Thinking Right

By Robert

June 9, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

I noticed that your editorial (as well as many others) fail to mention that the third largest oil reserves in the world are being utilized at 1/3 of their capability: Iraq. The price of oil over the next 5 years will be determined by our President’s success (or failure) in Iraq. It will be our President’s success (or failure), not our military. It has already been shown that 160,000 troops can pacify Iraq; but 160,000 troops cannot create a stable Iraqi government that will pump Iraqi oil to its full capacity.

By Copyleft

June 9, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

Wooten’s last paragraph—the only grudging mention of fuel-efficiency standards, i.e., CONSERVATION—is bizarre.

“When gas prices go up, people buy more fuel-efficient cars; that proves the folly of requiring cars to be more fuel-efficient.” HUH?

The “Drill More” solution is no solution at all—and it’s all you’ll hear from Bush and the Oil Brigade. You folks still think voting Republican was a good idea?

By Redneck Convert

June 9, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

Well, I say put a oil derrick in every backyard and drill everywhere. Then set up a nucleer power plant, maybe down in south Atlanta where Those People live. No one can stand these gas prices and I don’t want to be driving around in a little toy instead of my V-8 Ford F-450 with the double wheels in the back. Besides, if gas prices don’t drop pretty soon I might loose my job. The warehouse mgr. keeps looking at me funny when I hand him the recipe for filling up the beer truck.

The worst part is beer sales is way down. The towel-heads are taking beer money right out of the pockets of us rednecks and using it to fund Terrists. And that means my job if we don’t get gas prices down pretty soon. Not to mention how the Terrists will be coming into Forsyth County and forcing me to stay home with my two machine guns and a anti-tank gun to perteck the missus and the trailer.

If it wasn’t for the environment nuts we would have plenty of oil. So what if a pointy-head on the beach in FL or CA looks out and sees a bunch of oil well platforms? And nobody goes to Alaska anyhow, and it won’t hurt the mooses none to have a few dozen oil derricks where they live or step over a pipe line. I say drill till we get to China if we have to. I don’t want to drive some toy or loose my job. The missus would never fit in one of them little economy cars. She would hang out all over the place.

Anyhow, what with thiefs crawling under peoples cars and drilling little holes to steal the gas, we are in awful shape. We better start drilling before its too late.

Have a good day everybody. I’m off to restock the bars and stores. Only there ain’t nearly as much restocking as there use to be. I look for the moonshiners to get set up again before long. People will be flocking to the hills and hollers to buy cheap beer. Instead of ordering a good PBR made by legal people in the U.S. of A.

By Brian

June 9, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

For oil prices to jump $10 in a day over nothing but pure speculation is ridiculous! When are we as Americans going to stand up and say we’ve had enough? Our elected officials sure don’t seem to care or be willing to try and do anything about it. What damn good does a congressional hearing do when you can’t put food on the table? The media should share the blame as well. Your constant advertising of national gas prices has done nothing but help drive the price up. Gas prices in Georgia used to be below the national average, now we pay the same or more. Oil prices had dropped back down to $122-123 dollars, yet did we see any of the gas stations lowering their prices? Hell No! Yet they can change their prices 2-3 times a day when it goes up? How much longer are we gonna stand by and let them continue to rape the middle and lower class?

By Maniac is accurate

June 9, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

Strong second to more drilling, nuclear and refining capacity. And, we need to be as urgent in our quest to bring new energies to market as we were to beat the Nazis to the atom bomb in World War II.

If Americans were to make a giant switch to the hybrid technology available right now, we could put a big dent in demand in short order. I’d love to see that happen.

By Taxpayer

June 9, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Good morning, Jim. Interesting topic for today. It’s certainly one that has a real effect on many people. Well, I cannot say that I like the high gas price and the certainty of higher gas prices somewhere in the future. After all, higher gas prices means less money for other things — the old cause-and-effect thing. I am in some ways though glad to see prices make a good jump with fairly good prospects of them staying up for some time to come. We will eventually see some focus on something other than fossil fuels as long as people don’t get fooled into believing that drilling for more oil or building more refineries will take us back to $2/gal gas or something equally absurd. We need more diversity in energy sources. We need alternatives to transportation via combustion engines. We need more focus on energy conservation. I even noticed that Perdue was getting some bonus points regarding a solar-cell plant coming to Gwinnett. It may have been opportunistic on his part but at least it’s advertising for a positive change. I look forward to the day — hopefully, soon — that I can afford to install some solar cells, for example. It may be just another small step, like our double pane, low-e windows, high efficiency heat pump, extra wall insulation, and flourescent lighting for our house or our 4-cylinder Honda for our basic transportation but every little bit helps as long as the payback is there and it doesn’t create more problems than it solves. So, how ‘bout it, Jim. Will you focus on real change as well and stop singing the: “If I had a drill bit, I’d drill for oil in the morning, …, all over this land”. That mentality is so… so, fossil. Can you dig what I’m saying, man?

By Brian

June 9, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

For oil prices to jump $10 in a day over nothing but pure speculation is ridiculous! When are we as Americans going to stand up and say we’ve had enough? Our elected officials sure don’t seem to care or be willing to try and do anything about it. What damn good does a congressional hearing do when you can’t put food on the table? The media should share the blame as well. Your constant advertising of national gas prices has done nothing but help drive the price up. Gas prices in Georgia used to be below the national average, now we pay the same or more. Oil prices had dropped back down to $122-123 dollars, yet did we see any of the gas stations lowering their prices? Hell No! Yet they can change their prices 2-3 times a day when it goes up? How much longer are we gonna stand by and let them continue to rape the middle and lower class?

By AH

June 9, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

I’m shocked this piece has been up for an hour and the nut jobs haven’t smeared hope and change all over it yet. Can’t wait to see what it looks like in the afternoon.

By Bill

June 9, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

First, these so called energy experts need to lay off of their predictions! The commodities market traders just love it when someone opens their mouth for they know that the price of oil will jump.

Second, trading of oil futures needs to be suspended indefinately. We have seen speculation, predicitons, and maybe’s as the largest cause of the spike in oil prices. Have any of the major oil producing countries “SET” their prices so high? Of course not! The buyers and sellers have set the prices, and although oil is a “commodity” it affects everyone’s life to the extent that it must be taken out of the hands of speculators.

By Aquagirl

June 9, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

The secretary of energy says we need to diversify our sources and somehow that translates in Jim’s ear to sucking down more oil, stat!

How many different ways can Jim say “drill, drill, drill?” If gas is going to $12 a gallon, we’re going to find out.

By T

June 9, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Alternative fuels. Maybe a mass transportation system that works instead of crowded interstate system. Just a thought. Someone let me know if you find solar panels at an affordable rate.

By George Washington

June 9, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

I told you people months ago the problem was not just a lack of oil, but a lack of a specific type of oil: light sweet crude. More than 90% of our refineries require lsc only, they cannot process heavy sour crude. The IDIOTS at epa just denied a permit to a Conaco Philips partnership that was planning to expand an Illinois refinery so it could process half a million barrels per day of heavy sour Canadian crude..Because the partnership did not use the EPA buzz words “best available technology” to control air pollution. It is time to ABOLISH the worthless epa, fire all its worthless employee’s, strip them of their pensions, and put them in prison….SOUNDS REASONABLE TO ME…

By El Guapo

June 9, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

Brian, the price of oil has doubled over the past year and yet the price at the gas pump has only gone up ~ 33%. Why do you think price of gas is going to go down? Wake up, stop blaming everybody but yourself and think about it.

By silverchief

June 9, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

Hey “Copyleft”, Did you forget who is running congress……..Yep, Democraps. All the previous administrations are Guilty !!!

By Steven Daedalus

June 9, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

This is a bunch of crap, there is no oil shortage, the price is being run up by the oil company paid speculators, who buy their own futures to justify the increase in price. Its amazing that so many people fall for this scam, Wooten being one.

By Dusty

June 9, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Well, thank you Jim for reminding us that EVERYBODY needs to conserve or do something. Wish I knew the magic cure for energy prices.

But all I can do is use squirrelly lightbulbs, cut off lights, short trips only in the Cavalier, vacation on the patio, dry clothes on the line, let my grass die, short showers and shhhhh….my toilet flushes correctly.

I can’t stop the millions of Chinese and Indians driving cars now (or stop Congress from wasting time & energy to produce nothing). That’s the bad news.

