millons on their oil. Enough to pay for them to keep attacking us. Saudi’s were involved in 9/11 and involved with al-quida. Wake Up America!

By KC

May 27, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Uh…I am reading a LOT of Democrat bashing in this so far.

Have ANY of you paid attention to the fact that this legislation is sponsored by one Republican and one Republican-in-waiting? Agree or disagree with the legislation it’s time people stop thinking of environmentalism as the property of a single political party. The simple truth is that members of both parties have a vested interest in cutting our dependence on foreign oil. It amazes me that conservatives don’t see the economic windfall awaiting the first nation to commit in a fashion similar to the Apollo program of the 60’s to the development of alternative and renewable fuel sources. Oil is finite, it will eventually be depleted. Sure it may be another 100 years but it WILL happen. The country who owns the new energy technology will be the OPEC of the 22nd century. If we want America to remain the most powerful nation on earth we need to move away from being the worlds largest consumer nation and back to our place as the worlds largest producer. And what commodity will ever be more valuable to produce than energy or the technology with which it can be produced?

Just some food…or energy…for thought. Have a great day everybody.

By Daedalus

May 27, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Citing any study or analysis by the Heritage Foundation is a waste of paper, ink and cyberspace. Ignore all right-wing AND left-wing so-called “think-tanks” — they are just shills for either the oil and gas industry or the Sierra Club and other enviro whackos.

Its too bad the AJC got rid of all if its journalists, then it could actually perform its own substantive analysis instead of wasting space on garbage like this.

By Frank Oliver

May 27, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

The US uses 52 million barrels of oil per day. 60% of that goes to generate electricity. Am I missing something here or should we not be putting all those illegal immigrants and all the Americans out of work building nuclear power plants. We import 37 million barrels a day beacause we only produce 15 million barrels thanks to the tree huggers.That’s $4,995,000,000. billion dollars a day going out of the country. If we convert to nukes we will not even have to import oil. By the way, I read a report that all the nuclear waste collected sice FDR started the Manhattan Project will fit in an average high school gym. We have Yucca Mountain waiting. We must put a stop to the NAZI TREE HUGGERS. Please write your congressman and senator’s and ask him to vote against this proposal.

By Bill

May 27, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

“China and India will continue to use more, offsetting U.S. gains”

This is happening because corporations that are based in America and can operate and prosper because they are American are Sending all the jobs to these third world countries (to avoid Us Labor Laws) so they can basically use slave labor. (no min. wage in India/No overtime, etc.) What do we Americans get? Higher gas prices. Sounds like a great system.

By Bill

May 27, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

“China and India will continue to use more, offsetting U.S. gains”

This is happening because corporations that are based in America and can operate and prosper because they are American are Sending all the jobs to these third world countries (to avoid Us Labor Laws) so they can basically use slave labor. (no min. wage in India/No overtime, etc.) What do we Americans get? Higher gas prices. Sounds like a great system.

By KC

May 27, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Uh…Frank…can we have a dialog without comparing whomever is on the opposite side of the political isle to Nazis? You may not remember the 1970’s but the reason we have all the restrictions on drilling in this county isn’t because a bunch of Liberals chained themselves to trees. It’s because we had oil spill after oil spill along pipelines and around refineries on American soil and the US population demanded these limits to try and prevent the environmental disasters from getting worse in the future. Was it a smart decision? I don’t know. But it wasn’t a “Nazi Tree Hugger” decision. Oh…and one more thing…the definition of Fascism (the underlying political philosophy of National Socialism) is the grafting of the industrial/military and political processes into one cohesive whole. In other words, NAZIS love big corporations and big government simultaneously and couldn’t give a damn about environmentalism or anything else that contains little up front root profit.

Just thought maybe we should understand that a Liberal can never be a Nazi. They can be short, tall, fat, skinny, stupid, clever, nice, cruel, socialist, libertarian, angry or happy…but I’m afraid they cannot ever be a Nazi or Fascist because those political ideologies are the antithesis of what we consider a modern “liberal” point of view.

And…No…before someone goes bonkers I’m not saying Conservatives ARE Nazis. Just because one side isn’t something it does not mean the other side automatically becomes that thing.

Have a great day everybody.

By William Carney - see hwjv.net

May 27, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Yes, we should postpone. We need to stop picking trees and animals over poor people. That’s partly why we’re in this mess now. If Congress would have allowed us to drill in Alaska and other places six years ago when the Bush Administration had pushed for it, then things would be a lot different. Even today, Congress gives lip service to helping offset gas prices but continue to vote down drilling so that we can save the polar bear etc. This is the folly of the so called environmental movement. It chooses nature over people.

By Fossil Fool

May 27, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Nazschizzle!

By sane jane

May 27, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Trying to remember who said:

“When fascism arrives in America, it will be draped in American flag” or some such…

People like Frank Oliver scare they daylights out of me. They’d rather spend their energy demonizing their opponents than actually working together to solve a problem…

(and are happy to distort the facts to suit their purposes - thanks to KC for pointing out that this is a Republican/Independent sponsored bill…)

By AC

May 27, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

I think the US especially in the south needs to seriously start looking at implementing more public transportation facilities. There are a lot more cars every year on the road.

By steve walsh

May 27, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

There was a time when the roads were not congested with 18 wheelers. Practically everything arrived by train. Then, we let all that go, outsourced all our brands to other countries, and started the trucking of all our goods. Rome is burning my friends. Be sorry for our children.

By Dave

May 27, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Our congress is filled with idiots. And if I was a big oil exec, I would ask whatever idiot representative was berating me, “Isn’t it also true, Congressman, that the government takes more in tax from the sale of gasoline than any oil company?”

By Frankie

May 27, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Let’s see -$8 per gallon the car industry will crash, the trucking industry will crash, farmers will increase produce costs, the groceries will continue to rise, families will have to decide between, perscriptions, rent, gas for the car and food…

THe public schools will fill up again, no one will be able to afford private school any more…or home schools will rise since at least one parent will not be able to afford to go to work since it will cost more than a weeks wages to fill the tank to go to work….what an oxy moron

By Ex-driver

May 27, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

I fully agree with AC, 11:05. Now, more than ever, is the time for our state and local politicians in the south to implement alternative forms of public transit. $8.00/gallon gasoline will bring Atlanta’s economy to a grinding halt, unless we invest in the infrastructure needed to support public transportation.

Initiatives such as the BeltLine and the “Brain Train” commuter rail line are well underway. However, these initiatives require political support in addition to public support. Currently, most of the financial support from state and federal sources seem to be funneled into creating more roads and widening our urban interstates. What we really need are additional options for getting around. If you widen the interstate, gas will still cost $4.00/gallon, with prices rising all the time.

Where are our alternatives to driving, Atlanta? Georgia?

