9/10'S OF THE TROUBLE
To what extent are gasoline prices controlled? By whom?
The price of fuel for our cars and trucks is a common topic of conversation at the moment, but not as commanding as one might think think it could become. Some of us have been through all of this before and have been convinced that anything we say or do is not going to have much affect on the prices ranging up or down. There is, however, continued discussion about who or what causes such a sudden rise in gas prices.
We need to blame someone for the radical changes especially when signs posting the prices get top heavy. Too many people, I fear, tend to think of such shortages as politically oriented, fully orchestrated composition with bassoons and horns blasting away at full force. Cast most often as the leaders of such price-fixing bands we variety of individuals who,it is claimed, do so to their personal advantage: Presidents - past and present Â? both individuals and groups made up of OPEC people or non-OPEC nations - such as Mexico - who are always messing things up. Another favorite to take the blame is God who is piqued,it seems, by mankinds misuse of natural resources and of the entire environment to cover any possible loop-holer.
I find one thing in just about all of the prices quoted across the nation right now which could be changed in a matter of a moment of attention by the leader of any major oil company. Let's get rid of this silly Â?9/10thÂ? of a cent business!
The oil company which makes it a point to be completely honest with the customer will go with the exact price and none of this 9/10 of a cent foolishness. Who is being fooled by such a childish touch?
With that symbolic piece of economic idiocy out of the way, the desk will be cleared for serious discussions. There must be half dozen or more other rules which are just as silly and can be done away with, semi-technical things which are leftovers from an oil industry which has long since died. A second step should bring about a truce between the hard-headed environmentalist fanatics and the real world people charged with our national defense.
We are,it so often appears, our own worst enemy. In recent decades we have lost the awareness of events of the lessons the history of our nation hold for us.
How much longer can we refuse to recognize dangers we face and take prompt measures to protect ourselves and those with whom we share the blessings of the world about us?
We must start with little things and a honest appraisal of our needs for fuel for our vehicles is a good place to start. Let's start by eliminating that silly Â?9/10th of a centÂ? concept - a symbol of statistical stupidity.
a.l.m. June 22, 2004 [c640wds]