The good news is given to us by RedNeck. People are not drinking as much beer. Fine! It only makes you drunk and fat. Do away with beer trucks. But stay away from CocaCola or there will be a REVOLUTION. There are some sacrifices that require TOO much!

By Taxpayer

June 9, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Jim,

That radioactive chunk of land over near Dawsonville would be the perfect site for another nuclear power plant, don’t you think? Atlanta still owns that, don’t they? They could always sell it to Southern Company and use the proceeds to help bail themselves out of their financial woes. It’s a win-win for everyone. Wait a minute though. Power plants need lots of water. Where would they get the water. I know. Pipe it down from Tennessee — I mean, New Georgia. Don’t you just love that saying, win-win. I wonder how many people say it’s a lose-lose or it’s a win-lose.

By Dennis

June 9, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

“While Congress does nothing but play the games that Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid think will put Barack Obama in the White House, oil prices jumped in a single day Friday by as much as a barrel of oil cost just a decade ago. A barrel closed at $138.54, up $10.75, oil’s largest one-day rise ever.”

Above we have another of Jim Wooten’s “Twist and Shout” that the oil situation is the fault of the democrats.

But the fact is that prices were fairly stable and rising at a slow rate until George W. Bush and his oil corporation buddies decided to get greedy for compleete control of the Middle East’s oil.

The “war on terror” excuse that was used to invade Iraq was/is just a front to get control of Iraq’s oil and to threaten the rest of the Middle East to play ball on U.S. terms.

Either Mr. Wooten is too ignorant of that fact or else he doesn’t have the balls to admit it.

You don’t have to be a blind conservative not to see it, just an ignorant one to deny it.

By Gomer Pyle

June 9, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

We use almost zero oil for the production of electricity, so what good will building more nuclear plants do?

By Paul

June 9, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

BIOFUEL!!!!!!

The oil companies are placing MASSIVE propoganda in the marketplace about biofuels raising food prices. I heard a UGA engineer state last week that food prices had risen 4.5% since 2007, and biofuel production could be traced to just 0.25% of it. The major causes are food demand in China and India and RISING FUEL PRICES!!! People, we can produce energy from feed corn, soy, even pine trees and sawgrass, and we don’t need Arabs to do so!!

I know the dems hate to create new “corporate welfare”, but we MUST create incentives to wean ourselves from OPEC and Venezuela!

By RK

June 9, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Redneck Convert, what you’ve just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

By ron

June 9, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Good morning Jim,Just read this morning that gas prices in parts of Scotland are 6 pounds 56.That’s over $12 Americam I think.If anyone thinks it can’t happen here,think again. GM is in the process of building 100,000 elecrtric cars.Some time in 2010 is the projected showroom date.Start building nuclear reactors now if we’re eventually going electric or the price of electricity will be $2 a kilowatt.A pure electric car would suit me just fine.A $7500 dollar retrofit to my ‘94 ranger would have a 9.5 year payback at present prices and usage.Am in the thinking stage.

By El Guapo

June 9, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Gomer, how does the coal get to the plant?

By dbm

June 9, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

Copyleft, what Jim is saying is that the market will move us toward fuel efficiency, so we don’t need government force.

By TW

June 9, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Gosh, if we could only get a Republican White House and congress and the same time…

By Dusty

June 9, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

George Washington@9:46

Dear Washie, I am sure you are expert in all thing crude, sweet and sour, but do tell me who started this great environmental shutdown claiming polar bears must sit on their ice cubes? Why no less than that great non-scientist Al Gore of liberal land.

EPA was forced to set laws by public demand that industy must analyze and delete every puff of smoke.

Some of it was necessary but much of it was superfluous. Haven’t you heard all the liberal loonies fussing about USA not passing Kyoto which does not even include China & India? Kyoto would make elevated gas prices look like a tiny twist compared to the elevation of energy & industrial costs.

But do your duty as a good lib. Blame it on the government ( until a Democrat is President). If Obama is elected we’ll all be on foot after our entire paycheck goes to taxes.

By rob

June 9, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Funny how you try to blame this on Democrats — as if ANWR is the solution to this whole problem. Who’s been in charge for the past eight years? The only energy policy we’ve had is “let’s see how much money we can make for Cheney’s oil buddies”. Mission Accomplished!

Remember the SUV tax credit?

The explosion of SUV, pickup, and minivan sales in America’s passenger vehicle fleet has turned this small business benefit into a massive loophole in the tax law. Currently, 38 different passenger SUVs including the Lincoln Navigator, which nets a combined 15 miles per gallon according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Cadillac Escalade (16 mpg), the BMW X5 (18 mpg), the Mercedes-Benz ML55 (16 mpg), and the notorious Hummer H2 (11 mpg) all weigh more than 6,000 pounds. This loophole allows some of the most fuel-inefficient passenger vehicles on the road today to qualify for a significant tax break.

In 2003, lawmakers expanded the tax deduction to a whopping $100,000 as part of the $350 million tax cut package. Yet Congress did not change the weight-based classification of the vehicles, creating a huge benefit for the largest, least efficient vehicles. With the current top business tax rate at 35 percent, this incentive program effectively cuts $18,900 off the price of a $54,000 Escalade.

By THE CATHOLIC HAMMER

June 9, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Russell Kirk, one of the very few authentic American conservatives in it’s 200+ year history, called the automobile a “mechanical jacobin”.

By Taxpayer

June 9, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Gomer Pyle,

Electric vehicles will need their batteries charged. We will need a whole lot more electric power generation than what is currently out there to pull off a conversion from internal combustion engines to electric motors. Even if the nutjobs out there that want to use oil shale were to win out, we would still need the extra power generation, along with even more water, in order to produce oil from it. We’d be better off just burning the coal. Let’s just go back to the good old days of coal-fired boilers. For some reason, I’m reminded of a GE commercial. Does anyone remember the one with the locomotive bellowing out the black soot.

By Tony

June 9, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Predictions are just that, predictions. I’ve been on this vile earth for a while and I have heard a few to wit:

All this is mass hysteria, similar to that in 2005 when an internet rumor got out that Gov. Perdue was going to close all the gas stations for one weekend. We saw gas lines and spiraling prices for that one day until everyone backed off and took a deep breath. The oil market is especially vulnerable….if Prince Ali in Alibaba land breaks wind the price goes up $10.

People make me want to puke, following “predictions” all the time like lemmings off a cliff.

Jim, I thought better of you, but I’ll say the same thing to you I said to Jay Bookman the other day:

Tell your predictions to shut up.

By Peter

June 9, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Gosh Jim is really never thinking RIGHT.

How about a real mass transit solution Jim?

OR is the $600 Billion it might take not a good INVESTMENT to make in our own country Jim?

By TW

June 9, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

I stand corrected. McSame would not be the first president with wooden teeth.

By fearless fosdik

June 9, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

By Dusty

June 9, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

And, I guess your an expert too?

Here are the facts Ms. Musty..

According to The Department of Energy projections.

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.

To me, Polar Bears, and the other habitat that reside in this sanctuary are worth the measley 75 cents a barrel savings!

By Peter

June 9, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Gosh Jim is really never thinking RIGHT.

How about a real mass transit solution Jim?

OR is the $600 Billion it might take not a good INVESTMENT to make in our own country Jim?

By I agree with Brian

June 9, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

I have to agree with Brian. What’s the point of the congressional hearings. On MSNmoney. An article stated that there was plenty of oil in the Gulf of Mexico and China is trying to tap in to it. And there is belief to be more oil in there than in the Middle East. And the same Congress that act as if they are looking out for us by holding all these hearings denied drillings in Colorado (some midwest state)… Politics. So why they are blaming the oil companies they are keeping their dirty deeds hushed. I don’t know why anyone would want to be president in this mess. I don’t know who to vote for. Mitt Romney where are you! =)

By THE CATHOLIC HAMMER

June 9, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

To reiterate:

The automobile is not at all “conservative”. To drive an automobile is a blatantly Revolutionary, non-traditional, non-conservative act.

Jim Wooten, like 99.98% of every other American, is a LIBERAL.

REAL conservatism can not be found in any large numbers in America. Russell Kirk very well may have been the last great American conservative; even Patrick Buchanan is more of a populist than conservative. Perhaps Dr Paul Gottfried is one of the very few authentic American conservative thinkers today.

Jim Wooten is a LIBERAL; but Americans are so far to the left, they can not even recognize that fact.

By catlady

June 9, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

I will quit bit* when the oil companies are LOSING money. Truly losing money, not just on paper.