By Jose Arcadio

May 27, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

There needs to be an alternative. If we can put somebody on the moon in less than a decade, build an atom bomb during WWII, why can’t we come up with an alternative? Is it because the oil company has our government by the shorts?

It is ridiculous. Just like the fact that Atlanta, allegedly a world city, doesn’t have a decent transit system. That boils down to the fact that the car industry is making a ton off of dolts that don’t want to get out of their cars. Not to mention all of the repair shops and mechanics who make a killing off of the two to three accidents every day.

By Ima Pol Scammer

May 27, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

The thieving political hacks in congress are participants in the oil scam as much as they are in “the bridge to nowhere”!!!

http://www.cagw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=reports_pigbook2006

By Charliedog8

May 27, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Hey, here’s an idea:

Let’s send Alfred E. Newman, or George W. Bush (same thing) back to Saudi to beg for price reductions.

Failing that, we’ll have to adjust our lifestyles to huge increases in the price of everything.

The pollution problem will solve itself when the prices finally force us Americans to conserve energy.

By doctor do right

May 27, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

By William Carney - see hwjv.net

May 27, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

If Congress were to open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling, crude oil prices would probably drop by an average of only 75 cents a barrel, according to Department of Energy projections issued Thursday.

Do the math my friend! The only reason the Alaskan delegation of congress people want that area developed is because it’s good for Alaska.

By clover hinds

May 27, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

I am appauled about Congress wanting to vote on a bill that would raise gas price $8.00. No one on Capital Hill, is concerned about the people who cannot afford it like myself. What is going to happen to this country which is already in a recession. God help us all.

By WRCz

May 27, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

I’m tired of the left and right beating each other over this issues without any substantive solutions! We don’t need higher taxes, we need more oil, more conservation, more alternative energies and more alternative transportation. Quit bickering about this and get it done already!

I’ve swapped out every bulb in my house for flourescent and LEDs, keep the thermostat above 77 and ride a scooter to work as often as I can, saving about 5-6 gallons of gas a week. I can conserve energy while understanding full well that if we keep using more gas while OPEC caps supply, prices will continue to rise until we get more oil pumping out there. Drill and conserve, dammit!

By Tired

May 27, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Face it, Atlanta doesn’t have a world-class transit system because Atlanta has a third-world city council.

By gttim

May 27, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

If Congress would have allowed us to drill in Alaska and other places six years ago when the Bush Administration had pushed for it, then things would be a lot different.

Bzzzzzt! As cited above, we import 37 million barrels of oil a day. ANWR/Alaska would only supply, at peak, 875,000 barrels a day- or about 2%. That is at peak, and it would take 10 years to start bringing any to market. ANWR oil is not going to change the price of gasoline any noticeable amount.

In the 70’s Carter talked about becoming independent of Mid East oil- and all the conservatives raged against him. Turns out it would have been the best thing we could have done. Still is. Conservatives only care about corporate profits, however- and they are serving their masters well as corporate profits are through the roof as they continue with corporate welfare and unfair competition. The oil business is one of the most profitable right now, as they gut the US taxpayers. Small business and the middle class are vanishing. Time for a change!

By Thinking

May 27, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

While the story on Global Warming is very convincing, we have not heard the other side of the story. Why? Apparently there are many very smart scientists that don’t buy into it. Did you know the polar caps were once pastures? A meeting with another asteroid might be the best solution to our problem.

It would be very wise to curb our dependence on fossil fuels just from a basic environment and economic perspective. However, the knee-jerk reactions we are seeing may be based on weak science.

By Rjones

May 27, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

THIS IS NOT DISCRIMINATION IN ANY WAY ! To use less enrgy, reduce our population. Close the borders, practice contraception.Fewer people equals less energy!

By Rjones

May 27, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Fewer people will mean full employment, more resources available for fewer school children, and less traffic on our roads.

By Oldskool Conservationist

May 27, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

Every president since Nixon has said we should reduce our reliance on foreign oil. Both parties have swapped the White House and Congress back and forth and nothing’s gotten done! Standard-issue politics aren’t going to fix this. Realize that this is a jigsaw puzzle and anyone that says they have all the pieces (and the other guy has bad pieces) is lying to you.

By Pds1234

May 27, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

It is always sad how ignorant people are. They think high gas prices are a global liberal conspiracy. Sadly, this is far from the truth. Gas prices have primarily risen due to increased worldwide demand. Also, oil is sold in dollars, as our currency loses value, due to the ‘conservative’ principles by the chairman of the fed, Oil becomes a good target for hedge funds to offset loss in revenue. It doesnt have anything to do with illegal immigrants, global warming, gay marriage or any other ‘conservative’ soap box. Wake up idiots, and actually do a little research. If my memory serves me, gas was 1.50/gal and our budget was balanced when Clinton left office.

By Copyleft

May 27, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Drilling won’t help, but it’s the only option Congress (or rather, their lobbyist masters) are willing to consider.

By We ARE democrats

May 27, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

We ARE democrats and we LOVE the HIGH gas prices! It is our badge of honor for helping the environment and stopping all new domestic drilling… We cannot wait for $10 per gallon, so that we can be equal to the rest of the world! THANK a DEMOCRAT!

By Thinking

May 27, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

We saw this in the 70’s. In five years you will be saying “Remember back in 2008 when gas hit $4 per gallon, and we thought that was a lot?”

Remember the 70’s when you could only buy 10 gallons of gas and it took over an hour to get it?

By KB

May 27, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Jeff et al….

we may be 10’s of years ago from driving on ‘other’ fossil fuels, but guess what the electric car is RIGHT NOW. I Know, I know, electric cars use coal, nuclear or some other source at the power plants on the back end, BUT we have PLENTY of these resources domestically to last until we can mass market hydrogen or some other source.

By I Heart Republican

May 27, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

I heart Republican. I have my belief firmly entrenched in the idea that the market will straighten itself out. I will continue driving my SUV with a Support the Troops ribbon on the back.

I love that we have tax breaks for corporations, and love that the government can turn a blind eye to business but can easily come into my bedroom and tell me what I should be doing. They can make sure that there are no curse words on t.v. or a bare breast. I love that Big Brother has me in line. Now let me run home, and turn all the lights out. I have a curfew and don’t want to make Big Brother angry.

By Fossil Fool

May 27, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

The one defense that the oil companies had against regulation was this mantra: Go ahead and regulate us, congress, if you want short supplies and high prices.

Well, half of that came true with no regulation. Now we really have nothing to lose.

I say it’s time we regulate the gas companies, and I’m running for prez based on that.

Simply write my name in the paper ballot……..D’OH!!!

By Fossil Fool

May 27, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

And you reservoir tips are such geniuses!!! Gasoline was 5.00 dollars per gallon in much of the US in 1973 and 1974, and that of course, is in 2008 dollars.

None of you know what I’m talking about do you?

