Gas Prices (what's with this)

[Jimmy]

Not to get off of fishing but here in Iowa gas in $1.62 per gal. for 89 octane and rising fast. Did I imagine it or did not to long ago weren't they saying that gas prices were supose to be going down and not up? And why have I not been hearing anything about it in the news? A frined of mine running a gas station was telling me lastnight that I shouldn't be surprised if it hits $2.00 by July. Time for someone to step in and say enough....Just wondering

[MR.Pike]

Jimmy, Thank the Clinton adminn. for the prices.
Rush Limbaugh just had a good rant on this today! I'm with you. Didn't the gov. say a couple of months ago that they had this under control???? What a NIGHTMARE! <;{{{{{<<( Mr.Pike

[FJH1]

I wish I were paying $1.62! In northern Illinois we're paying $2.00 for 89 octane and $2.20 for 92 octane. My wife heard on the news this morning that we should expect it to top out at $2.49/gallon. I guess the only thing that is "good" is that the chain of lakes in our area has been closed to all boat traffic for three weeks now due to ultra high water levels. An $80.00 fill up is going to be a tough pill to swallow, but nonetheless, high gas prices or low gas prices I'm still fishing once these water levels go back down.

Best Regards,

FJH

[Nofish]

Hey Gang,

Heard Rush today too. Here in Milwaukee, 87 octane is over $2.00 already!

Enough is enough. E mail your Senators and House Reps., the Governor and tell them all, enough is enough. I went as far as to tell them that they DO NOT have my vote. I am tired of being hit in the pocket by a bunch of lying Jackals that don't care a rip about the "Little Guy". (That's you and me Folks).

I figured out today that it would cost over 102 dollars to fill my boat tank!! Not that I ever do use this wonder water the EPA calls gas around here, but I use it in my truck. I thinks EPA stands for, " EMPTY your POCKETS AMERICA ".

I am all for keeping our air clean, our lakes and forests clean and preserving our land for the future generations, but show me one study that says using reformulated s**t gas actually helps clear the air. That was another hot topic on the Radio today.

The host was saying the the EPA is so messed up, that where you unfortunate people who are having the MBTE cr*p rammed down your throats, litterally, it is getting into your ground water and is now listed as a hazardous carcinogen,BY THE EPA!!!!! The same people that would SHUT A BUSINESS DOWN FOR EMMITTING THESE MBTE PRODUCTS, IS FORCING YOU TO USE THEM.

Talk about lunacy.

Don't loose sight of the real goal, to force us to quit with the big V 8 motors, the evil SUV and all outboards.

Don't sit and watch this happen, get involved or you will be selecting a gas station based on the interest rate offered for the loan needed to fill your gas tank.

Time to write a few e mails and make some phone calls........R

[Ron]

When I heard that prices were going to come down in the summer I didn't believe it, because they usually go up due to people going on their vacation regardless of the price of gas. Maybe this will be a blessing if it keeps Gore from being elected, not that the alternative is thrilling either!

[Floater (MN)]

When the price of crude oil is rumored to be going up, the price at the pumps goes up yesterday. When the price of crude oil goes down (in actuality) it takes months for the prices at the pumps to go down.

When Microsoft was making too much money to suit the government and some lawyers they said that Gates had to split his company to allow some competition to take hold and bring some of the prices down. Who is telling the oil cartels that they must "split and let some competition take hold"? Also, what about the oil reserves the US has on hand for emergancies? I'm sure that if the government officials had to pay for their own gas this would be more of an emergancy in their eyes.

I know this is not much help but at least its not as bad as prices in Europe, what with $3 to $6 a gallon and all. I'll still fish, thank you very much.

Floater

[fordnut]

This is a election year, so congress has better things on their mind (right)! They`re to worried about making baby abdonment legal. As much as I hate to see it gas prices are here to stay. I wonder if YUGO makes a boat yet!!!

[mrivet]

with gas prices going up,up and up some more it looks like i will be on the water more than most ....iam an autoworker(build gm 800 series p/u)unemployment lines here i come .....i sure hope bait prices stay low this summer. mitch aka fishnrod22

[larry g]

Lets see!! we dont mind paying 150.00 for a fishing rod, and then a matching reel for another 100.00.then theres the 7.50 lures.We all need bigger boats, with at least 150hp, so the small truck has got to go, here comes the super tow vechicle.If gasoline were to cost 5.00 a gallon, yes I'd cut down, but I wouldn't quit fishing.Maybe start looking at spots closer to the launch site.Just remember this one piece of very old advise"A boat is a hole in the water that you keep throwing money into"If I really wanted to save money, I'd quit fishing.All you guys harping on Gore, remember this, at least enough people are working so that you can afford the extra few bucks to fuel up.