As it is now, I make 5 trips to town a week, to work. I have given up church. I allow myself one trip a month to see my granddaughter, 70 miles away. Other than giving that up, what else can I do?

No a.c. in the house or car, heat with wood (unless the house gets below 55 degrees). Cannot dry clothes on the line much of the year because of severe pollen allergies. Water heater at a minimum (which is rough considering how cold the well water is). Light on in one room only. Anyone have a suggestion about further reducing my use?

By Ben

June 9, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Wow, there are a lot of close-minded people out there. There is no one solution. We can search for alternative sources of energy while also drilling for oil in places where we know there is oil, and we can also research ways to get oil from shale, and we can look for ways to reduce the amount of carbon in the atomosphere. And you know what? People are already doing all of those things (except drilling for oil in Alaska where there is tons of it) because there is a bundle of money to be made.

Or we can put the government in charge of it, and guarantee a losing situation.

By Peter

June 9, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

By Steven Daedalus

June 9, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

This is a bunch of crap, there is no oil shortage, the price is being run up by the oil company paid speculators, who buy their own futures to justify the increase in price. Its amazing that so many people fall for this scam, Wooten being one.

Steven, you are right on the money with this one.

We have seen this administration create the CHAOS with the WAR.

Uncertainty drove the prices up, and the Bush family is laughing all the way to the Bank.

By DR. H

June 9, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

If the market will move toward fuel efficient vehicles and government intervention is bad, why the mention of what congress is doing.

By Thor

June 9, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

NO ENERGY POLICY OUT OF BUSH

NO ENERGY POLICY FROM CONGRESS

NO ENERGY POLICY FROM MCCAIN

NO ENERGY POLICY FROM OBAMA

By Curious Observer

June 9, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

We can’t promptly process all the oil we buy now. Until we start a Manhattan Plan to build new refineries—yes, refineries that can also process heavy, sour crude from our Canadian neighbors—we are stuck.

And experts say that all the oil in ANWR would at most provide a two-year supply over the useful life of the wells. It’s a drop in the bucket.

We also need a crash program for processing biofuels, especially switchgrass and sugar cane. It’s stupid business to be using corn, which requires as much oil-based energy to process as it provides, while it is also driving up the cost of food.

Finally, we need to start building nuclear and coal-fired power plants. We need to get over our phobias and recognize that so long as we are dependent on Middle East and Venezuelan oil, we are being held hostage.

There are no short-term solutions to rising energy prices. Even if we started on an alternative plan today, it would be at least ten years before we started realizing results. In the meantime, conservation is about the only short-term alternative we have. Wooten and the other rednecks are going to have to give up their pickups and start sacrificing some of their conveniences until we have a good start on the road to energy independence.

By Dusty

June 9, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Dear Fearless Fosdic @10:49

Hmmm…great thinking there???? Never consider any forms of conservation if the flora and fauna are involved. In other words, do nothing.

All the fish have not died from off shore oil wells. I doubt that drilling in Anwar would even inhibit natures’s best.

But…at this moment,we are only thinking of ways to offset the great energy cost surges of our day. THINKING! THINKING! THINKING! Are you against that too?

By Taxpayer

June 9, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

I’m doing my part to conserve and go green at the same time. I planted solar powered beans and corn in my garden — by hand — and gave them a nice big heaping helping of composted horse manure. I had thought about improving the efficiency of my system by eliminating the composting step but then I got to thinking that maybe that’s what someone might have done with those tomatoes that are making folks sick. You can’t be too careful if you’re using stuff like that EPA approved recycled stuff like biosolids, just for example. Of course, that’s just one possibility. Maybe a herd of deer wandered into the plant and pooped in the wrong place. I digress. I’m sorry Jim. Here I was reading your story and some of the posts and I was trying to get in another 2 cents worth on alternative energy and conservation and such and my mind just goes to crap. I just don’t know what comes over me some times.

By TW

June 9, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

How much does one of these refinery things cost, anyway? ‘Spose we coulda bought one with the $700B we’ve burned in Iraq? Boy, that would have been some leadership, eh? But then ‘w’ wouldn’t have got a chance to play war…ho hum…guess the hundred dollar fill-up is worth it…so that ‘w’ can play war like a big boy…

By Curious Observer

June 9, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

We can’t promptly process all the oil we buy now. Until we start a Manhattan Plan to build new refineries—yes, refineries that can also process heavy, sour crude from our Canadian neighbors—we are stuck.

And experts say that all the oil in ANWR would at most provide a two-year supply over the useful life of the wells. It’s a drop in the bucket.

We also need a crash program for processing biofuels, especially switchgrass and sugar cane. It’s stupid business to be using corn, which requires as much oil-based energy to process as it provides, while also driving up the cost of food.

Finally, we need to start building nuclear and coal-fired power plants. We need to get over our phobias and recognize that so long as we are dependent on Middle East and Venezuelan oil, we are being held hostage.

There are no short-term solutions to rising energy prices. Even if we started on an alternative plan today, it would be at least ten years before we started realizing results. In the meantime, conservation is about the only short-term alternative we have. Wooten and the other rednecks are going to have to give up their pickups and start sacrificing some of their conveniences until we have a good start on the road to energy independence.

By ProblemSolver

June 9, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

catlady at 11:00,

Turn off the computer. I know this suggestion is drastic but those PCs really burn the juice.

By fearless fosdik

June 9, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

By Dusty

June 9, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Dear Fearless Fosdic @10:49

Dear Ms Musty .. I quote from Your glib sequitar.

” All the fish have not died from off shore oil wells. I doubt that drilling in Anwar would even inhibit natures’s best.”

How do you know?

“You Doubt?” Who cares what you doubt you imbecile?

Polar bears have been declared an endangered species .. Understand what that means?

Flora and Fauna…!!! My, you know what! It starts with an A.

By Dusty

June 9, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Ah comes TW @11:21 playing his anti-war, anti-military, anti-Bush cards as usual. He calls it Bush playing war because war is expensive and he wants to run.

What TW does not realize is the cost of maintaining freedom. Some people even give their life to stay free. NOT TW. No sir. Give terrorist what they want (our country) and everything will be fine and dandy for nothing.

Go fly your white flag, TW. We know you choose that one any day over the red, white and blue.

By Get Real

June 9, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Wooten, you really are becoming more and more like Billo and Hannity. How can you call yourself a conservative, and then in the same breath say we need to drill for more oil? While you trying to look up the definition of a conservative, if the oil prices are high because of Congress then please explain how the oil companies are pulling in RECORD PROFITS HIGHER THAN ANY CORPORATIONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY. AND ALSO WHY THEY HAVEN’T BUILT A NEW REFINERY IN THE LAST 30 YEARS. Can’t be supply and demand and companies are making all that money, thats basic economics. Especially if they built more refineries that would increase the supply and lower the price. Your post are nothing more now than GOP talking points, to steal another election. Why don’t you just present the FACTS, and allow your readers to draw their own conclusions. Instead of trying to force feed the public with this crap.

By kitty

June 9, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

The Bakken, Montana/Canada would provide light crude oi for the next 40+ years, with the prediction that per gallon would reduce below $1. There are other discoveries that would not only make us independent, but reduce our dependence on “fossil” fuel—which is mostly decayed plant material. In fact, there is a man who has discovered how to turn refuse (trash) into oil; he has gone from theory to engineering. This would give us/world an “endless” supply of oil, if you consider the amount of refuse this planet produces on a daily basis. There are many alternatives to our dependence on foreign entities, on conventional methods of supplying energy. We need to take back this country from socialists and DEMAND and EXPECT our hired help (elected officials) to do as we say, not as they do: WE WANT THIS NONSENSE TO STOP TODAY! Or, you can continue arguing the finer points while we all continue on the slippery slope to socialism and national impoverishment, and also watch as “they” form the American Union and place us all under the Laws of the United Nations: in other words, a world government system. Now you can consider the consequences of not DOING ANYTHING about this issue.

By Change NOW

June 9, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Elect Obama, somebody who actually has ideas about how to fix the economy and doesn’t admit on national television, like mcbush, that “I know nothing about the economy, but Iraq is the real problem anyway…the economy is fine….” another denialist…..how’s this workin’ for ya…or mccain could be dirty johnny: “now you gotta ask yourself, did I shoot five bullets or six, and then you gotta ask yourself, do I feel lucky, well do you, punk??”….probably paraphrased not very well…but I think mcbush is a false centrist, does not work well with others, has anger and other issues…..which would not produce real change…it is 95 and humid here in upstate ny in the beginning of june…..and smoggy….and neocons still don’t believe in global warming…we do not have any time to elect more fools………..if we are not at peak oil, then only God knows what will happen when we are? or even in china and india are the reason for more demand, do you think it is temporary???? and then ask yourself, do I feel lucky, well, do you punk????