I’m wasted here. bye. dont let the door slam in your gonads as I leave and you run to the door begging me to come back….SWAT! (that had to hurt)

bwa

By truthfully

May 27, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Yet.. we are still not in a recession!!!??? YEA SURE…OKAY

By Jack ATL

May 27, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Who’s side is Congress on?? Certainly not the citizens who were dumb enough to put them into office!!

By rg

May 27, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

How anyone can comment either way on this little bit of information is beyond me. The writer of this article is looking for shock value and to scare people.

By Peggy

May 27, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

That’s what happens when you elect a president and vice president that are in bed with the oil companies. I don’t understand poor Republicans. They can’t afford to gas up to go to work, can’t afford the higher food cost, losing their homes in the mortgage meltdown or values of their homes have gone down, stocks are worthless, lost good health care when their jobs went overseas but will vote Republican because they don’t believe in abortion or same sex marriages.

News Flash, Dems are not for same sex marriage either, we just don’t voice it as often cause we have other problems as listed above.

By Lisa

May 27, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

I think RFK, Jr.’s manifesto made some interesting points. Worth reading: http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/05/rfk_manifesto200805

By Lisa

May 27, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Here is part of RFK Jr.’s manifesto to the next President, in case you missed it:

Last November, Lord (David) Puttnam debated before Parliament an important bill to tackle global warming. Addressing industry and government warnings that we must proceed slowly to avoid economic ruin, Lord Puttnam recalled that precisely 200 years ago Parliament heard identical caveats during the debate over abolition of the slave trade. At that time slave commerce represented one-fourth of Britain’s G.D.P. and provided its primary source of cheap, abundant energy. Vested interests warned that financial apocalypse would succeed its prohibition.

That debate lasted roughly a year, and Parliament, in the end, made the moral choice, abolishing the trade outright. Instead of collapsing, as slavery’s proponents had predicted, Britain’s economy accelerated. Slavery’s abolition exposed the debilitating inefficiencies associated with zero-cost labor; slavery had been a ball and chain not only for the slaves but also for the British economy, hobbling productivity and stifling growth. Now creativity and productivity surged. Entrepreneurs seeking new sources of energy launched the Industrial Revolution and inaugurated the greatest era of wealth production in human history.

Today, we don’t need to abolish carbon as an energy source in order to see its inefficiencies starkly, or to understand that this addiction is the principal drag on American capitalism. The evidence is before our eyes. The practice of borrowing a billion dollars each day to buy foreign oil has caused the American dollar to implode. More than a trillion dollars in annual subsidies to coal and oil producers have beggared a nation that four decades ago owned half the globe’s wealth. Carbon dependence has eroded our economic power, destroyed our moral authority, diminished our international influence and prestige, endangered our national security, and damaged our health and landscapes. It is subverting everything we value.

We know that nations that “decarbonize” their economies reap immediate rewards. Sweden announced in 2006 the phaseout of all fossil fuels (and nuclear energy) by 2020. In 1991 the Swedes enacted a carbon tax—now up to $150 a ton—and as a result thousands of entrepreneurs rushed to develop new ways of generating energy from wind, the sun, and the tides, and from woodchips, agricultural waste, and garbage. Growth rates climbed to upwards of three times those of the U.S.

Iceland was 80 percent dependent on imported coal and oil in the 1970s and was among the poorest economies in Europe. Today, Iceland is 100 percent energy-independent, with 90 percent of the nation’s homes heated by geothermal and its remaining electrical needs met by hydro. The International Monetary Fund now ranks Iceland the fourth most affluent nation on earth. The country, which previously had to beg for corporate investment, now has companies lined up to relocate there to take advantage of its low-cost clean energy.

It should come as no surprise that California, America’s most energy-efficient state, also possesses its strongest economy.

The United States has far greater domestic energy resources than Iceland or Sweden does. We sit atop the second-largest geothermal resources in the world. The American Midwest is the Saudi Arabia of wind; indeed, North Dakota, Kansas, and Texas alone produce enough harnessable wind to meet all of the nation’s electricity demand. As for solar, according to a study in Scientific American, photovoltaic and solar-thermal installations across just 19 percent of the most barren desert land in the Southwest could supply nearly all of our nation’s electricity needs without any rooftop installation, even assuming every American owned a plug-in hybrid.

In America, several obstacles impede the kind of entrepreneurial revolution we need. To begin with, that trillion dollars in annual coal-and-oil subsidies gives the carbon industry a decisive market advantage. Meanwhile, an overstressed and inefficient national electrical grid can’t accommodate new kinds of power. At the same time, a byzantine array of local rules impede access by innovators to national markets.

There are a number of things the new president should immediately do to hasten the approaching boom in energy innovation. A carbon cap-and-trade system designed to put downward pressure on carbon emissions is quite simply a no-brainer. Already endorsed by Senators McCain, Clinton, and Obama, such a system would measure national carbon emissions and create a market to auction emissions credits. The supply of credits is then reduced each year to meet pre-determined carbon-reduction targets. As supply tightens, credit value increases, providing rich monetary rewards for innovators who reduce carbon. Since it is precisely targeted, cap-and-trade is more effective than a carbon tax. It is also more palatable to politicians, who despise taxes and love markets. Industry likes the system’s clear goals. This market-based approach has a proven track record.

There’s a second thing the next president should do, and it would be a strategic masterstroke: push to revamp the nation’s antiquated high-voltage power-transmission system so that it can deliver solar, wind, geothermal, and other renewable energy across the country. Right now, a Texas wind-farm manager who wants to get his electrons to market faces two huge impediments. First, our regional power grids are overstressed and misaligned. The biggest renewable-energy opportunities—for instance, Southwest solar and Midwest wind—are outside the grids’ reach. Furthermore, traveling via alternating-current (A.C.) lines, too much of that wind farmer’s energy would dissipate before it crossed the country. The nation urgently needs more investment in its backbone transmission grid, including new direct-current (D.C.) power lines for efficient long-haul transmission. Even more important, we need to build in “smart” features, including storage points and computerized management overlays, allowing the new grid to intelligently deploy the energy along the way. Construction of this new grid will create a marketplace where utilities, established businesses, and entrepreneurs can sell energy and efficiency.

By Robert

May 27, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Stop letting other countries get away with unfair business practices and the dollar will get stronger. China ‘floats’ its currency to the American dollar. As the American dollar gets weaker, so does the Chinese Yuan until they change the ‘peg’ to the dollar. This makes goods from China cheaper to export to other countries which boosts the production of goods in China and lowers the cost of producing goods in China.

Boost the American dollar by keeping jobs in America and boost the dollar by creating a ‘business landscape’ where businesses want to stay in the United States. It will lower the price of oil…

By Tony C.

May 27, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Finger-pointing doesn’t solve any problems.

I wonder if the loudmouthed blame-assigners on BOTH sides of the isle have anything close to the gumption to try and provide solutions???

