No I dont think we are complaining to much. They keep raising every 2 days why cant they stay steady for a week or so and there is no explination as to why they keep going up.

Comparing our gas prices to those in another countries is like comparing apples to oranges. And no, I don't think that we are complaining too much. The problem is, the only ones that will listen to us is our neighbors. The oil companies are definitely not listening to us. The only thing they hear are the bells of prosperity and profit.

And just why are gas prices fluctuating so much? Can it be tied to the futures market? Nobody is talking. But the fact remains that gas prices have not been stable for many months now, and the real reason for the constant price changes will probably never really be known.

It's just too bad that we can't arbitrarily raise and lower our wages to fit the cost of living at the time.

NO we are not complaining too much, we must not be complaining enough. The prices keep going up and no one is explaining why. I agree with Amy that they should be able to stay steady for atleast a week before they go up again. You can't tell me that they are getting a delivery every 2 days to cover the price increase!!

No I do not think we are complaining too much, but we may be complaining about the wrong thing. It is true that Europe pays more for petrol than we do in the states, but they have an energy policy and we have a profit motive. This is not a case of the government energy policy trying to influence behavior through taxes to raise the price; rather, it is yet another case of corporate greed in action with support from our President and VP who are simply returning the favor for the support they got in the election. When the oil companies report record profits time after time, the argument that the cost per barrel has gone up or that the war has caused shortages or any of the other BS we are fed starts to fall on deaf ears. The complaint of the American people shouldn't be that the price of petrol has gotten very high but that they are being screwed once more by rich, fat cat corporate executives who, with the help of elected officials and a broken legal system, will continue to screw them until the working people of the country unite to put an end to it.

Ditto to what April said above. While our cost of living keeps increasing right along with the interest rates and everything else known to man, our salaries are getting lower or remaining the same. (Way to go to the US government in lending a helping hand to impoverish the american people)!

When I heard of the obscene amount of profits the oil companies were making, I couldn't understand why we were paying so much at the pumps. I haven't been this angry about anything in a very long time.

It is hard enough for us to make ends meet now, with the company I worked for closing down, without the added cost of fuel to even hunt other employment added to it. I can't even afford to go to the doctor now, much less medicine.

Are we complaining too much, I don't think so, at least we have a legitimate gripe.

why are gas prices going through the roof again?
Its insane!!

Maybe if we knew that, we could make an intelligent decision about are we complaing too much

I agree with the last two statements, but remind myself that the US is a capitalistic society. As much as I don't like the endless price increases of gasoline, I know that our government makes it possible, and will continue to allow it as long as they and those who support them continue to profit from it. Our government could institute regulation, just like they did to the utility, cable, and phone companies, but many of them would lose much of the profit that they currently put into their pockets if they limited the profits of the petrolium companies. (Profit that we, the people, provide for them I might add... every time we fill our vehicles.) But, in the end, there is only so much of the "stuff" and we will have a much bigger problem on our hands when supplies officially run out. My hope is that we will have moved on to an alternate fuel source long before that day comes... and that members of our government give us a glimmer of hope that they actually care about the problem, and not just about the profits that they are taking in during all of this. (Officially, however, my hope rests in God's Kingdom, since man's governments just aren't getting it done.)

yea the oil companies call it supply and demand they have the supply and they demand the price/ i would like to think this day and time with all of our high tech , we could find alternitive fuels and put the oil companies out of business and tell the middle east to cram it. the american people need to put their foot down and demand that our government stop sending our hard earned tax dollars overseas for foreign aid, i am a hard working tax paying citizen and i am tired of it !

Like everything else coming out of our current administration, we are hearing only half-truths and flat out ommissions of fact.

For example - yes - gas is almost twice as expensive in Europe as it is in the US. However if you take out taxes from that cost, the price of a gallon of gas in the US and Europe is nearly identical. Go figure.

When Oil Companies post record profits for last year - Exxon had another record profit year of 36 BILLION Dollars - there is NOBODY in the world that can tell me we are NOT being gouged.