By Peter

June 9, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Dusty as per usual has zero clue…..blowing up Iraq and throwing Saddam out of power has zero to do with maintaining American Freedom.

Saddam had never been a threat to our security, just a guy in the way of the OIL.

The made up WAR Dusty has cost America allot, including the dollars at the pump.

Dusty also doesn’t have a clue about animals, or how their survival means humans survive as well!

As part of the 20 something percent that actually backs the President, your numbers are getting smaller by the day!

By TW

June 9, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Dusty - taking a break from the GED? Upon completion of the degree, you should be able to read McClellan’s book. If those words aren’t big enough, the Senate Intel spells out the how we were lied into war at a pace even you will be able to handle - after completion of you GED, of course. Until then, know that there is no greater propaganda soldier for al qaeda than you and your sheep. I’m sure from whatever cave usama currently resides, he thinks of you often. Never in his wildest dreams could he have imagined the US peeing all over itself the way that it did after 9/11. But then, never, across the third world sands has he ever come across the likes of the ignorance displayed you and the others who trumpet the needless loss of our soldiers.

Keep studying, Dusty - your education will set you free. You’ll suffocate in horror at the way you used to be, but you’ll be free…free at last :-)

By Dusty

June 9, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Dear Fearless Foolish Fosdick@11:47

I have tried to unscamble your muddled post and thinking.

I am still buying fish at the market so I assume they came from the sea (except for homegrown catfish).

I have a B.S. degree in biology from a well known university. That means I am familiar with flora and fauna.

There are many EXTINCT species which disappeared before there were enough hunmans on whom to place blame. Wonder what happened then?

Search your liberal literature, FF. Al Gore will tell you how he miantains his environment of huge mansions, big cars and planes. He’s also good on saving polar bears at your expense. You’ll love it.

By Future NOW

June 9, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Elect Obama, somebody who actually has ideas about how to fix the economy and doesn’t admit on national television, like mcbush, that “I know nothing about the economy, but Iraq is the real problem anyway…the economy is fine….” another denialist…..how’s this workin’ for ya…or mccain could be dirty johnny: “now you gotta ask yourself, did I shoot five bullets or six, and then you gotta ask yourself, do I feel lucky, well do you, punk??”….probably paraphrased not very well…but I think mcbush is a false centrist, does not work well with others, has anger and other issues…..which would not produce real change…it is 95 and humid here in upstate ny in the beginning of june…..and smoggy….and neocons still don’t believe in global warming…we do not have any time to elect more fools………..if we are not at peak oil, then only God knows what will happen when we are? or even in china and india are the reason for more demand, do you think it is temporary???? and then ask yourself, do I feel lucky, well, do you punk????

By ghost rider

June 9, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

By Dusty

June 9, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

What TW does not realize is the cost of maintaining freedom. Some people even give their life to stay free. NOT TW. No sir. Give terrorist what they want (our country) and everything will be fine and dandy for nothing.

Dear DUSTY … Are you as deranged as you sound “Some people even give their life to stay free.”

That certainly would not be you Ms cheerleader.

A war that should never have been, a war that we now know was based on nothing more then lies!

Yea, a lot of people have given their lives for NOTHING! Your freedom nonsense is growing old.

Understand, Dusty, or have someone explain it to you IRAQ had nothing to do with 9/11…CAPICE?

By getalife

June 9, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Laura is in Afghanistan scoring at the source and will share with McCain’s wife.

MO hates whitey and the Obama’s spew those Jew haters on their blog are not the Jew haters they knew.

McCancer went out in the Florida sun

By sheldon schlegman

June 9, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

I think it’s time for Americans to make a few sacrifices in this time of war in the middle east. Rationing gas will make the price plummet. Another thought is to increase the Federal gas tax another $2/gallon and use the money for an alternative energy Manhattan Project.

By quint

June 9, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

I appreciate everyone’s passion and their ideas, but is there any way we can add civility back to the debate?

Here’s a question for you? How has the high cost of gasoline affected your lifesytle. What changes have you made?

Me first: 1) I have parked my truck and I now drive a 1990 Honda Accord that gets 2.5 times the gas mileage. 2) I do not make extra trips to the store for the milk or bread that I forgot on the way home from work. 3) I shop locally. Being from a small town, this is tough. 4) I gave the car and truck a tune-up, including removing excess weight from the vehicles. 5) Just started my diet, too

So, how about the rest of you? What are you doing right now to ease your gas budget? Let’s all pray for a long-term solution.

By fearless fosdik

June 9, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

By Dusty

June 9, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Dear Fearless Foolish Fosdick@11:47

“I have tried to unscamble your muddled post and thinking.”

My dear MUSTY…If you had trouble Unscrambling my muddled post..How in the world did you pass first grade?

You know, Dick and Jane ran up the hill.

Must of been one challenge after another!

BS degree…Yea in BU!! SH**!

By Fix-It

June 9, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Copyleft, why do you leave out the one major point, we voted democrat 2 years ago. Now that Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid and the democrats have been in charge they have made some great changes, doubled the price of oil and gas and food is up 30%. I guess this is what Obama means by change. You folks still think voting Democrat was a good idea?

By THE CATHOLIC HAMMER

June 9, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

None of you have approached the issue:

The automobile is a instrument of Revolution, it is anti-conservative. Yet, people that continue to call themselves “conservatives” defend it’s use. Not only is Jim Wooten a LIBERAL, but he’s a LIAR, by calling himself a “conservative”.

By TW

June 9, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

There is no greater liberal than those who continue to make excuses for ‘w’, the incompetent. For as long as the so-called GOPer attempts to mask the stench brought to the rightwing by the lnfiltration of ‘w’ and his band of whogivesash!ts, the republican anchor will continue to sink like a rock.

Denounce ‘w’ and set the conservative voice free.

By Fix-It

June 9, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Copyleft, why do you leave out the one major point, we voted democrat 2 years ago. Now that Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid and the democrats have been in charge they have made some great changes, doubled the price of oil and gas and food is up 30%. I guess this is what Obama means by change. You folks still think voting Democrat was a good idea?

By Redneck Convert

June 9, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

What are you doing right now to ease your gas budget? Let’s all pray for a long-term solution.

Well, I cut back to just a six pack of beer a night. And I let my pickup coast downhill. And we stopped buying toilet paper, what with all the ads we get in the mailbox.

Anyhow, I’m sorry to see Sister Dusty is against beer and for Coke. Coke is the most deadly stuff you can use. And it costs ten times what meth does.

Maybe other people will get on here and tell us how they are saving money to buy gas. While I’m waiting I’ll eat my chicken weenies with the engine off and the windows down so I don’t waste gas.

By feed up

June 9, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

I think Middle Class America should all file bankrupt in protest of gas prices. Every year we make less and less, credit card companies raise our rates when the bank rates go up, however when the bank rates go down, our rates don’t go back down. Bush’s stimilant package was a joke. I did not get a dime of that money because I was already making payments to the IRS and they kept my money. Gas prices SUX and now groceries are going up. I say file bankrupt, get a new start, pay cash, and ride a bike.

By Karen

June 9, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

Get your head out of the sand people… This will not get better!!

By Peter

June 9, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

The USA will spend over 1 Trillion dollars because of BUSH and the “Made up WAR”.

Please have a “Conservative” explain to all how that figure is “Conservative”, and a good move for the USA!

Thank you.

By Van

June 9, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

“A prediction earlier this year by Charles T. Maxwell, senior energy analyst for Weeden & Co., is beginning to look possible. Maxwell, who spent a dozen years in the oil industry and another 40 on Wall Street, told energytechstocks.com back in February that the price of a gallon of gas could rise to the $12-$15 range by 2015.”

At that point wouldn’t the oil companies just price themselves out of the industry? At some level it is to their advantage to provide their product at a reaonable cost, or no one will buy.

By Brad

June 9, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

It’s all George Bush’s fault!!!! Don’t worry when Obama is elected, gas is going to go back down to $1.50 a gallon over night. Also you will always get what you want for Christmas, cats and dogs will get along, cake and ice cream every day without gaining weight!!!!! I WANT MY MOMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!! OBAMA 2008

By michelle

June 9, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

10 points to RK for the billy madison reference! :)

By Fix-It

June 9, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

Copyleft, why do you leave out the one major point, we voted democrat 2 years ago. Now that Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid and the democrats have been in charge they have made some great changes, doubled the price of oil and gas and food is up 30%. I guess this is what Obama means by change. You folks still think voting Democrat was a good idea?