Probably not-it’s so much fun to point fingers as the poor people continue to be swept down the tubes

By JeremiahWright

May 27, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Kick 12 million illegals out of the country and watch fuel consumption drop proportionally.

By CBL

May 27, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

What we have are a bunch of liberal eco-mentalists in Congress who want to punish people who own large SUVs and other gas-guzzling vehicles by taxing them on their fuel consumption and doubling the fuel cost. Of course, some of this will fund the “less fortunate” with a tax credit for their fuel needs. Who knows where the rest of the seized revenues will go, surely not towards any meaningful alternative transportation options. How about some more MARTA conferences in Las Vegas?

By Robert

May 27, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Take Iraq’s oil as repayment for the institution of democracy…

Stop sending economic aid overseas!

There are many things that can be done to make the dollar stronger which will then make oil prices lower.

By JeremiahWright

May 27, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Don’t forget: McCain is FOR nuclear energy. He’s a wimp on the border, but maybe he can get started on the fuel issue. And he’ll sure as hell stop the crazy Muslims.

By Abomi Nation

May 27, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

To those of you with the “Blame liberals” mantra………

The EPA brought to you by President Nixon.

The Clean Air Act…..Nixon’s doing

The protected species act…Nixon’s doing

Can’t drill off Florida coast….Jeb Bush

Can’t drill off California….Schwarzenegger

All REPUBLICAN

By nessa

May 27, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

If we have 8.00 for gas the world as we know it will probably come to an end. What more do you want from us. The car manufactures have cut making SUV’s and trucks in half due to rising fuel prices. People still have to eat, so that mean trucks will still have to bring in supplies. Remember that when you have to make a quick run to Wal-mart to buy papertowels, toilet paper, milk and other goods and products that are essential to everyone’s well being. I sure that people like JFK, MLK would roll over in the graves to see how the nation has basically gone to hell. Everything went down hill when George Bush was elected. I sure hope that he’s proud of himself for leaving this country in a mess for someone to clean up.

By USA Today

May 27, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Survival of the fittest is what we will have. I say look out for number one, Americans. If China and India and other Third World countries are causing this then let them die in their earthquakes; don’t feed the stick people in Africa or offer Amercian jobs to Indians. Would they help us? Would they dig us out of earthquake destroyed buildings or employ us or feed us? Hell no they wouldn’t. We can’t save everyone. That’s a pipedream and nightmare fairytale. It’s time we allow a few billion to die, it’s the natural order.

By Sarah

May 27, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

I don’t want to pay $8, but I count my blessing we don’t live in Europe which is at those prices now, or live in Ireland where it is $12 a gallon! I’m glad that I drive a small car that gets great gas mileage. Maybe people who drive Hummers & SUV’s might get a more efficient car if this happens. I’m always surprised how many people drive big vehicles but you normally only see 1 person in it, which is the person driving it. Maybe people will start carpooling more or get a better vehicle thats more efficient.

By Tony C.

May 27, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Stop buying into the divisive politics game!!!! The real issue is if the US will decide to use some self-control as well as some gumption. Right now, we ciontinue to be among the forefront in technological innovation; but because it is cheaper to let someone else do it, we have lost our edge among the world’s leading producers.

Drop the sense of entitlement, stop hiding behind “red vs. blue” /Democrat vs. Republican idealogical bullsh!t, roll our sleeves up and let’s work together to FIX the problems as opposed to pointing fingers and whinning that life isn’t fair.

By Abomi Nation

May 27, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Of course you “blame the liberals” don’t take responsibility for President Bush and his dollar destroying war. You know the one. The one that cost a TRILLION dollars. The one where we borrowed billions from China. The war that included a tax cut for corporations!!!

Its not the liberals, its that idiotic President of ours that has done most of the damage.

By Tim

May 27, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

First, we need to tell the world we are going to open up all u.s. territory to oil exploration and potentially drilling depending on the findings. This alone, will cool off the speculators who are driving the price of oil up. We then need to drill in all practical places (ANWR and offshore included) to increase the supply of oil. Any legislation to allow such drilling needs to be tied to alternative fuel research and development.

By LiebermanISanIdiot

May 27, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Um. No. Raising the gas prices this high will put us in a recession. People will have to quit their jobs because they can no longer afford to go to work. Why should the tax paying citizens pay at the pump to get the gov’t to come up with alternate fuel choices. This way of thinking is just plain ridiculous. Come up with the choices first then talk about raising the gas prices. Raising them now will do more harm than good.

They’ll be some illegal immigrants in Mexico because we’ll all be running for the border.

By Wayz

May 27, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Fighting global warming, just like fighting the global war on terror, will cost money, real money. It makes no difference whether it comes in the form of higher taxes or higher prices at the pump. The bottom line is we will have less money at the end of the day. The question becomes, Are these things worth fighting for? Are you willing to make sacrifices?

I believe in keeping America strong and I’m in favor fighting the global war on terror, so I drive a hybrid. The largest security risk facing our country is our dependence on foreign oil. Combine that risk with the fact that most of the oil reserves are located in countries where radical Islam is prevalent. I don’t drive a hybrid because I’m green, I drive a hybrid because I’m red, white and blue.

I’m not willing to make sacrifices to fight global warming. If I can make a difference without sacrificing, fine.

By Robert

May 27, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Abomi Nation…

Can’t put wind turbines off of Massachusetts (Kennedy)

Social Security (Roosevelt)

Medicare and Medicaid (Johnson)

Unemployment and Welfare (Johnson)

What do the last three points add up to??? OVER $1,500 billion EVERY YEAR!!! And it will CONTINUE to ESCALATE in price!!!

By Daedilus

May 27, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

$8 can save the planet? Then, I’m in. It is better to have to suffer in the short term, than waste our environment. We’ll survive, people! Geez, I mean how much have we sacrificed for this “war”? Not a darn thing. It’s time we start living smarter, and not so darn fatty!

By johnny t-bone

May 27, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

We need alternatives to driving. This country is far behind in commuting initiatives.
Large cities like Atlanta need a real commuter system. Marta is an absolute joke unless you live on the line, go to a sporting event, or go to the airport. A real metro system, such as the subways in New York (along with the LIRR and NJ Transit systems), or the Metro in Paris (which seems to make stops every other block across the entire city) is what Atlanta needs. We need high speed train service to other SE cities like Birmingham, Charlotte, Savannah, Orlando, Miami, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.
Alternative fuels are cleary and probably desparately going to be needed sooner rather than later, but we also need alternative modes of transporation. A real train system would be a start.

By Michael

May 27, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

BAD TIMING! & a bad idea! $8 a gal for gas is just stupid & any politician pushing a policy that would cause that to happen during this recession needs to go NOW! Let’s get those socialist, tree hugging & elitist democrats out of office this November! What drives me nuts is that in the 70’s we had the oil crisis now 30 years later we’re still dealing with oil issues. Why haven’t we gotten away from being totally dependant on it? Forget the stupid politics because this effects everyone they need to let every option be explored to find oil that belongs to us to ease our dependence our foreign oil ASAP. Then in the long term find alternatives to fossil flues. We’re the most powerful country in the world if we lead the way the rest will follow.