If all things were truely equal, as the cost of a gallon of gas goes up for you and I, the profit of the Gas Companies should go down.

Tell me again who it was that was involved in those secret meetings with Dick Cheney when our current administration was setting it's Energy Policy back in 2001??????

I am sick of the increase in gas prices; you see one price at 7:30am and a higher price by lunch time. This is ridiculous! Wonder if Mr. President can send us all a check for 3 months to buy gas? I bet not.

Note:
According to the numbers on the Dpt of Energy site, from 1996 to 4/2006 gas prices rose:

89% in Europe
120% in the United States

I guess they figure not many people will bother to examine the facts???

As long as Americans continue to consume gasoline like it's water, we'll continue to pay the piper. We all know that supply and demand drive pricing. Because there are so many Americans who choose to drive super-sized vehicles, we all end up having to pay more at the pump. What would happen if we were to limit the number of gallons per trip to the gas station and the gas hogs were inconvenienced? My Honda can go 2 weeks on 15 gallons of gas...

Okay, someone break this down for me, I'm kind of confused.

Is there a fuel shortage?

If we are fed up with the prices of companies, are we supposed to force our government to take control of all the gas and 'share' it amongst us all like communists? Would there be just one, flat price without taxes?

I'm interested to hear suggestions on how to fix the problem.

Does anybody know where I can get E-85 ethanol in Charlotte. Screw the oil companies.

Comparing us to other countries initially makes much sense. Europe has been paying extremely high gas prices for decades now.

However, there are some very important factors we are forgetting. For one, most European countries have not only significantly better public transportaion, they are also more suited for walking from place to place. Gas can be a luxury there because it's entirely possible to survive without it.

Outside of Charlotte, public transporation is a joke. (Okay, so public transit can be something of a joke in Charlotte as well.) As for walking, well considering that majority of the population lives at least a 30 minute DRIVE from where they work and it's usually along a busy highway, that's not the best bet.

Also, it is worth nothing that the European standard of living is higher. While it seems like they pay quite a bit, they also make, on the whole, much more. Their prices are still high for their income, but not AS high as they appear to be.

Here in North Carolina, the standard of living has not changed a bit. People are still bringing in $25K as an average salary, some even less. This keeps more workers home instead of going out and wasting gas. This then lowers the amount of income being funneled back into the state as less people are going to driving out on activities that don't involve work. Which means even less money for everyone else. It's a terrible cycle.

Ultimately, North Carolina is paying the highest taxes in the country for their gas. (I'm not positive on this.) I want to know where that money is going and why we seem to need so much more than the rest of the nation.

No, I do not think we are complaining too much at all. I was a college student. I was driving from Monroe to UNCC daily. I am also married and have bills to pay also. I had to QUIT college because the price of gas was too high.

I am tired of the oil companies getting record profits. All that says to me is that the price of gasoline did not HAVE be raised. The rich getting richer, and the poor (like me) getting poorer, eh?

Oh, how I long for the late 90's when gas was cheap. I remember December '98 and January '99. I was living in Myrtle Beach, SC and gas there was under $1.00 a gallon! At this point, I would be happy with under $2.00 a gallon!

lets see president bush sells neckties for a living.No wait,sorry it is gas that we put in our tanks.silly me

If a person were to go to Europe they would notice that car is not the main transportation there. There is no difference then taxation without justification and raising fuel prices without justification, and a person would have to be blind when a company makes billions per quarter, clear money. You people voted him in, so you suffer due to this. Maybe next time you people will do your homework. Have fun during the recession.

Of course we are not complaining too much. My biggest question is what can we do to stop the craziness! How do we stop the prices from fluctuating? Unfortunately that is all we are doing is complaining. We need to take some kind of action or strike and force the oil companies to be fair. They are really putting a strain on the average american family. The only way it will stop is if we put a stop to it. We the American people have to take a stand. Stop complaining and take some action. United we stand Devided we fall!

