In 1970 the US clearly saw that it had a dependence on oil that was owned by members of OPEC and the dependence was detrimental to our security as a nation. 36 years later we are revisiting the issue only to see that there is still no will on the part of our congress to truly do anything about it. Rather we read news like this.
The price gouging legislation passed 389-34. It must now go to the Senate for a vote. The White House has not weighed in on the legislation.
So now our congress is trying to do something about "price gouging" on oil. It might be funny if it wasn't so sad. We've alienated most of the oil-producing world with our military belligerence and our dollar hegemony and now congress is looking to penalize the oil companies because the resulting high price of oil may be unfounded???!!!
Before the vote, lawmakers looking for ways to get ahead of public outrage before the November midterm election expressed their support.
Democrats are sure to raise the issue in the fall elections. The president and Republican leaders are trying to buttress anger against the majority party by crafting a strategy that will help take the sting out of prices. Senate Republicans on Tuesday suggested a $100 per driver rebate to help pay for gas. House Majority Leader John Boehner called the suggestion insulting.
Good for the House Majority Leader. It's not only insulting, it's stupid.
Now we're getting closer to the real issue...disgruntled voters. Heaven forbid the American public holds the incumbents responsible and tosses them out into the street (where they belong) come election day. We've had 36 years to develop an independent energy policy that freed us from dependence on OPEC and we have done nothing.
As I stated before here the oil companies make only a fraction on sales of what some internet companies make. But it looks like the oil companies will be the scapegoat that pays the price for the sins of our government.
This is democracy in action. Elected officals making legislation in the hope of votes. Ultimately, the many deciding, by their vote, what will be. Democracy is three wolves and a lamb voting for what they'll have for dinner.