By Sam is a moron

May 27, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

Honest Sam, you are claiming that this voluntary legislation is good because it will force (again, voluntarily) people into such financial constraints that they have no choice but to severely alter their lifestyle in order to keep food on the table. That sounds about as logical as doubling the capital gains tax while claiming to support growing the wealth of the lower and middle class. You are an idiot with no common sense, only idealogical bull ** that I’m sure you think sounds good at dinner parties with the rest of your law firm but years down the road will leave you regretting the economic burden you left everyone’s children (lower, middle and upper class to bear). Thanks for the bulletin board material you crazy liberal.

By Abomi Nation

May 27, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

Robert, 20% of our budget goes to debt. Debt created by the Bush administration. Our defense budget accounts for most of our spending. No other nation comes close. The last “liberal” president was able to balance the budget.

Trillion dollar useless war + borrowing the money from China + tax cuts = A DOLLAR DISASTER.

Why hasn’t the socialist Euro collapsed like the American dollar?

By Michael

May 27, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

If you want to pay $8 a gal for gas move to Europe!

By Michael

May 27, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

If you want to pay $8 a gal for gas move to Europe!

By Michael

May 27, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

If you want to pay $8 a gal for gas move to Europe!

By SUZANNE PRYBUTOK

May 27, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Are they nuts. What is wrong with these leaders. The global warming might not even be real, do they not listen to the real scientist. How will employed people get to their jobs. I think our country is going crazy and the leaders have no sense.

By David

May 27, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Thank you George Bush and friends. The world as we knew it is done. Your kids will be fine everyone else will suffer horribly. USA. GAME OVER!!!!

By Stephanie

May 27, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Its not about getting smaller cars or carpooling. It is about not depending on foreign countires to help us live. We need to find other ways, here in the states, for car and electrical power. We have the knowledge and the means but no one wants to “offend” the foreign oil companies.

By JM

May 27, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Thank you, Ex-driver and johnny t-bone.

Atlanta is in desperate need of an overhaul to its public transportation system. State funding for public transit is all but non-existent, and nearly 100% of federal transportation funds are pumped into highway construction projects.

When will our state and local leaders finally listen to us and provide the world-class public transportation system that our city so sorely needs?

Ultimately we’re talking about our own tax dollars. If the people want their tax dollars spent on high-quality rail instead of additional lanes on the interstate, then that’s what the people should get.

By Stephanie

May 27, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Its not about getting smaller cars or carpooling. It is about not depending on foreign countires to help us live. We need to find other ways, here in the states, for car and electrical power. We have the knowledge and the means but no one wants to “offend” the foreign oil companies.

By Just Thinking

May 27, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

We have 150,000 heavily armed troops safeguarding a government that has one of the largest oil reserves in the world. Safeguarding a country where we have spent a trillion dollars in 5 years. We could just get them to “agree” to a two year sales contract, selling us oil at a reasonable rate, say $85 a barrel. that was stop the raging oil speculation cold.

By thanks pelosi

May 27, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

whoever is blaming Bush for the gas prices needs to get their facts straight. Bush TRIED to pass legislation 6 years ago to increase domestic oil production and refinery building on our own territory, which the LIBERAL CONGRESS voted NO. He warned that this decision would burden the American people later on, but did congress listen? Of course not! They would actually be accomplishing something positive for once, and being bipartisan! We can’t have any of that! Also, our wonderful leader Nancy Pelosi promised us 2 years ago that congress would lower gas prices. Well ya know what?? She LIED! Congress has not allowed any progress. Bush doesn’t have ultimate power, because this is a democratic republic, the legislative branch has to cooperate also to get anything done. Duh! America is the only nation in the world that cannot build more refineries or drill on it own land because IT’S ILLEGAL. Kick these democraps OUT of congress! We can’t afford their elitist ideas that try to force people to stop driving in order to appease envirojunkies.

By Ben Dover

May 27, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

There is no such thing as global warming..Those guys must have money in America’s Climate Security Act and want some back…..Thats whats wrong with america, retards in control,and put money where it doesnt belong……Like Global warming,Africa,STUPID……….

By Gigi

May 27, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

The US is sitting on billions of barrels of oil that cannot be excavated because of government regulations. A local talk show host, Herman Cain, has a link on his website to write Senator Bingham of NM, who is blocking the Energy Bill from getting to the floor of the Senate.

If you believe, as I do, that the US should become energy independent by using our own natural resources, please write to Bingham asking that he support the energy bill currently under review. Go to hermancain.com and click on Do Something Now to get a link to the Senator’s email.

Below is a summary of the Senate Bill. We were able to stop the Immigration Bill. We can also unite to get th is bill passed.

Summary of the American Energy Production Act S. 2958 May 1st, 2008

The American Energy Production Act, introduced today by Senator Domenici and Senate Republicans, will address America’s soaring gas prices by focusing on common sense measures that will increase production of oil and gas in America.

TITLE I – Traditional Resources

Subtitle A: Outer Continental Shelf Allows petitions for leasing activities in the Atlantic and Pacific regions of the Outer Continental Shelf in order to tap into the 14 billion barrels of known recoverable oil in this area. Excludes the Gulf of Mexico. Allows the Governors of coastal states to submit a petition for a lifting of the moratorium within their state boundaries

Creates a revenue sharing agreement for participating states in which 37.5 percent of revenues will go to new producing states, 12.5 percent to the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and 50 percent to the Federal Treasury.

Subtitle B: Leasing Program for Land Within Coastal Plain Establishes a competitive oil and gas leasing program for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Coastal Plain under the Mineral Leasing Act, providing access to over 10 billion barrels of recoverable oil. Had President Clinton not vetoed ANWR in 1995 (when oil was $19 a barrel), over 1 million barrels of oil per day would be domestically produced today. Tapping into the oil and gas in ANWR will produce hundreds of thousands of jobs and save the U.S. economy nearly $40 billion annually which is now spent to buy oil overseas.

Provides for a 50/50 share of ANWR revenues between the Federal Government and the State of Alaska. Directs that $35 million of the State share be deposited annually into a “Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund” for Alaska communities.

Subtitle C: Permitting Repeals the $4,000 fee for new applications for permits to drill that was established in last year’s Omnibus Appropriations Bill.

Since no new refineries have been built in the United States in over 30 years, grants the EPA authority to accept consolidated applications for permits required to construct and operate refineries, and authorizes financial assistance to states and Indian tribes for the hiring of personnel to process permits. Establishes a 360 day deadline for the approval or disapproval of consolidated permit applications for new refineries and a 120 day deadline for applications to expand existing refineries.

Subtitle D: Strategic Petroleum Reserve Suspends filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for 180 days.