Look at the comparison to the prices if you want, they are around the same price in other countries while they have gone up so much here. I drive a diesel truck and I know they are ripping me off. Diesel dosen't take all the refining gas does but it is still higher than regular gas. Why is that? BECAUSE THEY ARE RIPPING US OFF!!

No, we are not complaining too much.

Let's not forget that we have the right to complain. Let's also not forget that the oil companies are experiencing record profits.

Comparing our country to others is, as another commenter pointed out, apples to oranges at best.

Why shouldn't we complain? These huge companies are full of asinine excuses and expect us to pick up the tab for their CEOs lavish lifestyles.

We need to complain. We also need resolution.

In my neighborhood gas has gone from $2.47 to $2.76 in three weeks with NO explanation.

These price increases are ridiculous. We are being taken advantage of and there is no sign of help on the horizon.

Just wait until 2008. I'm sure the Republicans will force lower gas prices during an election year.

I don't think that we are complaining enough. The gas prices in Europe are higher because the gasoline is taxed at a much higher rate than in the US. I believe that the Oil Companies taking advantage of situations around the world and are raising prices to increase their bottom line. Does anyone remember the crisis of 1970s. No real gasoline storage but prices went up and never came back down.

When a commodity can manipulate an entire economy like oil can, something should be done to control the costs. Obviously, the entire supply/demand argument is out the window...because prices are as high as they've been since katrina, yet US Oil reserves are the highest they've been in 8 years? 8 years ago gas was $1.30/gallon...not $2.85...looks like big oil is simply bolstering their profits...I have no problems with companies making a profit, however, I've heard a lot of rumblings about anti trust issues in this industry...the gov't should take a closer look at why every gas station in the area is within $.03 of each other

ABSOLUTELY NOT! These raises continue without any good explanation for them. What is even more alarming is that several oil companies found themselves in FORTUNE'S top 5 most profitable companies for 2005. We keep being told that there is a crunch on oil supply and that there isn't enough to go around, but if that is the case why are they darn profitable?!!!! I understand the economics of supply/demand, but these oil companies should be held to some sort of cap on what they can do to these prices. This is out of hand, and the government needs to press them harder on why they are so profitable when we are so caught in the mess of pinching pennies.

It seems to me that the government is pushing immigration talks because they just want to get our mind off of things like gas prices and Iraq. I think it is time we stand up against this machine that is overcharging and at the same time stand up and say that we want to find more fuel efficent ways to drive and live.

No we're not complaining too much - we need to complain more!!! Just take a look at the shake-up in the Fortune 500 that the insane oil companies profits from last year made.

The "experts" say that under normal circumstances you can take the wholesale price of gas and add .40 to figure the cost of unleaded at the pump. That margin is running .70 -.80 right now. Everyday some new entity holding itself out to be "experts" is "afraid of what might happen in iran" (substitute any OPEC country-iran, iraq, saudi arabia, etc)and therefore the price of oil and subsequently the price of gas goes up. I would be willing to bet that every one of these "experts" has something to do with the oil lobby.

Also, ever notice that when there is a spike in oil/unleaded commodities the price at the pump jumps immediately while decreases either never make it in or take weeks?

And finally, what would the public have to do to find out just how much our elected officials have made off oil in the last year? Not just the current administration who I am certain is gaining in some fashion, if not monetarily, but all the congressmen who could call for an investigation. Juiced baseball players can take up months in precious lawmaker time but regulating the price of gas never gets a second look.

complaining has fell on deaf ears, and the only way to combat these oil companies is to stop using their services.
We the people elected a president and his crew which are tied to oil, so we pay the price.
Look what happened to corn and wheat when slick willy was in the white house. corn went thru the roof..

Not enough complaining or action! People should be outraged at the obscene profits the oil companies are raking in. And the way this money "finds" it's way into our government in the way of bought politicians. If the profits benefited the public by maintaining and building our roadway system, I don't think people would be as disgusted. A great example of a lack of oversight and unchecked corporate mergers. "Please Mr.Cheney, another $75 tank of gas for my Kia."

you are the same morons who BUY WATER! SHUT UP!!!!