By Peter

June 9, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

HA HA HA Brad……..it will take years and years to clean up the BUSH Mess !

By Dusty

June 9, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

ghost rider, far left antiwar ignoramus,

Freedom means something to me. Obviously it does not to you.

I can ride through National cemeteries and see many who gave their lives and their time to keep freedom.

If you don’t know there are terrorists in Iraq, you are on life support. Terrorists are all over the world and have been for some time. 9/11 was one of their suicide fireworks displays to scare us. Fortunately, Bush fought back and we are still safe even as they carry on their activities, focused on Iraq right now. Better to fight them there than here.

I know I am wasting my time on brain washed libs. They appreciate nothing given to them in the USA but will not leave. What a shame.

By Peter

June 9, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Dusty,

We all know, and now it has been discovered by Congress that Saddam, could NOT have threated or freedom, but Bin Laden DID, and CAN continue to do so?

If freedom means SO MUCH to YOU, then why are you not upset we didn’t go after Bin Laden?

By LJ

June 9, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

The price of gas has been rising ever since Bush too office in 2000. As I recall gas was under $1.40 a gallon at that time. Bush and Cheney are oil men. Bush’s daddy was into oil. Others in his administration have some background in oil. There are a lot of people to blame for this $4.00 plus a gallon mess.

Voters in American need to clean the house out of all elected Republicans that are up for re-election and also send a message to the Democrats that if something is not done before the next election in 2012 they will go too. American’s like myself and many others are fed up with this no do nothing Congress and White House. It is time for CHANGE all across the board.

By Me

June 9, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Futures Markets are nothing more than legalized gambling. Difference is when people go to a Casino and gamble they aren’t hurting the masses.

By Brad

June 9, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Also this was in the AJC today.

Violent and property crime declined in 2007

By MICHAEL J. SNIFFEN

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON — Both violent and property crimes declined in 2007 from the previous year, the FBI reported Monday.

I guess the drop is also Bush’s fault!! Also your nagging mother in law, George Bush’s fault - the monsters in your closet, George Bush’s fault - when it rains on your wedding day, George Bush’s fault - when you get a divorce, George Bush’s fault - when the lane of traffic that you are in is the only one that is not moving, George Bush’s fault - when your kid falls and skins their knee, George Bush’s fault, when your dog Skip run out in front of that dump truck and is killed, George Bush’s fault – when Big Brown finished last this weekend, George Bush’s fault – when your internet connection is slow, George Bush’s fault – when you forget your car keys in the house, George Bush’s fault – when………………………………

By LJ

June 9, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

The price of gas has been rising ever since Bush too office in 2000. As I recall gas was under $1.40 a gallon at that time. Bush and Cheney are oil men. Bush’s daddy was into oil. Others in his administration have some background in oil. There are a lot of people to blame for this $4.00 plus a gallon mess.

Voters in American need to clean the house out of all elected Republicans that are up for re-election and also send a message to the Democrats that if something is not done before the next election in 2012 they will go too. American’s like myself and many others are fed up with this no do nothing Congress and White House. It is time for CHANGE all across the board.

By The good side

June 9, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Dusty!

Why do you even comment? I have seen some of your posted comments and they are the most insane comments I have ever seen in my life.

We have 300 hundred million people do you really believe a small group of terrorist can take over this country!

We have a lot of people making bad decisions based on money and greed. We let the Japanese out do us in car technology for better fuel milage because no one in Washington cared enough about making changes to that industry.

By Me

June 9, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

The answer to oil prices is alternative sources of energy. I just hope when we finally do go to alternative sources that we’ve learned enough not to put all our eggs in one basket again.

By Believer

June 9, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Press Secretary: “Our latest brain-washing technique has been an absolute success.”

Reporter: “What do you call this technique?”

Press Secretary: “We have nick-named it Dusty after our most responsive subject of all times.”

Reporter: “How effective will it be on the masses.”

Press Secretary: “We don’t know for certain. For starters, it depends on how much the subject wishes to believe.”

Reporter: “Well, what do you believe the potential is.”

Press Secretary: “Currently, the potential stands at about 20 percent but the outlook does not look good.”

Reporter: “What do you mean when you say the outlook does not look good.”

Press Secretary: “You’re kidding, aren’t you. I have to go now. I’m late for a job interview.”

By Copyleft

June 9, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Dusty: You apparently don’t appreciate freedom either—at least, when it’s used to disagree with you and your god-king Georgie Porgie.

If you’re so all-fired concerned about foreign enemies, why aren’t you outraged that we’re not going after them? Or, to put it in terms that even YOU can understand:

Where’s Osama? Remember him—the guy who ACTUALLY attacked us? Was he EVER using Iraq as a base of operations? Was Iraq EVER a threat to us? Of course not. No sane person can even suggest such nonsense.

So where’s Osama, the guy who actually DID attack us? Why hadn’t George the Lesser focused on HIM, our REAL enemy?

I’d love to see an answer from any Bush-backer that actually displayed a shred of honesty OR intelligence, instead of the usual faux-patriotic slogans and slurs from the nitwit right.

By getalife

June 9, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

[War bill helps Iraqis, may ignore Katrina victims] (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080608/aponreus/iraqkatrina;ylt=AvpmsUlkqSV6.AXngmlXL85ws8F)

Can I get a unity fist pound dawg?

By SJ

June 9, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

My wife and I already pay $12 for gas… when we dine out together at THE VARSITY.

By Peter

June 9, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Hey Brad,

What is the USA paying for the gas over in Iraq for the WAR toys?

Do we get the big Break for being the Liberator?

By bob

June 9, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Carter had great ideas.

“I propose the creation of an energy security corporation to lead this effort to replace 2-1/2 million barrels of imported oil per day by 1990. The corporation I will issue up to $5 billion in energy bonds, and I especially want them to be in small denominations so that average Americans can invest directly in America’s energy security.

Just as a similar synthetic rubber corporation helped us win World War II, so will we mobilize American determination and ability to win the energy war. Moreover, I will soon submit legislation to Congress calling for the creation of this nation’s first solar bank, which will help us achieve the crucial goal of 20 percent of our energy coming from solar power by the year 2000.”

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/carter/filmmore/ps_crisis.html

What happened? Well, that was 1979. OPEC saw the progress we were making in the early 80’s and started pumping more oil. Eventually, Ronald Regan and Congress quit funding our “Energy Independence”.

We did it to ourselves folks. Just got short sighted.

By Keynes

June 9, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

If you think financial times are bad now, just wait until you hardworking taxpayers get a taste of President Obama’s Ec00nomic Plan.

By Peter

June 9, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Funny Dusty is worried about Freedom……..heck she may die by eating the tomatoes in the US!

It would be nice if we spent some time making sure our food supply is actually healthy to eat!

By Bitter EX democrackkk

June 9, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Remember to THANK a DEMOCRACKKK! for the HIGH Gas prices!!! Its THEIR badge of honor for a job well done! Keeping America from drilling and refining has now blossomed for them and we are thrilled and thankful!

THANKs, Democrackkks!

By Bitter EX democrackkk

June 9, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Remember to THANK a DEMOCRACKKK! for the HIGH Gas prices!!! Its THEIR badge of honor for a job well done! Keeping America from drilling and refining has now blossomed for them and we are thrilled and thankful!

THANKs, Democrackkks!

By hillbilly ragger

June 9, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Nice work, Keynes @ 1.30. “Ec00nomic Plan.”

For a second there I imagined that Obama’s detractors weren’t predominently a bunch of knuckle-dragging, sheet-wearing racist punks.

Silly me.

By Peter

June 9, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Hey By Bitter EX democrackkk…..you are WRONG.

Blame BUSH for creating uncertainty in the Oil Market, then wasting Billions of Gallons of gas on a MADE UP WAR!

By hillbilly ragger

June 9, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

By the way, trolls? You know, when you claim to be an “ex-Democrat” or a “lifelong Democrat” or whatever?

Nobody’s buying it. Nobody ever did.

you’re welcome.

By h

June 9, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Dusty,

Freedom means something to me too. I have the deepest respect for our men and women who fight for our american rights. As a matter of fact, my grandfather is buried in Arlington National Cemetery for his contribution to freedom, a bullet in the lung in Korea.