Subtitle E: Restoration of State Revenue Repeals a provision in last year’s Omnibus which reduced mineral leasing revenue payments to States by 2 percent, and restores the 50/50 Federal-State revenue sharing structure.

TITLE II – ALTERNATIVE FUELS

Subtitle A: Renewable Fuel and Advanced Energy Technology Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to strike the definition of renewable biomass and replace it with the Senate-passed definition.

Establishes a program of direct loans and grants to accelerate the production of advanced batteries in the United States.

Establishes a research program to determine infrastructure needs for the transport of renewable fuel blends, and directs the Secretary of Energy to consider the compatibility of existing infrastructure with intermediate blends of renewable and petroleum based fuels.

Studies the environmental and efficiency attributes of diesel-fueled vehicles.

Subtitle B: Clean Coal-Derived Fuels for Energy Security Mandates that 6 billion gallons of coal-derived fuels be produced by 2022, starting at 750 million gallons in 2015 and ramping up by that same amount annually. This will result in a 3.75 percent reduction in the amount of oil America is projected to import in 2022. Requires that CTL fuels produced result in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions not greater than those associated with gasoline and provides waiver authority based on economic or environmental harm.

Subtitle C: Oil Shale

Over two trillion barrels of oil shale current exist in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah, which can eventually be used to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Repeals the one year moratorium on funds to complete final regulations for the commercial leasing of oil shale established in last year’s Omnibus.

Subtitle D: Department of Defense Facilitation of Secure Domestic Fuel Development Increases the current allowable contract duration of five years to 25 years for procurement of synthetic fuels by the Department of Defense.

Repeals Section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which prohibits federal agencies from procuring alternative fuels with lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions greater than those associated with conventional fuels that they replace. This provision could threaten the ability of our military to reduce its reliance on foreign sources of oil.

By reservoirDAWG

May 27, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

ooooh, maybe Luckovich will do another cartoon about gas prices.

By TheItalianDawg

May 27, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

gas should be no more 2$/gallone..europe is build much different than united states, smaller cars, very sophisticated transportation systems and in general smaller countries, you can cross England from south o north in less than 8 hours

By Allen

May 27, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

””“Bush TRIED to pass legislation 6 years ago to increase domestic oil production and refinery building on our own territory, which the LIBERAL CONGRESS voted NO.”“”

Hey genius 6 years ago congress was controlled by REPUBLICANS

By Thinking

May 27, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

It’s not like Iraq owes us any favors. We only blew the heck out of their country and freed them to create havoc.

I vote for a asteroid to fix our global warming problem. That would also solve our dependence on fosil fuels as well.

By PATTON

May 27, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

At $8 a gallon maybe Americans will awake from their doldrums, march on Washington, & take back their country and runoff the sissy, bed-wetting environmentalists who won’t allow the use of our own resources !

By Rebecca

May 27, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

I am concerned about the people who commute 20 - 30 miles or more, not by choice, but because they could not afford to live near work. My daughter attends a special school 30 miles away because there is no such facility in our area. (Yes, we tried the public schools, but she was floundering and needed more expertise and a more accepting environment).

These are problems no one seems to be dealing with. This dependence on the car culture has been created and we need to find ways to deal with it……soon.

By BUSHWACKER

May 27, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

HEY ALLEN YOU isnorant slut, the republicans controlled Congress in majority only, you have to have 60 votes to override a filabuster, which is what the dem used to block even a vote on opening up the oil fields in this country, take a civic lesson then COME WITH SOME GAME NEXT TIME!!!

By thanks pelosi

May 27, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

Here ya go Allen for your reading pleasure: Democrats controlled the Senate in 2001, so it was an energy proposal by Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) that the chamber most seriously considered. Not surprisingly, Daschle’s bill differed substantially from the energy plan drafted by the Bush administration. Daschle’s plan didn’t include a provision to allow for oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). The ANWR debate set off a storm of lobbying, with environmental groups squaring off against oil companies. Organized labor joined the fray in support of drilling because it would create thousands of union jobs. Despite pressure from the unions, however, Democrats succeeded in blocking the ANWR amendment. The Senate also eliminated a provision in the original energy bill that would have increased gas mileage standards for cars from 27.5 miles per gallon to 35 miles per gallon by 2013. The proposed increase drew the ire of auto manufacturers, which said the change would have forced them to scale back production and lay off workers. The energy bill also sparked a lobbying fight among makers of fuel additives. The Senate bill banned the use of petrochemical MTBE in favor of corn-derived ethanol—a move some critics said was designed to appease the corn growers in Daschle’s home state of South Dakota.

The Senate bill—minus the ANWR provision—passed with 88 votes. The House also passed its version, which included the ANWR provision and $33 billion in tax breaks for energy companies. The legislation died in a conference committee of House and Senate negotiators trying to iron out the differences between the two bills.

Last Updated: December 2002

http://enewsusa.blogspot.com/2007/12/senate-stops-energy-independence-and.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAc79fdBcIo

By Thanks Government People...

May 27, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Pretty soon gas prices will be higher then Mim.wage.. I mean it’s about to the mim.wage amount now… Pretty soon almost everyone will be on Government help cause no one will even be able to go to work, since work pays less then the gas prices for 1 gallon of gas.. COME ON—WHAT IS THE GOVERNEMENT THINKING RIGHT THIS SEC.???? WHY HAS NO ONE EVEN THOUGHT ABOUT RAISING MIN.WAGE?? Even stamps went up again.. Milk is up.. What is more important for your children, gas in the car to take them to the doctor cause they have an illness or milk for their tummy when they are hurgery..Why is the Government making us choose.. Go ahead, place gas at 8 dollar’s a gallon.. How many people will be able to cont. to go to work? So we all die cause no work, no food.. Goodbye Earth.. and we can all thnk the Government for killing US!!!!

By reservoirDAWG

May 27, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

I don’t think this is one group’s fault. The blame lies on both conservatives and liberals regardless of party affiliation. What it does tell me though is that our elected (career) politicians are a joke. Everyone needs to e-mail their reps and let them know they are losing our confidence, what little I’ve had lately, support. Not some of us but all of us.

By Matt

May 27, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Gas Prices and the Climate Security Act are not in the same discussion. While it is true that the Climate Security Act does nothing short term to lower prices, it certainly does not cause them to go up either. In fact looking long term for a moment, the CSA actually does more to help up get off our dependence on foreign oil than any other idea out there.

By Ashley

May 27, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

I second Rebecca—I have to commute 36 miles one way because I had to go where the work was. I was involved with a massive downsizing at my last job, and I had to jump at the first opportunity. I just got married and we are still trying to get all our finances in order.

The government’s tax on oil is ridiculous. We have millions of gallons available to us here, but we cannot touch them. Does this bother anyone else? Stop giving money to every other d**n country and start worrying about ours! Taxing us more to pay debts the government willingly increases is NOT the way to solve our economy crisis.