From my observations, there is too much complaining. So many don't seem to be willing to accept the reality that we've known for 30 years - our reliance on oil can not last, demand will ultimately exhaust resources.

What I don't see in my travels around town is people changing their habits, such as car-pooling more or trading in the gas-guzzling SUV for a more economical sedan. Or even using public transportation.

As a society or country, we apparantly are still in the denial stage of overcoming our dependence on cars and gasoline.

You're either part of the problem or part of the solution. Stop the whining and look at how you can change to the reality of $3.00 per gallon.

Not enough complaining.I do not live in Europe so their prices do not concern me.That's like saying the wear and tear on a chicken's butt is tied to the price of eggs!

We need to increase the number of refineries and drill for our own oil in our own country and not let other countries control what we depend on for energy. Until we find affordable alternative energy sources, that is what we need to do.

The short answer is "no." In fact, I believe we're not complaining enough! Or at least not to the right people because nothing is being done about the situation. Maybe all you news people need to get together and help out the situation? Report, report, report!

This problem has gotten out of control and it is just plain ridiculous to be paying this much, especially when there is no apparent reason for it. I hope the media will draw plenty of attention to this matter and maybe that will help the situation a little.

Yes gas prices suck... there is only one way to make them go down, STOP BUYING... The only way they will reduce prices is if demand drops... We keep complaining yet, as a previous article stated, we keep buying... where is their incentive to drop the price.

I don't believe it is the governments fault, I believe it ultimately is our fault... I will be the first to admit I don't carpool, or use public transportation (it may not be great, but it is available), I pay the gas prices and keep smiling...

Hard to remember but it is a business, their job is to make money for the shareholders... So we can one of two things... Buy a majority stake in the company, or stop buying the products and let those existing majority stakeholders deliver the pressure to return a profit!

Are gas prices too high? absolutely not.
1) This is a capitalist society - Free market -Supply and demand... etc. Live with it. (No one complains about the price of an 8 cylinder luxury automobile...)
2) People are buyng more hummers than ever. The size of SUV's continues to grow. Sales of SUV's and high-performance vehicles continue to take market share. American's obvious excessive use of gasoline for status and purely recreational uses is not declining. That said, the litmus test here would seem to be reduced gas guzzler sales or reduced gasoline consumption. That's not the case.
3) Europe. Including the taxes, they paid more for a gallon of gas 10 years ago than we do today. Their economies haven't been destroyed as a result. They drive smaller cars. They seem to be doing fine. American's reducing their gluttonous consumption of oil is a good thing. When the average American cannot afford to drive at all, maybe gas prices will be "too high". But with prices where they currently are people continue to purchase gas guzzlers.
There is no question that gas prices are not high enough!

Are we complaining too much? Absolutely not!

The DOE chart provides an interesting statistic. Over the past four years the price of gas in the UK has increased 50%. In the US over the same period, the price increased 75%. The causes for that difference in increase would be mainly taxes and profit. The taxes go into government pockets, the profits go into oil company pockets.

I don't believe our goverment is truly interested in causing or influencing alternative fuel development as that can negatively impact oil company profits.

Likewise, I often hear about consumption (demand) continuing to rise. That must mean we don't care about what we pay or we are not willing to change our habits. The reality is that most of us do not have a choice.

Of course gas prices are out of control! What isn't these days? I predicted in 2004 that soon we would not recognize this country. I don't recognize it now, do you?

The Fed's can regulate everything else WHY not the gas. Restrict here and there but the OIL is Gold for them. Any time you have companies making PROFITS like they there's something WRONG and they get away with it. IF it was a small Mom & Pop business they would lose everything they own plus jail time. How can they fill up the tank on Monday at one price then the very next day it has jumped up by 10-15 cents. No one else can increase their prices on other daily basis. What's the problem with the FED'S cracking down on this business. Is it because they are getting some of the FAT ($) TOO!