However, you are the blindest most ignorant human if you for one second believe that our men and women are dying by the thousands in Iraq for Freedom. Freedom for who I wonder? Saddam was NEVER a threat to the US. He was too busy killing his own people. Us going into Iraq had absolutely nothing to do with 9/11, it had to do with W getting his daddy’s old enemy. The true enemy of 9/11 was Al Queda. Need I remind you that most of the terrorists who committed the acts of 9/11 were not from, nor had any connection to Iraq, but rather SAUDI ARABIA. Oh, yes, also remember that Bush and his cronies have been thick as theives with the Saudi’s for years. Well, that cancelled them out, you can’t bomb your buddies. Osama is hanging out somewhere, I am sure someone knows, but we aren’t going after him with the same tenacity. Now I ask you, if the war was truly about Freedom and threats to the US, i am pretty sure we could have found him by now. Now, come on. If you truly believe that this war is protecting the US, then I find it hard to believe you have a degree in anything other than watching Fox news. And if you do have a BS degree, listen closely, the school is calling to have it returned.

By Dusty

June 9, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

GoodSide

Maybe you are right. A small bunch of terrorists could hardly run or ruin our country any more than the Democrats leading Congress are doing now. But I’d still rather fight terrorism than invite them here.

OH, did you buy a car made by Americans or did you help the Japanese economy? Just wondering.

Believer@ 1:00

Are you trying to bore us to death?

Copyleft@1:20

Sorry you think we have a King. Maybe you should move to the UK where they do have a Queen.

Little Copy all Lefties, I have big news for you. We are NOT fighting FRIENDS in Afghanistan and Iraq. I guess you missed that little fact. Now, don’t start running again.

By ghost rider

June 9, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

By Dusty

June 9, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

EXCUSE me DUSTY.

For my naitivete, But, you are a nothing more than a Bush cheerleader.

What have you done during this misbegotten war that you champion?

I have seen war! I have smelled the stench of war! Have you?

Yes, I am anti-war most of us old war horses that served during the fiasco called Vietnam are! I don’t need YOU to preach to me or anyone else about WAR!

Go write a poem or talk about something other than war .. Which you know very little about!

By The Prophet

June 9, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

What is needed now is LEADERSHIP

What needs to be done NOW:

1) suspend all state & federal gas tax

2) waive EPA regulations so drilling can be done

3) Demand Iraq pay back $$$ we pumped into their country in oil NOW or threaten pull out.

4) Allow drilling in “contested” areas

5) Suspend all futures trading in crude.

This isn’t an inconvience, this is a NATIONAL EMERGENCY! Soon food & gas prices will destroy the working class. We are heading for a depression!

By BAD DOG

June 9, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

someone please ban redneck covert from the blog

By rr

June 9, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

If you are negatively affected by oil prices it is your own fault. I saw this coming years ago and made decisions to change my lifestyle to prepare for it. I have 5 options on how to get to work and get lifes necessities.
Technology is not going to rescue us. It is a physics problem. pumping oil produces 20 units of energy for each unit expended. No matter what we do we will not be able to drive in the amounts we do now as oil production declines over the next 40 years. So you might as well rent the houses I own near your job—lemmings

By michelle

June 9, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

dusty is just as disillusioned and brainwashed as they come.

do you not know that the declaration of independence grants our freedom and the constitution protects and maintains that very freedom? unless, of course, you’re apart of the GWB administration, in which case, you can p** all over the constitution and erode those freedoms. i can certainly respect and admire our soldiers who died to obtain that freedom 232 YEARS AGO. what the soldiers are fighting for now is NOT freedom, as we are already free! god, people like you who spout this crap make me f’ing sick…you just repeat the same old talking points over and over again so that you sound like every damn military recruiter and every damn republican politician in this country. THINK FOR YOURSELF.

you should be wary of the domestic terrorists that currently work at 1600 pennsylvania avenue, not some arab overseas who just wants the US out of his home. honestly, wouldnt’ you do the same if arabs occupied your land?

By Independent

June 9, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Oil is pegged to the dollar like an electromagnet. When the dollar drops, oil goes up. When the dollar goes up, oil drops. Our monetary policy has devalued our currency to the point of making oil, and the gasoline we buy to fuel our cars, cost more. Some think it’s OPEC just gouging the market, some think it’s the oil companies gouging the market…But in REALITY, it’s the policy we’ve undertaken of inflating the money supply to no end and artificially tampering with interest rates

By Neo-cons McChimpyHalliburtonCheneyHitler warmonger

June 9, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Good afternoon all. As is the usual position of leftists, “anything that might increase the supply of oil even an iota cannot be tried, as some oil might be spilled in the ANWR desert…” Seems the only ideas that are likely to work are always too dangerous to try, when leftists make the call. A minority of hard (and dumb) leftists for years blocked senate repeal of the ban against additional development. The failure to produce additional oil can be attributed to only one party, and actually only one small group within that party.

If leftists would only be as honest as conservatives, they would drop their opposition to free men pursuing profit potential, and allow drilling anywhere and everywhere. “Freedom” is outside the component thinking of our leftist brothers.

Similarly one moonbat suggested “futures” markets are culprits, for bidding up prices. That anti-economic posting is pure lunacy, of course. Futures markets always work as nothing more than a relief valve for economic dislocation. Although I have never tested the aphorism myself, I understand that the biggest fortunes are made “betting against the government,” as the government is always on the side of the uneconomic view.

By Believer

June 9, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

If boring could kill, Dusty, you’d be starring in your own derivation of “Last Thing on Earth”. After all, we don’t have verification that you either live or breath. You might be one of those computer-generated talking heads. Is your real name Max?

By Redneck Convert's mama

June 9, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

I seed in the paper whar some o’ them store-bought termaters was a-makin’ some o’ you’uns down yonder in the big city sick with that sam and ella. You’uns ort ta be a-growin’ yer own ‘maters.

By dirty harry

June 9, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

By michelle

June 9, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

MICHELLE…Great post, but trying to reason with NUTJOBS like DUSTY, is like trying to reason with with a box of rocks!

GOOD JOB!

By Whatever Jimbo

June 9, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Jim has no problems with the billions upon billions the oil companies get in subsidies and tax breaks.

By hillbilly ragger

June 9, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Oh for crap’s sake… “A minority of hard (and dumb) leftists for years blocked senate repeal of the ban against additional development.”

Really? You mean to tell me that while the GOPee controlled all three branches of government absolutely for four years (and to one degree or antoher for six) there was no way to drill in ANWR?

Face facts, desperate conservatives; if extracting oil from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge were such a no-brainer it would’ve happened already.

As it is, it’s dangerous, expensive as hell, and no oil company is willing to do it without a huge assist from taxpayers. It hasn’t happend, mostly, because it’s a stupid idea.

But please, do go on blaming $4/gallon gas on the teensy percentage that might’ve come out of the Refuge had Republicans really wanted to drill there.

Which, for the record, they really DON’T. (Kinda like Roe v. Wade—it’s nice to b!tch about, but they don’t really want to change it…)

By Joe Bob

June 9, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Redneck’s mama is hot!

By jo blo

June 9, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

If people would live within 5 miles of where they worked and the ones who don’t were allowed to telecommute we could save a lot of energy that way.

By getalife

June 9, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Come on, where is the unity?

Can I get a unity fist pound for gas prices dawgs?

By Dusty

June 9, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Well, Peter @1:44

My backyard tomato plants are really mad at you. They will produce perfectly healthy, nonpoisonous beauties for me to eat and be healthy. So there! Apologize..

ghost Rider @2:04

If you are an old Viet Nam “war horse” I appreciate your service to your country. You are correct in saying you know more about war combat than I do.

But I know just as much as you do about freedom. I do not think freedom and terrorism can exist together. Therefore I support the military and the Commander-in-Chief who fight for us against terrorism. Terrorists attack us, murder us, promise to kill us and make plans to continue. How you can ignore that is beyond me.

Perhaps you are tired and disillusioned. Maybe you don’t wish anyone else to experience what you have been through. That is understandable. But to ignore the dangers this country faces and call it nothing is not in my being.

My father served in wartime. My husband served in wartime. One son has served in peacetime. War is agony but loss of freedom is too much to lose. I will not help those who seem not to care.