Oh—and props to Patton

By Ashley

May 27, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

I second Rebecca—I have to commute 36 miles one way because I had to go where the work was. I was involved with a massive downsizing at my last job, and I had to jump at the first opportunity. I just got married and we are still trying to get all our finances in order.

The government’s tax on oil is ridiculous. We have millions of gallons available to us here, but we cannot touch them. Does this bother anyone else? Stop giving money to every other d**n country and start worrying about ours! Taxing us more to pay debts the government willingly increases is NOT the way to solve our economy crisis.

Oh—and props to Patton

By Ashley

May 27, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

I second Rebecca—I have to commute 36 miles one way because I had to go where the work was. I was involved with a massive downsizing at my last job, and I had to jump at the first opportunity. I just got married and we are still trying to get all our finances in order.

The government’s tax on oil is ridiculous. We have millions of gallons available to us here, but we cannot touch them. Does this bother anyone else? Stop giving money to every other d**n country and start worrying about ours! Taxing us more to pay debts the government willingly increases is NOT the way to solve our economy crisis.

Oh—and props to Patton

By No Dawgs Here

May 27, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Sooner or later gas will be so high, people won’t make enough money to even drive to work. You dumb tree huggers need to get a life.

By Curious George

May 27, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Would you rather ride to work each day on MARTA with people like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eXNClwV5AM

(I didn’t think so.)

By Ben

May 27, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

I have a good friend who is an Earth Scientist, he has studied around the globe, he has worked for Columbia University and has led expeditions for National Geographic, he says the “global warming” theory is a big hoax. He says the earth goes through warming and cooling stages every few hundred years.

By Mike J

May 27, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

8.00 a gallon = me riding a bicycle. Although a drive an older model car that gets great mileage and I hug it every morning.

By thanks pelosi

May 27, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAc79fdBcIo&feature=related

By Ex-driver

May 27, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

@ Curious George:

If it meant getting away from the crazy drivers in Atlanta traffic, yes.

I have been rear-ended on the downtown connector four times in the last five years. I long for the day when I can take MARTA to work.

By InsensitiveWitch

May 27, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

Yes, we should postpone. We need to stop picking trees and animals over poor people.

Why?

What do poor people do for society? They do not have the gumption to make things better for themselves. They keep spitting out children they cannot afford, and those children end up as poor adults, and the cycle continues. Poor people consume, but rarely produce anything of value. They give us secondhand smoke pollution, too many kids who take and take off the public teat, and they “dumb down” America because they do not value education or knowledge (most are religious, too, which just makes it worse).

Seriously, why are “poor people” more valuable than natural resources?

By Karl Marx

May 27, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Americans just need to get along with each other, use public transportation, and ride bikes like our friends in China, who are much more healthier than the average wasteful, gluttonous, resource-sucking American slob.

The USA’s “King of the Hill” days are over !

By Dan

May 27, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Our, LAZY, WORTHLESS politicians!!! Their main goal is to get to Washington and get reelected. I experienced this back in the 70’s, starting in the Carter years. There is no reason for this country not to be totally energy self sufficient. Brazil has done it! Both the Democrats and the Republicans are in the pockets of the oil companies. Crude oil prices are up—but oil profits keep increasing at an increasing rate. Also, you “greenies” need to allow offshore drilling and drilling in a tiny speck of land in Alaska!

By Al Gore

May 27, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Bush & his oil buddies are making super fortunes off the backs of the average American moron.

Wealth redistribution under President Obama will be a start in the right direction.

By thanks pelosi

May 27, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

In America we should have the freedom to choose to be a “wasteful, gluttonous, resource-sucking American slob”. Why should we be punished for being prosporous? That is truly a communist idea. Lets use our own resources and technology so we DON’T have to become like China. Saying lets become like China is like saying to millions of Americans “you have too much, be like the poor Chinese instead, misery loves company.” fyi: Chinese cities are among the most toxic in the world to the environment as far as air pollution, food safety, and overall cleanliness.

By Mike

May 27, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

The best way to ease prices is for those in congress to get with the program and drill our on oil which we have plenty of and we will not have this problem. Speaking of Gore, why not look at his house and what he spends on electricity and traveling around in his private jet.

By Dumb American

May 27, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

When Speaker Pelosi & the Democrats took over in November 2006, gas was $2.80 a gallon, they were going to GET TOUGH on the evil BIG OIL companies, whom God forbid, are making a PROFIT !

What happened?

By Mike

May 27, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

Those of you who blame George Bush need to remember that gas and oil prices started hitting the roof thanks to Bill Clinton and the democrats

By Mike

May 27, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

Beware of Maxine Waters who said what a lot of Democrats want and that is a Socialist country when she was talking about taking over the oil companies.

By Obama-nation

May 27, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

What we need is:

By Dawg 'n IT

May 27, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Just hold off until we get through one more season of football! Is that too much to ask before you cut our heads off Big Brother?

By Ken

May 27, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

People wake up!..There is no such thing as Global Warming…It’s a made up ridiculous notion that scientists use to obtain funds for research…..Also, there is enough oil in Alaska to lower the cost..but the treehuggers whine and cry that we can’t drill there…

By Abomi Nation

May 27, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

You idiots that blame the “liberals” and Pelosi realize that you are the ones that are out of touch with the American people right? You realize that Americans know that your spin is idiotic, right?

You know that the American public are going to give Pelosi a super-majority in the House this fall don’t you. Even Newt knows the score.

Don’t you get it? Even the Republican candidate for president believes we need to take action against global warming.

You also know that the Senate could have a 60-40 advantage because of the anticipated Democratic landslide, right?

The American public is furious with Bush and his fellow Republicans.

A disaster for the Republicans this fall will be a victory for America. Some of you Republicans are so out of touch with reality.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

By Ken

May 27, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

People wake up!..There is no such thing as Global Warming…It’s a made up ridiculous notion that scientists use to obtain funds for research…..Also, there is enough oil in Alaska to lower the cost..but the treehuggers whine and cry that we can’t drill there…

By RealisticLee

May 27, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

What everyone is forgetting is HOW MUCH of our world comes from oil. Plastic is a petroleum product, as are many medicines, not too mention the fuel used to transport to market all the good derived from and with plastics from oil. While a large portion of oi;l’s use is for gasoline, not all of it is. HOWEVER, all of the oil affects our economy. We need to be in a position of providing more oil for our own use, AND developing alternative fuel sources for our transporation. This needs to be a two-pronged approach.

As a side note, I think its awful arrogant of some eco groups here in the states that would rather drill/produce overseas than here locally for our own use. I guess all those dangers the eco -fanatics spout dont apply to the other nations. Yep, let’s “ruin” their land not ours…maybe THEY’RE the ones the other countries hate….