[jeff reed]

I luv it. 10 years ago I bought a fully loaded out Chevy Suburban at $21,000 after discounts. Today the same Suburban costs $42,000.00. Guys. thats DOUBLE the price in 10 years. NOBODY COMPLAINED that SUVs doubled in price in 10 years. BUT gas goes up the same percentage and everbody has a coronary. GET REAL GUYS. GASOLINE HAS NOT KEPT PACE WITH THE UPWARD SPRILE OF EVERTHING ELSE. DEAL WITH IT. 40,0000.00 BUCKS FOR SUVS, 30,000.00 BUCKS FOR ALUMINIUM BOATS, 300.00 BUCKS FOR LOOMIS RODS, EVERYTHINGS OVERPRICED. IF YOU CANT AFFORD A MEASLY 2.00 GALLON FOR GAS GO DIG A POND AND PLANT FISH. POND WILL COST YOU 10 TO 15 K TOO!!!!

[JEFF REED]

DO YOU THINK GORE REALLY CARES ABOUT THE PRICE OF GAS AS HE TAKES HIS DAUGHTER TO HARVARD TO BE AN ATTORNEY????????????

[walleye chop]

If i can recall about 10 years ago gas was about 70-80 cents a gallon. 80 into 2.00 is a little more than double!!!!! The problem is the 50 or so cent tax on every gallon of gas. the government always has to take a dip into our pockets.

[RAY]

well boys you did your complaining.when election time comes you know what to do. vote the bumbs out.

[Speaking of that Dope and his family,]

How about that two faced lying wife of his? Remember the campaign to have all recors labeled if they had bad words in them?
Guess who sat front and center at the Democratic fund raiser last week and laughed as hard as anyone when Robin Williams did a rather blue performance. There were children in the crowd, and even Mr.Williams commented on that fact, as he continued the stream of obsenities and sex related humor.
Tipper is as big a hypocrite as any of them. How honest and moral do you think their daughter will be? That's all we need is another lying dishonest scumbag attourney.

[Nice point, but]

We are working and unemployment is so low thanks to RONALD REAGAN and the REPUBLICANS controlling the House and Senate. Spoken like a typical auto worker, by the way, if your tree hugging leader AL
does get into office, you will be in the unemployment line for sure

[Nofish]

Hey Jeff,

Well said. I also agree about the cost of all autos being, shall we say, a bit high?
I am upset with the gas prices as the area I live in is being absolutely hammered. I want to know why.
I also think people screaming about gas prices and ATM fee's should also step back and ask themselves are you as upset over the fact that you must work 138 days to satisfy your Tax debt. That is more than 1/3rd of the year, just to pay your taxes. Then there is sales tax, gas tax and on and on. If you but a vehicle, you pay tax. If you sell it, you pay taxes on the money you make.
That is where I really think things are getting steep.
But for right now, I am tired of the EPA putting their hands in my pocket.
IMHO............R

[I can recall]

I can remember about a year ago and we were paying a little over a buck, it has doubled from that!

[Bear]

I would hope that no one on this board could defend that anti huntin', anti fishin' tree huggin SOB! If you have any question who I am refferring to its Gore.

Just my opinion,

Bear

[crash]

Polaticians? whens the last time anybody can remember anything being done in DC? Big Business is running the show ladys and gentelmen. Don't you guys get it yet that it dosent matter whos in the White House. Clinton is tring to destroy the economy that WE broke our backs to build, but wait, arn't the republicans running the house and senate? Its a set up, no win, situation. Everybody up on the hill is too busy tring to make each other look bad. While Big Business rapes us all. Remeber when elections and all the name-calling was once every four years, now its a full time cluster-f**k. Hillary's been running for 3 years now...

Bush, Gore? it dosn't matter if your leader dosn't lead.

wher'd you go, Joe Dimaggio?

[Fisherman]

Do you think your oil loving buddy George W. will lower prices?? Think again! Thats how his family made their millions, lets get real pal. He wants gas prices to drop as much as ol' Billy wants to be split in two.