By ron

June 9, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

BAD DOG,We can’t be banning redneck convert from the blog.To start with there may be two of them.They’re entertaining.They stick up for Sister Dusty.There’s rumors they’re related.Redneck drives a beer truck and we need beer truck drivers.You don’t tee off the beer truck driver.Right redneck?How’s the missus?

By X

June 9, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

If we searched for an alternative energy source with the same zeal that we wage war, we would have one by now!

By Soothsayer

June 9, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Sky-high crude prices are the BEST THING THAT COULD POSSIBLY HAPPEN TO OUR COUNTRY!!!! At long last they will FORCE us to address our dependence on foreign energy. Status quo will surely be our undoing. To be sure we are going through a painful time.

Do you realize that people living in China don’t pay for gas? That’s right! Their government buys it and furnishes it to them FREE. Oil is also subsidized (to a lesser extent) in many other Asian countries and India.

We are going to have a hard competing with China and India for crude. Especially with all of the trillions of dollars we have sent them.

What is crude oil? It is ancient algae that was trapped under just the right conditions. Guess what? We can produce 20,000 gallons (476 barrels) of crude oil per acre NOW with the same algae. Why aren’t we doing it? Good question.

Most of us could very easily get where we’re going every day in an electric vehicle. Why aren’t we doing it? Good question.

Eventually MARKET FORCES will rectify the current outrage. In the meantime, however, expect some pain. Complaining about will do absolutely nothing.

By X

June 9, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

If we searched for an alternative energy source with the same zeal that we wage war, we would have one by now!

By Vertical Smile

June 9, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Do any of you think MARTA is really a viable solution when you have to ride with trash like this?

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

By ghost rider

June 9, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

My father served in wartime. My husband served in wartime. One son has served in peacetime. War is agony but loss of freedom is too much to lose. I will not help those who seem not to care.

Dusty, please there was no need to go to war against Iraq..

You’re wonderful CINC lied the United States into a war that has now caused Iran to be stronger, not weaker! We (the United States) are detested throughout the world.

But, here you are cheerleading like a robot about the virtues of this fiasco…”War what is it good for?” NUTHIN”

BTW, what unit was your husband in during wartime?

I served as a rotary wing pilot 229th air assault battalion 1st cav(air mobile)

By Peter

June 9, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Dusty lucky you on the tomatoes…..I bet they are real tasty as well.

Well I guess I could cut down all the huge Popular and Oak trees on my property so I can grow tomatoes, but that wouldn’t make much sense.

Consider yourself a lucky person to have all the Sun it requires to grow them.

Are your tomatoes “Right Wing”, are you teaching them HATE?

Now why would tomatoes be angry?

Also, what about the rest of the Americans that are NOT as fortunate as you, and can grow their own food….what then?

By ron

June 9, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Sayer of Sooths,You speak with a straight tongue.I believe the man said he could turn algae into oil in six hours.Funding is a problem.I’m willing to donate the whole State of Mississippi to algae oil production.

It takes our government 10 years to accomplish anything,so if we start today,it will be 2018 before even the permits are ready.

By Independent

June 9, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Hey Whatever Jimbo, Do you have a problem with the amount of the profit goes to the government in the form of taxes? The federal government makes more from a gallon of gas than the oil company.

By The Prophet

June 9, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

“If we searched for an alternative energy source with the same zeal that we wage war, we would have one by now!”

Great post X,

We never care about cost, budget or the enviroment when we build for war…… this is a war!

By Maniac is accurate

June 9, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

So the reason my neighbor’s pool is green is that he’s producing algae oil? That’s good, I guess, but it’s kind of smelly.

By Fix-It

June 9, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

The real reason for the increase in gas pricing is because the Islamic Extremist can’t beat us on the ground so they are trying to do it economically. If any body believes that Islamic religion cares anything about a Christian, Jew or any other religion you are delusional. The Koran lists many ways to kill non-believers, what kind of religion does that?

By TW

June 9, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

How sweet it is watching the Forsyth Country Rednecks at the pumps. Though they’ve all removed the ‘w’ sticker by now (rednecks don’t like being laughed at), it’s still gratifying watching their faces when the dollar amt. rolls into the triple digits. Even better when you know they’ve lost their job due a decrease in the housing mkt, and better yet when the back of the truck is full of all their crap, fresh from foreclosure.

Ah, yes, finally our soldiers have some company when paying for ‘w’s ‘mistakes’…

Stupid is as stupid does. Please, PUH-LEEEZE, vote for McSame, morons - you’re getting fun to watch…

By Taxpayer

June 9, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

I always wash my garden vegetables. After all, you never know for sure where those wild animals are going to take a notion to tinkle or poop at. Even when we are out hiking and picking fresh blueberries, I remind my daughter to not risk eating them until they’re washed. Of course, you might reasonably expect outfits like the EPA and FDA to be at least working to protect us commoners by issuing publications that warn of the dangers of using improperly composted manure on vegetable gardens and other such things. After all, we all need to know just how nasty feces can be — especially those from meat-eaters. Throw in a little heat and moisture and you just have the perfect storm for the production of such things as salmonella. Talk about expensive gas. It takes some heavy duty drugs to knock that stuff out if you are one of the unlucky ones to get yourself a serious infection. Now, they’re even talking about a drug resistant strain. I think they called it the Andromeda Strain or something like that. It’s out of this world.

By Satan

June 9, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

TW, I am very proud of you, My Child!

Not even I take as much pleasure in the suffering of others as you do.

You serve me well, TW!

By Clint

June 9, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

I thought Dick Cheney had set the energy policies for this nation behind closed doors with the likes of Enron and oil companies. I did not think Pelosi or Reed were even invited to attend. So who are you blaming again Wooten?

By Soothsayer

June 9, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

If you believe high oil prices are caused by: 1) Islamic extremists, 2) not drilling in ANWR, 3) a conspiracy, please raise your hand.

Put “world oil production” in your search engine and spend 30 minutes on the subject.

The fact is that world oil production has reached a plateau of 85 million barrels a day and drilling in ANWR or coercing the Saudis to pump more cannot significantly affect production. In fact all of the world’s “easy” oil has been found.

For most of the 20th century, the demand line has followed the upward slope of the production plateau. Now, however, the demand line has left the production line.

The result is that the price is then bid up. Is there collusion and price manipulation going on? Certainly. The market fundamentals, however, are still the same.

In fact the worst is yet to come—when the production line starts down on the other side of the plateau. Then it’s really not pretty.

Whether you lean left or right, the world is faced with an unprecendented challenge. If we fail or don’t take immediate action, famine, turmoil, and economic collapse are just around the corner.

By Fix-It

June 9, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Hey TW, You are sick, laughing at somebody else’s misfortune. You act like it is only redneck’s are having a hard time, you are wrong. It is actually more gratifying knowing what the liberal mantra of change means, pay more for everything now, then pay more later. Then let me raise your taxes to cover people to lazy to get a job. Change was made 2 years ago, what a good job you liberal bozo’s have done.

By Hamad Meander

June 9, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

It is inexcusable that we haven’t been allowed to drill in ANWR. I have flow over this area twice in the last year, and I can tell you this - IT IS A WASTELAND. There are no trees, grass, abundant wildlife, or anything of envirnmental interest. The pictures the eco-wackos show of this area are in the permanently protected area and not in the coastal plain area that Congress set aside for oil exploration.

Don’t believe what you see all the time - there is plenty of propaganga abundant when the environmentalists have an interest.

By dirty harry

June 9, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

DUSTY has left the building crying NO MAS..NO MAS!

Talk about a beating …

By Copyleft

June 9, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

Dusty: I knew you wouldn’t be able to answer the question, so I’ll post it once more and watch you dodge and squirm:

Where’s Osama, the guy who actually attacked us?

By Dusty

June 9, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Ghost rider3:18

I am impressed that you flew helicopters.(I think that is what you meant.)I went to an airshow at PDK last week and they had a BlackHawk on display among others. That ‘copter was huge. Maybe it is the movies, but I didn’t realize the great size. Can’t imagine how difficult it would be to fly one.

My husband served in the Navy on an aircraft carrier. He came out of NROTC at his university and went on from there to “visit” the Pacific and the Atlantic. He did something on board in communications. He doesn’t talk much about it. My son was in the army and was stationed in Germany in a mountain post for two years among other places. He DID learn a lot about Europe.

Sorry we disagree about Iraq. Whatever the President, the Congress, the CIA, British Intel, Tony Blair, UN saw in reports made them all come to the same conclusion. I don’t pretend to know more than they saw and studied.

As I have said, I think this war has become a fight for freedom, OURS, not to mention millions of others.