Too Much Complaining?
Well I read as many of these that I could. I see that a lot of people are upset about the cost of gas but as usual people don’t have a clue what the problem is. The problem has nothing to do with the President or the oil companies. The problem is the lack of any excess production capacity. This country has not been able to add capacity in the form of oil refineries. Which is why the United States has very little excess capacity? Well when you have high demand and little excess capacity you will get rising prices. I am not sure how this is the presidents fault or the oil companies. The problem is that the companies have not been able to add the needed capacity. Well if you can get this far it is up to the individual to determine why the United States has not been able to add any refinery capacity. What is wrong with the oil companies making money? Well most of this area sound like a bunch of socialist who don't think its fair that the companies or other people should make any money. If you don't like the high gas prices write you congressman or woman and ask them why this country has not added any refinery capacity.

People need to stop whining and come to terms with the realities of supply and demand of a finite resource. People also need to consider how their lifestyle choices, like choosing to live in suburban areas or drive large cars, affect their transportation costs. As for me, I could care less about the day-to-day price of gas - I live within the Route 4 loop and do almost all of my commuting and errands by bicycle.

Many of the complaints I've heard act as if these are all American companies. Many are not. Companies such as 'British' Petrolem (BP), Royal 'Dutch' Shell (Shell), are not American companies, even Citgo is owned by Venezuala. Further the crude oil price is controlled by a cartel - a group of countries of which we are not a member. Our political leaders cannot dictate terms to these countries and non-US companies. Even so, at what point does making a profit become illegal in this country, I just wish I had a slice of the action.

While on the subject, we have forgotten the lessons on the 1970s when the price of gas more than tripled. We went into a mode of conservation (remember 55 mph speed limits?) that reduced our consumtion of oil. When consumtion dropped, so did the price of oil (supply and demand). This is only going to get worse if we don't start conserving gas and developing alternative energy sources as a national priority.

I think gas should go to $10 a gallon , that way we wont have as much traffic. People will start to rationalize and drive smarter. We are not doing our part in conserving.. The big oil companies are not to blame for us for making 10 trips out to town when we can make just one. Its not our right to drive as much as we want. Its a privelege. I have started to do my part, I have used 50% less gas heat this winter. I plan each trip carefully. The price increases are not affecting me the way it is for most of the inconsiderate sloppy individuals who think there is endless supply of fuel.

In the past 12 months, the Big Oil Companies raised the price of gasoline and other oil products and nothing was done about it. Congress barked, but was appeased without much effort. Oil companies, therefore, posted the greatest profits in their history. They got away with murder one time, and they are now coming for more. They know that nothing will be done. Why would they stop if their only obstacle is the insatisfaction of million of working americans and the loss of good faith and corporate ethics. Enough said.

Let me play devils advocate for a concise minute. Because I, like all of you, am disgusted everytime I fill my four-cylinder compact car up with gas and spend 30.00

But are we really paying "too" much for a gallon of gasoline?

Let's say Gas equals $2.68 per gallon. That is $0.0209375 per ounce of gas. (1 gallon = 128 ounces) So for the sake of easiness, lets say 1 ounce of gasoline costs $0.021

Now gas goes through an enoromous process to reach the pump. I will spare you graphic details but, crude oil is pumped from the ground at the oil field (lets say Saudi Arabia), then funneled through multi-million dollar pipeline to a crude oil tank facility, where it is stored in massive tanks, then transported onto oil tanker ships, and shipped to the US (lets say New Orleans). In New Orleans the crude is offloaded, piped to a refiner that turns crude into gas, which is piplined to more tanks (lets say up and down the east coast), where it again is stored in large tanks, then trucked to individual gas stations, off loaded, and pumped into the car by the consumer! Whew! What a journey.

Now to do all that, it cost you and me $0.021 cents per ounce of gasoline.

Americans spend $0.05 per ounce on bottled water! BOTTLED WATER, we spend twice as much on bottled water than we do on gasoline!!! (1 20oz Dasani from a coke machine = $1.00) And what journey does bottled water take? 1. Pump from ground into bottle. 2. Ship to store!