[EAGLE EYES]

Exactly Crash!
We live in a society where money talks and BS walks and nobody in office will ever change that issue. Actually it's always been that way it just got a little worse as time goes on. I don't believe a word from any politician because it doesn't make any difference if they are telling the truth or not. I'm from Minnesota and we got so tired of all the idiots we elected Jesse to govern us. I think all states should have a pro wrestler as governer!! They probably won't no
Sh t about politics but who cares.

[Greggb]

Whats the alternative?? I guess at least I'd like to have my prez have an IQ higher than toast. Maybe if G.W. gets elected drugs will get cheaper!!

Oh, and the response about Reagan responsible for the ecomony. False. Ask an economist, Reagans trickel down policies resulted in a recession. Remember, Reagan was responsible for double digit interest rates. The thought being the rich make more money on their investments and then they'll pass it down to the little guy. That was the theory, pick up a history book. The ecomony is booming now as a result of several factors, one being higher minimum wages. This gives people more money to purchase goods, when more goods are purchased, more have to be made, thus more jobs needed to make more goods. That is one factor there are others. Remember, when you couldnt find a job when Reagan was in office. Oh BTW, G.W. wants to bring back trickel down ecomonics again. Then you wont have to worry about gas prices, that'll be the least of your worries.

God, I hate politics

[GreggB]

Amen!

[eyewinder]

Does anyone else share my confusion:

Al Greenspan continues to raise interest rates "to control inflation". Yet higher fuel prices directly and indirectly speed inflation more than any single factor I can think of.
So why is the government's attention focused upon interest rates (which, of course, throws a wet blanket over the stock market, too).
"Stabilizing" (what I really mean now is "lowering") fuel prices would do far more to stop the cascading effect of inflation upon other goods & services.
I am obviously not an economist, so if I'm missing something here, please enlighten me.
I live three hours (six, round trip) from decent walleye water, and fuel prices are KILLING me!
I dug out the sleeping bag and foam pad the other day -- if I remove one seat from my boat's floor, I can sleep in it like a baby (until the thunderstorms fire up).
Money spent on increased fuel prices has to be recovered somewhere (at least by me) -- sorry motel owners!

[eyewinder]

Does anyone else share my confusion:

Al Greenspan continues to raise interest rates "to control inflation". Yet higher fuel prices directly and indirectly speed inflation more than any single factor I can think of.
So why is the government's attention focused upon interest rates (which, of course, throws a wet blanket over the stock market, too).
"Stabilizing" (what I really mean now is "lowering") fuel prices would do far more to stop the cascading effect of inflation upon other goods & services.
I am obviously not an economist, so if I'm missing something here, please enlighten me.
I live three hours (six, round trip) from decent walleye water, and fuel prices are KILLING me!
I dug out the sleeping bag and foam pad the other day -- if I remove one seat from my boat's floor, I can sleep in it like a baby (until the thunderstorms fire up).
Money spent on increased fuel prices has to be recovered somewhere (at least by me) -- sorry motel owners!

[jon]

Actually, higher fuel prices should slow inflation, because folks will be less likely to spend because of the fact that gas is taking a bigger bite out of their wallet.

[AquaMan]

Floater you hit that one right on the head. We were discusing that very issue last week here in the office.

How come the government can go after MS and not the Oil Companies? Same reason the 60MPG carborator (which exists) has never materialized in the car...somebody is on the take somewhere. Gates even said he could have paid this off, but did not want to play the game on Capital Hill.

We are at $1.79 for 87 in MN. Look out, one month and I bet we see $2.00. And no one seems to be screaming about it. The news reports are all very matter-of-fact. Like it is expected and there is nothing you can do.

AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[eyewinder]

Yours is an interesting thought, but I'm not sure that it works. . .anyone else agree/disagree?

[crash]

No it doesn't quite work that way, Supply, Demand, and Inflation are just neat little terms to have laying around to use as an excuse for screwing people. Ever notice how small a big mac has gotten latly?

If gas dosn't sell then the company's reduce production and the price goes up, If its selling then the companys claim shortages and the price goes up. Notice the trend? Thats why oil company's get so fustrated with OPEC, ONLY when OPEC is lowering prices and flooding the market do we see lower prices. Oil company's will use any excuse to raise prices, no matter how trivial.

Old men who run the oil , cigerette, and auto company's rule the earth. DON"T EVER FORGET THAT.

VIVA LA REVOLUTION!!!!