I will continue to support all that protects America. Our military make the greatest sacrifices so that we do NOT lose our freedom. As I said,I will continue to support that effort.

By Fix-It

June 9, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Hey TW, You are sick, laughing at somebody else’s misfortune. You act like it is only redneck’s are having a hard time, you are wrong. It is actually more gratifying knowing what the liberal mantra of change means, pay more for everything now, then pay more later. Then let me raise your taxes to cover people to lazy to get a job. Change was made 2 years ago, what a good job you liberal bozo’s have done.

By fearless fosdik

June 9, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

By Hamad Meander

June 9, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

HAMAD..You have flown over the area known as ANWR, and now you are an expert!

Go back to your flyovers and leave the debate to the scientists…

At best, According to The Department of Energy projections.

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.

Gee, Hamad quite a savings…Ya Think?

By Peter

June 9, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

HA HA HA Dusty…….. this comment makes zero sense…..

“Sorry we disagree about Iraq. Whatever the President, the Congress, the CIA, British Intel, Tony Blair, UN saw in reports made them all come to the same conclusion. I don’t pretend to know more than they saw and studied.”

They were all lied too…. given MADE UP INFORMATION, with exception of BUSH and CHENEY, the guys who did the “Faulty Intelligence”.

Now in the aftermath of the lie, the USA is stuck in a Trillion dollar Mess.

And the sad part it is NOT making America and stronger or SAFER!

By Dusty

June 9, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

Copy Left & Hairy Hoodlum,4:04 &4:05

Osama is in a cave in your back yard poisoning your tomatoes. He thought he had found a place where no one would fight back.

And he is absolutely correct. He saw the white flag flying and said “Here’s home. Nothing to worry about.”

So watch out. Osama doesn’t like you or your tomatoes. Next thing you know we will be asking “Where’s Copyleft & Dirty Harry?”

(If you have to ask dumb questions, I will give you an answer to match your question.)

By TW

June 9, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Fix-It - you only have to hit the post button one time. Does your mama know your using the computer?

So, let me get this straight - it’s OK for you a$$ clowns to quietly watch ‘w’, applaud him even, as he needlessly sends our troops to die, but I can’t share in a chuckle over the sight of you ‘w’ sheep now paying, literally, for your mistakes in the voting booth?

Geez… I’m so, so sorry. Perhaps you could share a table tonight with a mother of one of our lost soldiers and tell her how bad TW hurt your feelings this afternoon…or what a tough time you’re having coming up with the extra buck a gallon for gas…

Thought you rightwingers were supposed to be tough? Guess eight years of kneeling in front of your frat boy musta’ taken the starch out, eh?

By Yolanda

June 9, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Good old media. Always using its ink to prepare us for things already planned.

By Satan

June 9, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

TW, you make this Poppa SO very proud of you!

By Dusty

June 9, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

Gosh, Peter,

Do you live with Copyleft & Dirty Harry with the white flag flying?

With all your inside knowledge about Iraq, you should have told the President, Congress, etc., that it was ALL MADE UP. Now…you tell us that it wasn’t true. Kinda late, aren’t you?

For shame, Peter. I thought better of you.

bye now. Gone to check the tomatoes.

By Fix-it

June 9, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

Don’t be talkin’ ‘bout my mama.

By TW

June 9, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Thanks Satan!

Count me in!

McCain/Satan ‘08 BECAUSE ‘w’ CAN’T RUN AGAIN!

By Peter

June 9, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Who is later Dusty?

You for not coming to Grips with the TRUE Reality of the plight of the USA in Iraq…….

Or me, for having not gotten the lie directly from the President, and then holding him accountable?

By getalife

June 9, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Not to worry.

Olmert and w will bomb Iran to get that price then oilbama will fix it.

Just drink the kool aid.

By ghost rider

June 9, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

By Dusty

June 9, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Ghost rider3:18

No need to be impressed DUSTY! One just does what one has to do. I had no choice!

On a lighter note…I have not been to PDK since I retired from the FAA. Is the 59th bomber (or fighter) wing still in operation? Bartender used to make good drinks!

I never had an opportunity to fly a Blackhawk, but have visited Sikorsky’s plant in Stratford Ct…

In 1965-66 we were pretty well limited to the Bell 205 better known as the Huey!

Got to go…my dogs need their nightly walk.

By db

June 9, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Wake up America. Oil prices rising on speculation drive our stock market and propel the (under) value of our currency - this is the economic plan of the current administration. High prices for gas this summer will become the Republican election issue. Drilling in the ANWR will be the last gift of an administration beholden to corporate interests from the get go even though it will do nothing to help Americans but a lot to help the major oil companies. Say goodbye to Democracy, Say goodbye to the Republic, say hello to the corporation - unless you wake up and use your vote to change things. Oh, I forget, voting is now controlled by a corporation - Diebold, they also control (make) ATM machines. Realize you’re all lemmings arguing about politics, religion, race, etc. You’ve all been divided and conquered. You can kiss this country goodbye.

By tom ga hunter

June 9, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

I have a simple solution to all our problems. 1. we collect $1,000,000.00 2. We give it Saxby’s Lobbiest son on the condition that his father do a few earmarks for us. We need to build 10 new refineries, we need to drill off the coast of Florida & we need more to drill in Alaska. If the oil companies wanted they could have sent the money to Saxby’s son last year & all our problems would have already been solved. The other option is the real conservative(Chambliss) solution, we borrow $1,000,000,000,000 from China & the Arabs then use it like a Racehorse subsidy.. gas will be $.99 per gallon in the morning. See no problem at all when you use the Chambliss method.

By TW

June 9, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

tom ga hunter - takes a pair to go after a war hero like Saxby Chambliss…be careful…

By Redneck Convert

June 9, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Well, I never thought I’d live long enough to see somebody want to ban me from the blog and then laugh at my high gas bill at the pump.

There has to be a bunch of nasty libruls on this blog. Anyway, leave Sister Dusty alone. She kind of sings a song in the same note all the time and her elevator don’t go to the top, but leastwise she’s a great Patriot.

By Redneck Convert's mama

June 9, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

Son, I need ye ta come on over and massage my bunions tonight. Brang me a six-pack, too.

By Kory

June 10, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

This whole situation is getting out of hand. I agree with those arguing that there is no one real solution. Of course we have to find a short term solution, one that will slow the depletion of all our bank accounts, but we do need to keep the future in mind. As much as it may upset some, we have to drill more (Gulf of Mexico is loaded), and we have to find more efficient ways to process Canadian crude. I also like the idea of suspending oil trade, because we as buyers are helping to destroy ourselves as much as anyone. As for the government, it does not matter who is in the White House because the President’s power goes only so far, and for those of you that believe the President controls everything in this country, go back and review your elementary school government lessons. Congress, which is controlled by democrats, makes the majority of our daily decisions. And I am so sick of hearing that Obama will “change” things. How? What has he actually said that tells me as a voting, tax-paying, citizen, that he will change a thing. He has said NOTHING. I am on the fence as far as politics because I truly believe that both parties are wrong and right. Until I hear something from these candidates I don’t like any of them, but I can tell you that if Obama does stick with Hillary as his VP, I will not vote for him. Lets get together as a country and find a real solution.

By Kory

June 10, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

This whole situation is getting out of hand. I agree with those arguing that there is no one real solution. Of course we have to find a short term solution, one that will slow the depletion of all our bank accounts, but we do need to keep the future in mind. As much as it may upset some, we have to drill more (Gulf of Mexico is loaded), and we have to find more efficient ways to process Canadian crude. I also like the idea of suspending oil trade, because we as buyers are helping to destroy ourselves as much as anyone. As for the government, it does not matter who is in the White House because the President’s power goes only so far, and for those of you that believe the President controls everything in this country, go back and review your elementary school government lessons. Congress, which is controlled by democrats, makes the majority of our daily decisions. And I am so sick of hearing that Obama will “change” things. How? What has he actually said that tells me as a voting, tax-paying, citizen, that he will change a thing. He has said NOTHING. I am on the fence as far as politics because I truly believe that both parties are wrong and right. Until I hear something from these candidates I don’t like any of them, but I can tell you that if Obama does stick with Hillary as his VP, I will not vote for him. Lets get together as a country and find a real solution.

By Glenn

June 10, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

I finally heard Obama’s answer to the oil crisis last night on NBC News. He said he would send everyone a check for $1000 to help with the cost of gas at the pump. I wonder where he will get the money?