Now this just illustrates that its not only the fat cats in Washington spending money without due regard, but it is our own lack of sagacity, our lack of individual financial responsiblity that is killing our economy. Why would government spend wisely, when the people aren't?

But then again, 10 Billion dollars for some rich white oil tycoons makes me boil!!!

Am I happy with gas prices being what they are? No. Is it wiping me out? No. That's because I drive a car that gets more than 16 miles to the gallon of gas. While everyone else was getting an eight year loan so they could 'big time' it in an SUV, I bought a little tiny car that gets good mileage.

Consume less. Don't compensate for your shortcomings with big cars...

I do think the supply and demand is a little too driven by what such and such said about something that somebody else meant to do... so, that part bothers me, but folks driving SUV's...cry me a river...

Try living in CA before y'all start complaining about high gas prices! For unleaded, it's anywhere from $2.90 to just over $3.00 in some parts of Los Angeles county. That's not counting the metro LA area which no doubt is inching closer to 3 and a quarter! Here's another novel concept- instead of buying gas guzzling SUV's and yammering about the high prices, try driving a smaller vehicle, or try using public transportation. (BTW, I'm a proud owner of two gas frugal Saturn cars- and neither one's the SUV).

Oil companies don't set prices, the market does. If oil companies had the ability to set prices, then how come they let price of crude oil slide to less than $14 a barrel just a few short years ago? Did the oil industry look for a government bailout in the early 1990s when it saw more job losses than any other industry in American history? No. So what has changed? 1) Limits on new exploration and development activity in the US, 2) no new refineries built since the 1970s due to regulatory and environmental hurdles, 3) geopolitical strife in oil producing regions including the middle east, Venezuela, and Nigeria, and 4) huge economic growth in China and its appetite for oil. Add it all up and you get a recipe for increased demand for with limited ability to supply. Remember that an oil tanker on water carrying middle eastern oil can go to other countries just as easily as it comes to the US. It's going to go to the buyer willing to pay the highest price. We are esentially bidding against countries like China for a finite resource. Finally, have the driving habits of Americans changed? Not from what I can see.

Well... The are some REALLY easy answers to fix this gas price situation. First, institute a gas rationing plan. Secondly, cap the profit allowed by any energy company per quarter. Third... WE have to decide to lower costs however we can. And, driving a vehicle the size of Idaho is NOT the answer. Why do SO many people have to drive SUVs? Space? Try a mini-van. GASP..but those aren't cool! Sorry, use the money you save to buy admirers...it'll work if you're that shallow. Lastly get the Supreme Court to force the President and VP to turn over the names the true energy policy makers...the oil industry. C'mon and wake up.

Are we complaining too much? NOT!! With record profits and HUGE corporate salaries its clear we are getting ripped off! Who can we voice our complaints too? Our congress men? NOT! Our government? NOT! Try to talk to a excutive at one of the oil companies? NOT! We need to take action! Lets all try this. Try to drive 15-20 miles less a week and lets see what they will do with the GLUT of supply they will have! We can outsmart these bozo's! Whoever is calling the shots on priceing will have to do something. When the ports and ships are full where will they put the oil then? Lets get together america and cut our unnessary trips. We can win this war!

As long as we as Americans continue to consume gasoline without regard to the impacts, then the oil companies will continue to make record profits. All of these idiots that drive around in their huge gas guzzling SUVs are doing nothing but spur these price increases. As we continue to demand the product and show no signs of curbing our demand, then the prices will continue to rise. It is simply the law of supply and demand. Maybe the prices will eventually get to the point where people start thinking about alternative fuel options and really start pushing the demand for that. Until then, suck it up and quit your whining. If you think the oil companies or our government, which is in the hip pocket of the oil companies cares about your complaints, then you are sorely mistaken. They will continue to rake in the cash until we get to the point where we are willing to curb our consumption.