[Neal/CO]

Glad you mentioned the cigarrette companies Crash. I caught my 16 year old step-son smoking the other day. Did you know 5000 kids have to start smoking everyday to replace the 5000 who died from it that day, for the tobacco companies to maintain their profit levels. They have killed more people than Hitler or Stalin ever dreamed of. We do nothing to stop them, "what makes anybody think we will stop the oil companies from sticking it to us"? If we could find a way to give up fossil fuels we could return the middle east to the least important region of the world status, it so justly deserves.

[crash]

Cigerette companys don't make a dime off of cigerettes anymore. THE GOVERMENT DOES. The feds make a dollar off of each sale, the states make $2.50 off of each sale. So much for the goverments concern for the public safty. Now the cigerette companys have seen the writing on the wall, so guess what? THEY BOUGHT THEMSELVES INTO A MORE RESPECTABLE BUSINESS. pillsbury, dolly madison, and more than I can remember now, are owned by cigerette companys! Just like Microsoft has to pay the price now, so did the Cigerette companys with this farce of a lawsuit they went through. Let me get this straight, I smoke, I'm going to die a horrable death, AND THE GOVERMENT GETS THE CASH? Ever wonder why the goverment wants to take away our guns?

Neal, beat that boy straight, I do smoke and everyday I wish I could put them away for good.

[crash]

When I come out there this fall I'll show him how fun dependency is. Not to mention the constant hacking, weezing, the in-ability to run, climb stairs, and all the other oh so much fun stuff associated with this "cool" activity.

[GOP]

Good thing you hate politics, Greggb, because I wouldn't want you to be interested in joining the ranks of the politicians given your half-witted comment on trickle down economics. Ever hear of an investment? They cost you money up front, but get you more money in the future. That is essentially trickle down economics. Ever hear of the stock market? Do you have a 401K or a TSA at work? That's trickle down economics, man. The differnce is that now we're the rich guys allowing our money to trickle down. The good news is that our money is trickling right back into our pockets because we work at meny of them companies we're investing in. It's called economic infrastructure. You need an economics course taught by someone other than a Berkely (CA) professor.

I'm amazed when people are so accepting of these outrageous fuel prices just because Europeans pay $3-$5 per gallon. Hello, they're still paying a dollar for the fuel. Their taxes are $2-$4 per gallon. Remember that a hamburger costs $6 in Europe. I'd gladly pay $4 per gallon for fuel if the rest of my taxes were lowered in accordance. It's a perfect user fee. At this point, the government is taking 30% from me and not giving me anything in return. I pay my user fee for fuel, I don't have any children in school and I have my own means of protection from crime. What do I need the government for? I know this is narrow, but I'm demonstrating the point that we're getting royally sc****d at the fuel pump just because many people have a lot of discretionary income right now. If food were to double in price, (I work in the Ag industry) I can guarantee there would be a full scale revolution in this country. Politicians would be hanging from every pole in DC. Dan Rather would be telling us that farmers are getting rich and making them out as evil profit takers who are taking the food of babie's mouths. I'm apalled that people sit there and say that doubling fuel prices won't slow them down. Take my word for it. When people have to quit buying the things your company makes, it will have an impact on you.

[Scott]

Read history? How about listening to the cheif economist of the US Alan Greenspan? On 5-5-99, he was quoted by the Washington Post saying that due to investment in the 1980's..... " an undexpected leap in technology is primarily responsible for the nation's phenomenal economic performance and the current extradordinary combination of strong growth, low unemployment, low inflation, high corporate profits and soaring stock prices." Hmmm. Sounds like Alan Greenspan knows trickle down worked too.

One more thing. I agree with the earlier post that if you spend 30k on a boat, 30 k on a truck, what is 25.00 more when you go to fill up? When I started driving in 1985, gasoline was 1.25 / gallon. I have receipts for this for regular self service gasoline. Road tax in Ohio was roughly .20 per gallon. Today it is at least twice that. Figure that oil wasn't 30.00 per barrel then, figure inflation, and figure in that marketers and refiners have a lot more EPA/OSHA compliance laws they are subject to today. YOU ARE GETTING A BARGAIN. IF you want a break in the gas costs, tell BJ Clinton to roll back the road taxes to the 1980's levels. Here's a hint, he won't do it and Owl Whore wouldn't either.

