The federal government’s failed response to Hurricane Katrina, a nearly endless parade of congressional corruption scandals and the deteriorating war in Iraq all played huge roles in creating the anti-Republican tide that swept Democrats into power last week. But to the average voter, nothing brought home the incompetence and arrogance of the Republican regime like rising prices at the pump.
High gas prices were an affront and a hardship that voters angrily faced every day, and so it was with some suspicion that I watched gas prices inexplicably plummet a national average of 75 cents a gallon during the final two months leading up to the election. I’m not a big fan of conspiracy theories, but if oil industry executives wanted to do their best to prop up the corporatist-sponsored Republican leadership… this was a great way to do it.
And now that election day has passed? Hmm. Well I don’t know about your neighborhood, but prices here in South Seattle started rising within days, and are already up as much as a dime a gallon at some stations. And a little bit of Googling finds prices up in Oregon and California as well.
I’m just sayin’.
“Rather I should die a thousand times, and see Old Glory trampled in the dirt never to rise again, than to see this beloved land of ours become degraded by race mongrels, a throwback to the blackest specimen from the wilds.” – Grand Kleagle of the KKK and Democrat Sen Robert Byrd.
plummet a national average of 75 cents a gallon during the final two months leading up to the election.
Given the inverse correlation between gas prices and presidential popularity, imagine how unpopular Bush would be if that hadn’t happened.
Also, what does comment #1 have to do with the topic of Goldy’s post?
Pravda2006 wrote about Senator Byrd. Here’s another view:
Another difference between Republicans and Democrats. We can admit when we’re wrong and change direction. Essentially, we’re willing to learn, even when the lessons are painful.
I would agree if the Donkeys were not also in the pockets of these corporate evil-dooers.
nice new look
You’re definately on to something…
… I wrote an article about this — complete with statistics:
Wait a minute, I thought high gas prices were good. Don’t high gas prices help lower CO2 emissions? Aren’t the higher gas prices a positive benefit of Democratic control of Congress?
I’m shocked, terribly shocked.
http://www.prospect.org/deanba.....iracy.html
Isn’t it SLIGHTLY suspicious that soon after Goldman’s Paulson joined this Administration as Treasury Secretary Goldman substantially reduced unleaded gas from 8.45% of its commodity index to 2.3% (even less now) – GREATLY reducing institutional demand?
Posted by: bailey | October 10, 2006 07:33 AM
So who’s surprised by this? We all know that the Bush regime worked out a special deal to make gas prices fall and there’s never been any doubt in my mind that they were going up after the election. Anyone who DIDN’T figure this out is either inbred, stupid or lying.
David @6,
Nice red herring, but the issue here is whether the oil industry was manipulating the price at the pump to help Republicans during an election year.
HIGH GAS PRICES ARE A GOOD THING AS THEY ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO CONSIDER CLEANER AND SUPERIOR ALTERNATIVES LIKE PLUG-IN HYBRIDS. HIGHER PRICES ARE INEVITABLE IN MY VIEW DUE TO RISING WORLD-WIDE PETROLEUM DEMAND. THE DEMOCRATS SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER A CREDIT AGAINST THE PAYROLL TAX FOR THE FEDERAL GAS TAX FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS.
THIS WILL CUSHION THE BLOW AGAINST RISING GAS PRICES AND GAS TAXES. GAS TAX REVENUES SHOULD BE PARTIALLY FUNNELED INTO CARBON-FREE AND NEUTRAL ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
DEMS SHOULD ALSO INSTITUTE FEEBATES TO ENCOURAGE ADOPTION OF FUEL-EFFICIENT AND CARBON-FREE/NEUTRAL VEHICLES.
When gas prices started to come down, my boss (a Japanese national) asked me why. I told him that it was political, they would start to rise again shortly after the election. He seemed skeptical. Ordinarily, so would I, but there was no rational reason for gas prices to come down in the manner they did. The explanation being bandied about (summer driving season over) doesn’t wash, because that’s also the explanation usually used to justify continued high prices as oil refining capacity is converted to winter heating oil production.
So the day after the election, my boss comes up to me, smiling, and asks: “How come the price of gas today is up ten cents a gallon?” All I could do is laugh. I thought they would be more discreet than that, perhaps waiting a few weeks and then starting a gradual climb, but apparantly not.
RES at 8: “We all know that the Bush regime worked out a special deal to make gas prices fall and there’s never been any doubt in my mind that they were going up after the election”
I don’t think the oil industry needed a “special deal”, or even a “wink and a nod”. They saw one of their own was in trouble, and acted in their own bests interests to do what they could to save his hide.
Because the relationship between oil executives is watched so closely, they are pretty carefull not to get caught in a conversation which could be characterized as “price fixing”. Instead, as they are sitting around their clubs, having drinks, one of them may comment, “Gee, the current gas prices are probably bad news for the Republicans”. The others will nod their heads in agreement. The next day, prices will start to fall gradually, as each one makes sure the others are also following suit.
