F... gas prices

[Schneed10]

Daseal hit it on the head, the economic growth in China and India is the biggest reason gas prices are going up so much. Many, many more people own cars throughout the world, and many more businesses use fuel throughout the world, than did 10 years ago. That's not going to change, and in fact it's only going to get worse.

You can't fault big oil. Exxon's supply of oil has remained relatively stable, but worldwide demand is driving up price.

Taxing Exxon and others for a "windfall" is quite possibly the dumbest economic idea I've ever heard. Right now, Exxon is stacking up cash, which they're itching to invest. If you tax their windfall profit, you put a damper on their ability to invest. Their investments could really help the US citizens: their first choice would be drilling in protected areas, such as Alaska. Here's where our government needs to face the harsh reality, you can choose between protecting Alaska and forcing your citizens to continue paying escalating gas prices, or you can give relief to your citizens and allow the drilling in Alaska.

Investing in hydrogen and other fuel sources is also wise. But they won't pay off for many years. For the next 5 to 10 years, politicians have a choice to make: our economy (ie our citizens' ability to make ends meet) or the environment.