[cmb]

whats with the environmental bashing? Is it only a good idea to protect our environment and natural resources is it dosen't cost you anything?
our gas prices are a bargan compaired to the rest os the western world. I hate paying $1.80 a gallon but, we still have an awsome deal compaired to europe. It stinks to have to double your gass budjet in one year, but if you can afford a $20-40,000 truck (or two) a boat and the other little extras in life SHUT UP AND DEAL WITH IT LIKE AN ADULT. There is no need or place for all the stupid finger pointing, bad mouthing and plain stupidity around bithcing about a good deal. it is just like blaming everyone and everything abuot a slow spring on Erie. It is still the best overall eye fishery on the planet, yes concerns, such as comercial fishing and the current harvest quota system need to be addresed or examined closer, but it is still the best. As far as I am concerned the environment needs protection and the EPA is trying, without it and the clean water act manr if not most of our fishing holes would not be. they would be just holes in the ground filled with sludge, toxic ooze, and life choking algae and bacteria. We would have the Great Dead Lakes, not a booming sportfishing and tourism industry.

[Scott]

One more thing, you have as much chance of a minimum wage increase helping the economy as you do finding a plunger at one of Al (slumlord)Gore's rental properties. Fact is, people are not working for minimum wage. Fast Food in Ohio is paying 7/hr and some even more. And get this, people are not filling those positions. I've traveled many many states in the last year hunting, fishing and for business and I have yet to hear of anyone with any training being paid minimum wage.

IF you think the minimum wage increase spurred this economy, I have a bridge in Detroit I'd like to sell you.

[Scott]

The price of oil per/bbl last year at this time was 11-13 dollars. The price of crude has doubled. It isn't the station, it isn't the refineries, it's opec. Maybe if we had a CREDIBLE administration who would deploy some foreign diplomacy (read veiled threats) regarding foreign aid, defense, etc.

[GOP]

Scott,

Great comment and great point about the fuel prices in the mid 80's. I can remember paying up to $1.40 for fuel as a junior in high school. Also, good point on fuel being more expensive to produce now compared to then. I'm not sure it's true and that we're getting a bargain, but it's something to think about.

[crash]

and your reply was meant for....

Anyway now I have a question for you..

Best it can be, or is this the best we'll settle for? (ye old don't rock the boat theory)

SAVE THE WORLD-DISBAN THE GOVERMENT!!!

OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE, funny I don't remember voting for any of this.........

[Greggb]

Just a correction. The stock market is strong now because the average Joe is contributing with 401ks and retirements not just the upper 10% of the population. Oh, and lets not forget the day traders. Trickle down didnt work in the past and wont work in the future.

[Environment?]

If the environment is a concern, why isn't there a push in Washington for more efficient vehicles/fuel? It's all about the money the politicians and government is raking in over the gas hike.

[Environment?]

If the environment is a concern, why isn't there a push in Washington for more efficient vehicles/fuel? It's all about the money the politicians and government is raking in over the gas hike.

[MR.Pike]

O.K. pal, thank yourself for the situation. I guess we can all "assume" where your last vote went........ <;{{{{{<<( Mr.Pike

[GOP]

Greggb,

Who are you correcting? It sounds more like you're correcting yourself. Trickle down ecnomics is the process of investing one's dollars to create more dollars for oneself. The by-product of that investment is more dollars created for everyone in the meantime. In the early 80's, the only people who were able to do this were those who were well off because the Carter Administration broke just about everyone. Taxes were lowered and penalties for starting busniesses were largely elminated. Rich people don't stare at their money in order to make more of it. They invest it in things like factories which employ people and give them the opportunity to invest in those same factories through 401K programs. I'm not sure if you know this, but the first president to even suggest lowering taxes to get the economy going was John Kennedy. You should read Scott's replies to your comments.

[Jimmy]

I'll tell you what I want to know is why isn't OPEC considered a monopoly just like the Rockefellers or Microsoft, seems to me that OPEC is the biggest monopoly I can thing of and why can't the US government control the US crude that we are all paying for coming out of US ground? Something sure does smell like fish, rotting fish that is.

[Shaking my head...]

OPEC,OPEC,OPEC....Nice to see the return of our country's investment back in 1990 for sending thousands of troops and millions of dollars of equipment to the Arabian peninsula to protect those money grubbers from the big bad guy to the north of them. All for the sake of what...that black stuff called oil? Now we get to pay for it all at the pump. They(the Arabs) could give a rats a** about us over here, and they are showing it right now. The princes in Riyadh better watch out the next time the big bad neighbor fires up his tanks if they keep up this crap with crude oil prices.

