If we believe the "Doomsday Preppers," all the apocalypse fearing folks hiding out on National Geographic channel's new reality TV show, then the end is near. In fact, it's as close as the corner gas station. As one paranoid "star" sees it, skyrocketing gas prices will lead to skyrocketing prices on anything that needs to be transported, including food, and this will surely lead to the coming zombie-like frenzy to steal just a few precious drops of unleaded.
Will the spiking oil prices pose a threat to our economic well-being? Of course. But before we all freak out as prices approach $6.66 a gallon, how about a little perspective.
For most people the consequences of this surge in gas prices wouldn't seem too far off because we see high gas prices everywhere nowadays. And yet, somehow, America is still exporting oil. In fact, the United States is showing a net export for refined oil for the first time in 62 years.
In order for the government to do what's best for the American people in this difficult economic time, they need to provide incentives for oil production in the states and spend less money on foreign oil.
With talk of gas prices upwards of $6.00 this upcoming summer, we need to keep as much American oil here for domestic use as possible to attempt to curb the prices. People are having a difficult enough time in this country as this recession is slow to improve; we need to do whatever we can to keep gas prices low. Gasoline for daily transportation is a major expense for many Americans.
The United States government could provide incentives for more oil production in the states or tax cuts for oil producers in the states to sell oil domestically. This would help keep gas prices lower than they would be if we were to continue with the status quo, and that is exactly what the average American needs right now.
Also, a country on a tight budget shouldn't be spending money on ridiculously inflated prices to companies in the Middle East. Especially since we are currently trying to prevent Iran, one of the largest exporters of oil, from getting nuclear weapons technology. It is as if we are paying the bills for their research and their Plutonium while we sell our own oil for no apparent reason.
Some may say that we have to export some oil to remain competitive in the market internationally. I disagree because I think by paying the high prices, oil companies in the Middle East know they can keep prices high. If we can show them that the United States has other options of our own and that we are not as reliant on their oil supplies as we seem, we just may see lower prices in order for the oil from that region to remain competitive itself.
What I am suggesting is nothing more than not selling the oil we produce in the United States if we are going to continue to pay high prices for it domestically. By doing what I have suggested, this goal can be accomplished. However, there are also ways for the individual to cut their gas expenses even if the government won't to step in. Obvious solutions like biking to work definitely do the truck, but newer solutions like investing in a hybrid vehicle would also be a great way to save on expenses in the long term. Don't be afraid to join hybrid or fully electric vehicle owners just because the initial investment is sizable. Over time those owners save large sums of money on gasoline expenses and thus have to stress less about their daily transportation.
Why should we have to fear gas prices in the summer like we fear "doomsday?" It just doesn't make sense. Keep American oil in the states.
For most people the consequences of this surge in gas prices wouldn't seem too far off because we see high gas prices everywhere nowadays. And yet, somehow, America is still exporting oil. In fact, the United States is showing a net export for refined oil for the first time in 62 years.
In order for the government to do what's best for the American people in this difficult economic time, they need to provide incentives for oil production in the states and spend less money on foreign oil.
With talk of gas prices upwards of $6.00 this upcoming summer, we need to keep as much American oil here for domestic use as possible to attempt to curb the prices. People are having a difficult enough time in this country as this recession is slow to improve; we need to do whatever we can to keep gas prices low. Gasoline for daily transportation is a major expense for many Americans.
The United States government could provide incentives for more oil production in the states or tax cuts for oil producers in the states to sell oil domestically. This would help keep gas prices lower than they would be if we were to continue with the status quo, and that is exactly what the average American needs right now.
Also, a country on a tight budget shouldn't be spending money on ridiculously inflated prices to companies in the Middle East. Especially since we are currently trying to prevent Iran, one of the largest exporters of oil, from getting nuclear weapons technology. It is as if we are paying the bills for their research and their Plutonium while we sell our own oil for no apparent reason.
Some may say that we have to export some oil to remain competitive in the market internationally. I disagree because I think by paying the high prices, oil companies in the Middle East know they can keep prices high. If we can show them that the United States has other options of our own and that we are not as reliant on their oil supplies as we seem, we just may see lower prices in order for the oil from that region to remain competitive itself.
What I am suggesting is nothing more than not selling the oil we produce in the United States if we are going to continue to pay high prices for it domestically. By doing what I have suggested, this goal can be accomplished. However, there are also ways for the individual to cut their gas expenses even if the government won't to step in. Obvious solutions like biking to work definitely do the truck, but newer solutions like investing in a hybrid vehicle would also be a great way to save on expenses in the long term. Don't be afraid to join hybrid or fully electric vehicle owners just because the initial investment is sizable. Over time those owners save large sums of money on gasoline expenses and thus have to stress less about their daily transportation.
Why should we have to fear gas prices in the summer like we fear "doomsday?" It just doesn't make sense. Keep American oil in the states.