I thought they would be more discreet
YOU KIDDING? THERE WAS TOO MUCH MONEY TO BE MADE.
What the country needs is the incentive to develop autos that don’t use petroleum at all. Perhaps the price should shoot through the roof: it may provide the incentive to come up with a better idea.
In fact, why not use up oil as fast as we can to incourage this new innovation as the price goes up and up?
“There is nothing as eloquent as a rattlesnakes tail.” Navaho Proverb
11
Are you kidding? Prices are going up because They are punishing the electorate for violating Their will, of course.
It would be a good idea for Congress to determine what exactly is causing the price of gasoline to rise and fall. The exact root cause needs to be determined
You know me – I am a Republican – I lie, cheat and steal when I’m not being a family man or a crying hypocrit. Hail Hitler.
YOS LIB BRO says: HIGH GAS PRICES ARE A GOOD THING AS THEY ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO CONSIDER CLEANER AND SUPERIOR ALTERNATIVES LIKE PLUG-IN HYBRIDS. HIGHER PRICES ARE INEVITABLE IN MY VIEW DUE TO RISING WORLD-WIDE PETROLEUM DEMAND.
Interesting Lib Bro. Your alter ego Clueless, pooh poohed my arguments and statistics on higher oil demand.
Sorry Clueless, you are busted!
BTW where I live Gas price went up 2¢, and it’s MOONBATville too!
Compare & track gas prices all over North America at Gas Buddy and know where to fill up for the best price.
Nice new look.
8 “Anyone who DIDN’T figure this out is either inbred, stupid or lying.”
Or all of the above!
20 Mike Webb Sucks says:
“BTW where I live Gas price went up 2¢, and it’s MOONBATville too!”
Uhhh…yup. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if in general gas was more expensive in Liberal-land than where the clientele was more Republican. BIG CAVEAT HERE: To a degree, this is likely to be related to the fact that the costs of running a gas station (cost of land, taxes, insurance, etc) are higher in a city than they are out in the ‘burbs. On the other hand, it has to cost more to roll the tank trucks to deliver the stuff to outlying areas. Still can’t help but wonder if the GOP’s good buddies in the oil biz might be giving their loyal supporters a bit of a pat on the back. Remember also that the region that Enron ripped off the worst a few years back was the “left coast”.
When the oil is almost gone and gas costs $30 a gallon, I’ll still be getting around on my lettuce-fueled hind feet with built-in ice traction devices!
You could maybe talk to Queen Christine about Gas Prices, since her whopping highest state gas tax in the nation….
Imagine what the price of gas would be without the State Gas Tax….
About $1.70 a gallon………..
But now that you all are in power!
What’s your plan on getting gas prices under control?
We’re all ears……….
uh
oh
Plan you know…..A Plan
uh
oh
uh ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Balls in your court now……..
We’ll be a watchin…….
Hey, Goldy… I also overheard through the Tinfoil Hat Dem Grapevine that the GOP has arranged for nastier weather to follow now, too…
25 “We’ll be a watchin……”
Suit yourself. We’re not listening.
Rather than a conspiracy among oil companies, there is another possible explanation more directly tied to the administration itself. By halting purchases for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (“SPR”) or by authorizing sales from the SPR, or both, the administration could ease pressure on oil prices, thus causing a reduction in gasoline prices. With the election over, a return to normal operation of the SPR would automatically result in an increase in oil (and thus gasoline) prices. Of course, that doesn’t mean the oil companies didn’t contribute as well. If the refinery markup, which is the difference between the price per gallon of crude oil purchased by a refinery and the price per gallon of gasoline sold by that same refinery, dropped before the election and then rose after the election, that’s pretty good evidence that the oil companies were trying to assist the Republicans in the election.
MWS, YOU BE A LIAR, A RIGHT-WING STOOGE AND A THUG. YOU’RE A LOSER WHO’S TOO STUPID TO KNOW WHEN HE’S LOST. YOU PUT YOUR FAITH IN KARL ROVE. THE WORD FROM WINGNUT CENTRAL WAS THAT HIS METRICS WERE TELLIN’ HIM IT WAS SLAM DUNK. HE WAS AS DELUDED AS YOU.
YOU’RE MENDACIOUS, EQUIVOCATING. YOU JUMP TO LOONY CONCLUSIONS THAT NOT EVEN YOUR WINGNUT BULLSHIT SUPPORTS. YOU’VE BEEN WASHED OUT.
ANOTHER THEORY IS THAT YOU’RE A PAID SHILL. LIKE LAURA INGRAHAM YOU DON’T BELIEVE IN TOO MUCH OF THE CRAP YOU SPEW BECAUSE YOU’RE PAID TO SPEW IT. FOR THE MOST PART YOU’RE JUST DOIN’ WHAT YOU’RE TOLD. BUT IF THIS IS TRUE THEN YOU’RE A MUCH, MUCH CHEAPER PROSTITUTE THAN LAURA. GOD KNOWS YOU’RE UGLIER.