[fordnut]

I`m not in to politics, but my thought is if you keep raising prices (interests rates) you will only slow economic growth. If the cost goes up I would think wages should compensate. I`m not saying penny for penny. It takes money to make money, and if we are not spending due to higher cost there not building. They`re has to be a happy medium to grow, not get rich in one day.

[fordnut]

If you were to buy the american fuel (gas) it would cost you more per gallon!

[GrandSAC]

We are getting RIPPED off by the petro industry. NW Ohio gas prices have risen 30 cents over the past few days. Lazy assed congress and green thingers have stopped domestic oil exploration. We all are screwed!

[dummie]

Think about this. To my knowledge there has been virtually no response from the White House as to the price gouging. When in the past there was an oil crisis due to war or an embargo we had to buy more efficent cars, speed limits were reduced to 55mph and so on. Nothing happening like that today. Me thinks someone or many ones are on the take. So buy a bicycle and don't drive so much. You can go fishing and do things you like to do. But for in town travel etc. ride a bike. Make them drink the gas. If everyone doesn't do less driving and protesting to your congressman it won't get any better. We are a captive audience you know. God bless.

[Don]

<>Think about this. To my knowledge there has been virtually no response from the White House as to the price gouging. When in the past there was an oil crisis due to war or an embargo we had to buy more efficent cars, speed limits were reduced to 55mph and so on. >

This is the foreign oil industry you are talking about....not the tobacco or gun industry. Willy can't sue the crap out of OPEC. Maybe he'll bomb a couple of Arab aspirin factories.

[Nah never mind]

With the way slick willie is giving secrets to the Chinese and MILLIONS of dollars to the Russians to help take care of their Chernobil blunder, we will be over run by 33 billion screaming Chinese any day now. Or nuked by Pakistan.
I am sure glad I can use Al Gore's internet thingy to express my opinions.
PS, Janet Reno is a man, and has Holstien in her blood line.

[Won't happen]

Won't happen, he hasent been caught schtupping an intern in a while.

[jeff reed]

Higher Minimium Wages..ARE you NUTS. $5.50 hour ain't jack SQUAT. In 1972 minimium wage was $1.60 an hour 28 years later it is 5.50, talk about things that havent kept pace with inflation. The primary reason for the booming economy is the LEASING of $40,000 cars and trucks for a fraction of their cost without BUYING these vehicles (WHO COULD AFFORD TO BUY). Another BIG reason is people living off CREDIT CARDS. If you can think of 2 other reasons better than mine, I sure would like to know.

[jeff reed]

Higher Minimium Wages..ARE you NUTS. $5.50 hour ain't jack SQUAT. In 1972 minimium wage was $1.60 an hour 28 years later it is 5.50, talk about things that havent kept pace with inflation. The primary reason for the booming economy is the LEASING of $40,000 cars and trucks for a fraction of their cost without BUYING these vehicles (WHO COULD AFFORD TO BUY). Another BIG reason is people living off CREDIT CARDS. If you can think of 2 other reasons better than mine, I sure would like to know.

[jeff reed]

Come On, Carol Brawner has to do something for a living, might as well mandate pollution controls on outboard motors. She wasn't too successful at trying to BAN LEAD sinkers was she??? WE forget all too soon don't we???? As with a leopard and its spots a lying goverment honcho like Carol Brawner will NEVER CHANGE.

[jeff reed]

2 years ago it was 80 cents a gallon. price just went up in the last 10 months.

[Jeff reed]

Don't forget OLD MEN never die in wars either, their fat asses are always in safe areas drinking champagne and pinching womens butts thinking up ways to get more young men killed and justifing it as "AN ACCEPTABLE LOSS RATIO".

[mrivet]

thanks gop and scott for explaning it...the autoworker guy fishnrod22.... ps: just about the only reason auto industry has kept sooo many people employed for the last 10 years are the leasing programs and affordable fuel

[hook-out]

A KS-95 listener!!!!!!

[Floater (MN)]

One question that bothers me: Just exactly why are the gas prices going up? Is it because of a short suply of crude oil, due to over use and low production? Or is it because the oil companies seem to think that it's time to make a bigger profit from the U.S. market?

I don't mind paying a higher price if it's for a valid reason, that being, IMHO, a shortage of crude coming from the ground. What I don't like is an artificial shortage of crude, that caused by either the oil producers or the oil refiners.

We've not heard of the "shortage" of oil in the OPEC countries or Mexico or even here in the U.S. so why the rise in prices?