I agree with Jimmy, the Republicans will lower the prices in an election year but it will not get them back into the White House. I think President Bush is getting some kind of a kickback for the high gas prices, if he was not, he would be trying to lower the prices. I am not sure if we can make it through the remainder of his term.

The ONLY way to get these gas prices DOWN is to ONLY buy how much gas you need for today! I know its a hassel,but when you have too much of something what do you do?...SELL IT CHEAP TO GET RID OF IT!!!!!! LETS DO THIS PEOPLE AND TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS,FAMILY, and CO WORKERS to do the same

Corporate Greed!!! Record oil company profits, don't believe me look it up for yourself!! I'm sorry to say but the Republican party will lose this years elections over this.

I've given this issue some thought, and of course everyone has a right to complain. That's an inherent right of being an American. However, I agree with those who would say that we need to examine our consumption and our lifestyle. As long as Americans keep buying the cars that are least economical on fuel and continue to contribute to sprawl, then those are the ones that should think twice before they complain. It goes right along with those who complain that all there is on TV is trash and ask why do the networks air such things. The answer, because there is demand for it. If demand dictates that Americans will buy the big $50K SUVs that get 10 mpg or less, then that's what the automakers will make. We get what we pay for, if we continue to pay for huge vehicles that are inefficient in consumption, then what incentive exists for the automakers to make more fuel efficient automobiles? Honda, Toyota, and Nissan became giants in the 70s gas shortage because there was a demand for more fuel efficient transportation. That's the key to capitalism.

The Oil companies aren't based in the US so the US government has no control over them..... I think you people need to read this, "Big Oil makes its money by pumping oil out of the ground, not refining and selling it as gasoline. Of Exxon's mammoth haul, only a tiny fraction came from making and selling gas in the U.S.

The idea that prices are set by Big Oil, not the traders at the NYMEX and other global bourses, is a misconception that seems to come into vogue whenever energy prices start making new highs. And putting the blame on OPEC, let alone trying to subject a foreign cartel to U.S. laws, seems to be doing anything but dealing honestly with the problem of too much demand and too little supply here at home.

Kohl's bill, alas, won't do much to lower gas prices. The real problem here is the reluctance of Washington to make more than modest improvements in fuel-efficiency standards for cars and trucks. At the same time, politicians and other leaders seem unwilling to at least jawbone more Americans into giving up their SUVs and Hummers in favor of more fuel-efficient cars. Suing OPEC under U.S. anti-trust laws may be smart politics, but what about actually telling voters that they, too, have to take some responsibility for the problem?" From Fortune Magazine

As stated before, the oil supply is not endless, and we can expect to pay higher has prices in the coming years. I find there is too much complaining about a commodity which has been far to cheap for us considering the impact our usage has on the environment. The fact that it is so cheap is what has allowed places like Charlotte to develop without any useful public transportation, and few other alternative modes of getting around. So stop complaining and accept the fact that we would all be much better off if everyone drove less, and we concentrated our efforts into viable alternatives. It would be better for the ecosystem, and for our own lungs...since the almost certain result would be fewer ozone warnings.

congress can put a lid on gas prises

Gas prices are insane but no one will really do anything about it. We elected right wing wackos that cannot relate to the common man. They can afford to pay double or triple what gas costs now, but the average person can't. But still, we elected these morons that support the energy industry so we are getting what we deserve. Exxon Mobile had the most profitable year of any company in HISTORY - at OUR expense. 2 right wing wackos running the country - former energy executives - what do you expect??? (Bush was a total failure at his oil business too - incompetent in all aspects)

Remember when we were trying to get you not to put Easley back in as Governor and the other state dems back in control of the legislature last November. That democrat controlled legislature that raised every tax possible this last session, car tags, cablevision, gas tax, and a plethora of other taxes. Thats why the gas tax is so high! Remember how the Republicans tried to put a moratoriam on gas taxes temporarily and Gov. Easley said - no way - gotta have that money!

I don't see how whether or not we are complaining too much or not matters. The question we should be asking is "are we doing anything about them"?