By dw

May 27, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

All those that support economic ruin - please support Sens. Lieberman and Warner bill. Those with some common sense don’t.

By Head

May 27, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

Frank Oliver you are an idiot!!

Get your facts straight!!

The GLOBAL consumption of oil is 85 million barrels per day of which the US uses 20 million bpd. And power companies do NOT use 60% of that total….fuel…gas and diesel is by far the largest producer at just over 50%.

By lin

May 27, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

well here come scooters,bikes,horse and bugggy days of old time once more. and good old feet for walkn or could use roller blades or skate boards etc. globe warming tell y ou what how many read the book of revelations in the bible? things happening are fortold there. nothing should be a suprise as all has to fall into place. we can not change history to happen we may delay it but can not change it.

By Mike J

May 27, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Obama nation….funny about the smart car I saw 4 on the road today…and we should all be thankful cars dont run on printer ink can you imagane how much a gal that would be ?

By Andy Mo

May 28, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

I live in England and dream of $8 a gallon, it’s already heading towards $12 a gallon here!

By Jeff

May 28, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

And the Alarmist Express keeps rolling…

Look, the technology is out there to make cars run MUCH more efficiently than they do—twice as much, in fact. Who’s to blame that cars don’t get 75 mpg—or more—as a matter of course? Certainly not “tree huggers”. Do just that and you solve two problems—cleaner air, fatter wallet.

No, you shouldn’t be punished for being prosperous, but you should be punished for being a “wasteful, gluttonous, resource-sucking slob” of any nationality. You use up stuff unnecessarily, you pay the real price.

Government taking over the oil industry wouldn’t be any more (or less) “socialist” than taking over, oh, the electric industry. People need to stop trembling in their shoes over the word “socialist”; no one’s proposing a Soviet-style government, for goodness sakes.

Conservatism isn’t just about corporate profits; it’s about an ordering of society that keeps “Real Americans” (funny, I thought there were 300 million “real Americans”) on top and “treehuggers” down. That’s why so many conservatives can’t accept global warming—it’d mean their crowd wasn’t in charge anymore and the Dirty Freaky Hippies would be taking over. Apparently they’d let America go down the toilet rather than keep that from happening. :-/

By Toopster

May 28, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

I am all for alternative fuels, however, Ethanol, praised as the answer to our problems, is a joke. The product cannot be piped, so it’s driven for distribution, by trucks that use deisel, and pollute. The price of corn is out of control, farmers where were farming wheat have moved to Corn, and in South America, rainforests are being cut down to farm wheat because of the elevated wheat prices, due to US farmers now growing corn. A bill like this is not something that is going to solve our problems—and it has about as much thought put into it as the Ethanol push did. I carpool to work with my husband, we recycle, recycle water, we do everything we can to help this planet. And I am calling a plan like this BS. You want to see the economy hit the skids, keep raising gas prices…everything EVERYTHING will continue to go up…even your taxes. The only thing that won’t increase will be your salary.

By The Wolf

May 28, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

Well everything just about is increasing in price. $8 a gallon for fuel will be reality soon. I think it may hurt the wrong people overall but will do very little on the rate of cconsuming of gas, oil etc. The average people that drive large basically new SUVs are the same average people that have more than one vehicle in the garage, and probably would be hurt less by the gas increase as they probably will still buy large SUVs. Some will change and some will not. Many of the poor are already forced to take public transport just to get to work to hope to make ends meet. And those that do own cars, gas guzzler or not, usually cant afford to drop everything and buy a shiny new $25,000-$40,000 hybrid as much as they probably will like to. Yet they will feel the burn of $8 a gallon fuel car or not, as even public transport will increase rates to keep operatable and will just about aevery other comapany that use an oil product in some shape or fashion. (sarcasm) Hey, it’s not fair that price increases would prevent the rich guy/gal from buying a pair of that new 9 miles per gallon Bentley would it? So he/she have to kill jobs and increase prices(sarcasm.) Personally I dont complain about the gas prices. I’ve seen my cable bill go up at a faster rate than gas. When they make a comfortable hybrid that I like the styling of, then maybe I will buy one. Until then, I will stick to my old gas guzzling W126 S-class because it’s what I like. And with anything, in order to get what you like and enjoy, it will cost a little more. As long as I find it worth it, I will keep it. Hell, make a hybrid that I can buy right now for a good price that rides just as nice or better, and user friendly then I will buy one. So many new cars are way too complicated for my taste. But that just me. In the end, i must do what best for me because no one else will. Just my two sense. dont have a cow.

By J

May 28, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

I have cut my consumption quite a bit - I take the bus into downtown to go to work. however the problem is that some counties won’t embrace mass transit and I still have to drive 17 miles each way to get to the bus. Atlanta needs to really look at the mass transit around here, and the state needs to take over and make it not an option to have transit or Marta.

By Toopster

May 28, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

I wish public transportation was more user friendly, and would be efficient. A rail system that does not stem out of the perimeter is a complete and utter failure.

By Sanjeev

May 28, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

We as Americans waste so much of everything. I’ve done extensive travel to Europe 10 years ago for my job and the things people are doing now have been in effect in Europe for years. Like the grocery Bring Your Own Bag. When you go eat fast food do you really need 50 napkins? what’s the point if you’re going to throw out 47 of them. Simple things like packets of ketchup - how much do people waste? As several have mentioned why do office buildings have their lights on when the building is empty? Why do cars get less MPG than 15 years ago? It is really necessary for a car to go 0-60 in 5 seconds? No mass transit system doesn’t help either. Fact: Technology today could improve MPG by 30%. Why not? Why not more investment in solar, water, wind, etc energy?

By Greenpeace

May 28, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

The government should raise the price of gas to $10 per gallon to get all these polluting cars off the road, and force people to take buses to work. Fines and penalties should be instituted if you drive more than 50 miles each week! Use bicycles and buses, not cars!

By Joe Ga

May 28, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

I would love to ride my motorcycle (45 mpg) to work, but don’t have a death wish to mix it up with the idiots in rush hour traffic. Tailgating, weaving in and out, cell phones, no thanks! I’ll keep (have to !) driving my 23 mpg mini-suv and pray my boss lets me start telecommuting or go to a 10 hour work day!

By hutch

May 28, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

you want to see a housing crisis? pass a bill that brings the cost of gas to $8. those of us who live more than a mile or so away from marta are going to be scrambling to live closer. no one is going to buy these houses. we’ll see more than a little value lost when the prices of these houses drop like a rock. those who already own property close to business centers or public transportation will make a killing. and this says nothing of all the places in georgia or other parts of the country without a remotely viable public transportation alternative. more fuel-efficient cars? those who have money to do so will bid up the prices of those cars (see hybrid) until the incremental cost of the car equates expected savings on gas. of course cities will build/expand public transportation and companies will increase the supply of fuel-efficient cars, but that takes a lot of time and money. we’ll experience a lot of pain in the meantime.