As far as what they pay in Europe, that is of no consequence to us here. Fact is, they have health
insurance from cradle to grave and other things that those taxes pay for. If they gave us some of the benefits that the Europeans enjoy, (such as excellent alternative transportation, and health care) then I wouldn't mind. Fact is that there are more people in America who right now can't afford health insurance than at any other time in recent history. To have inflation rising disproportionatly to the average wages, then throw
in higher transportation prices. In my opinion, we have to right to complain.

Yes, I think we are complaining too much. And yes, the news media are spending too much time covering angry consumers at the pump, all of whom complain loudly about the high price of gas.

I have not seen any news crews at the hospital, poking microphones in patients faces, asking if the cost of health care is too high. Or at a college campus interviewing students. Compare the increase in the price of gasoline to the increase in the price of health care and college tuition. Gas is still cheap, by comparison. If only I could halve my medical bills by something as easy and simple as carpooling.

Another point I'd like to make is this: The oil companies that people are so furious with DON'T SET THE PRICE OF GASOLINE. Much like with gold, there are times when it's more profitable to dig for it. But the company that runs the gold mines doesn't set the price of gold, they just dig more feverishly when gold is more valuable.

Instead of directing anger at oil companies, it would make more sense to question why we have dozens of different region-specific fuel formulations. And why can't we increase our refining capacities? And why can't we explore every nook and cranny and drill as much of our own oil as possible? A big part of the answer is Environmental Regulations. It's unreasonable to be angry about high gas prices and NOT be angry about a primary cause of the problem.

Best regards,
Michael

maybe a gas boycott is not what we need. maybe EVERY member of congress should be voted out and replaced.
Maybe then the government will take the people seriously.

I really do not care; since I no longer own a vehicle. I hope it goes up to $10.00 a gal. I just want to watch people squirm. I have been out of work for over a year, unemployment has run out.
So if it hits 10.00 a gal. won't bother me, but it is going to hurt,somewhere, not as much as not having an income, but I guess when you drive something (SUV)that gets 12 MPG, it is going to hurt. Cut into the everyday money. Hahaha! How does it feel? Mr.& Mrs. have too much money in Charlotte.
Guess you will have to give up the brand new car every year, or cut back; get out of that half million dollar spread you are living in. Gee may have to break down and suffer; do your own yard work and housekeeping. No more keeping up with everyone at the ole country club.
Your spoiled son or daughter may have to get off their lazy ass and help pay for their college education-oh my; "my child might have to work!"
I will enjoy watching you RB's squirm.

stop buying gas at exxon/mobile stations, plain and simple.reduce demand and pricing has to go down. I feel sorry for the truckers paying more for diesel fuel than gas, and it's easier to produce over summer/winter blended fuels.If we didn't have such a sense of entitlement in the U.S. and dumped all the oversize gas guzzlers here, there wouldn't be so much to complain about

We are a great nation,we will over come this gas shortage.We have to turn to hyrogen power. Do you know that for $1000.00 you can convert the car you are driving now to hyrogen power.The fuel is water, yes water, it's emmision is water.NO poultion.Water The most abudant thing on earth.It's there for all of us drink it ,use it to fuel your car ,heat your house cool your house.I don't known what you think? but I want to drive in my car when ever I want.We have to turn to hydrogen.Yes there is alot of work to be done to bring this to us but getting mad over gas prices is not the answer.What's wrong with are goverment?Are they in the oil market?I wish the goverment would put a $3.00 per gallon tax on gas to be used for research on hyrogen.That way the gas gusslers would pay more than the people who are saving on gas.I tell you this is it,this will make us great again.Every house has a hyrogen tank in the ground to heat the house, cool and light it and power the car.It's even possible to make hyrogen from the sun.I'm talking selfsufficent here.No dependance on any oil company or country.we can do it .It's just that were complaining about the wrong thing to the goverment let's get them working on hyrogen fuel.Thank you jim

Yes we are complaining to much the gas price is about right for the times.

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