9/11 WAS A BEND IN THE ROAD FOR THIS COUNTRY. NOV 7, 2006 WAS A TURNING POINT FOR YOU AND YOUR KIND. IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE FOR YOU FROM HERE ON OUT.
“Another difference between Republicans and Democrats. We can admit when we’re wrong and change direction. Essentially, we’re willing to learn, even when the lessons are painful.”
Yes. You’ll note that Pravda’s quote of Sen. Byrd is from 1945. This is Pravda’s notion of “Truth”–tell only half the story.
“Imagine what the price of gas would be without the State Gas Tax….
About $1.70 a gallon………..”
Well, at least you chose the word “imagine” as the lede for your fantasy.
“MWS, YOU BE A LIAR, A RIGHT-WING STOOGE AND A THUG.”
I have to say that WOS might be a number of things, but he’s not a liar. In order to be a liar, you have to have the capacity to distinguish truth from falsehood, and WOS has repeatedly demonstrated that he lacks this capacity.
you have to have the capacity to distinguish truth from falsehood, and WOS has repeatedly demonstrated that he lacks this capacity.
EXCELLENT POINT DON JOE!
WHAT SAY YOU MWS?
So if gas prices go up it is corporate manipulation to discredit the Democrats. If gas prices go down then it is the superb handling of the economy by the Democrats. Acknowledge a market exist that really doesn’t give a damn about either the Republicans or Democrats.
Two things on the state gas tax:
1. It went to a public statewide vote. It passed. if you want to be mad, place the blame with the voters, not with Gregoire.
2. the state gas tax hasn’t changed in the past several months but the price of gas certainly has. Can’t blame the gas tax for that, either.
I suggest you fill your tanks tonight. It is only going up.
Goldy @9:
If gas prices should be higher, isn’t the mechanism a red herring? Isn’t it kind of wierd to say: Stop making us unpopular by increasing gas prices! We want to make ourselves unpopular by increasing gas prices!
Can’t blame the highest gas tax in the nation for the price of gas…?
Damn, I won’t ask you what the definition of “is” is.
I just filled up for $2.33/gallon.
GS,
1) According to gasspricewatch.com, New York, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania all have higher per gallon gas taxes than Washington. Don’t know where you got your facts, but you might want to try a different source.
2) The “that” in Felix’ comment made reference to the increase in gas prices. So, maybe it’s not the source you used, but rather your reading skills that need improvement.
hmmm…. gas at my station is cheaper than it has been for months. I’m just sayin’
But, hey, the D’s are in power now – I am sure their artificial price controls and overburndonsome requirements placed on industry will drive those prices down!
Yep you dickhead and oil prices fall to their lowest today in how long?
Damn Democrat conspiracies. First they get the oil companies to raises the prices to piss off the electorate and then, right before the election, they get the companies to decreases prices so they can claim conspiracy. Now that they are safely in power they can allow the oil companies to raise the prices once again, all the while trying to blame it on republican’s.
It’s a good thing we can see through your thinly veiled sham.
It’s really pretty simple – the Saudis let oil production float upward with no correction during the months after summer driving season ended. Just like Econ 101, the decreasing demand caused a drop in prices, which ordinarily would have been corrected sooner. Ref. this report, right at DOE. It shows Saudi output finally being reduced by 350 million barrels for November (table SP1). Thus, prices are now rising. Weird how that works!
http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/steo/pub/
Hey. Don’t you guys remember Georgie holding hands with his robed Prince-friend last year? The Saudis didn’t need to take any overt action yet could make a subtle “contribution” – – – why not?
It also helped that Goldman Sachs just happened to remix their commodity index, as a previous comment references, that was probably a favor to the new Sec.of Treasury, as noted.
That’s the BIG conspiracy and the model for a lot of the “thumping” George gives us every day. It all happens through loose agreements, concerning actions in “free” markets that few Americans think about, much less know about.
I’m sure glad George felt us thump him back!
http://today.reuters.com/news/.....038;rpc=23
Oil tumbles to it’s lowest price since 2005.
So we learn again that liberals really don’t know to much about what they are talking about.
#43 – I am Republican – I lie, steal and cheat when I’m not being a crying hypocrit family man (fucking fat whore). Now that the elections are over I can raise the price of gasoline again (even though a barrel is trading at its lowest time in a year), that only means more undeserved profit for me and my cronies (hopefully everyone is like rob and can’t do the math). How about another tax break – your going to need it to pay for more gasoline. Its been pretty warm in the Northeast so far, demand may be low, but there is unstability, so i got to get more for my cronies.
I am Republican – Isn’t funny how I kept my mouth shut when I was paying $3.– for a gallon, but now the Democrats are in power, so I think I’ll start to talk about…
43 “Oil tumbles to it’s lowest price since 2005.”
So explain why the price of premium has gone up 14 cents since election day at my local station. I paid $2.65.9 this morning.
And when exactly in 2005? At the start of 2005, I was paying $1.93.9; by September it was $3.09.9; at the end of December it was $2.29.9.
Boooo Hoooo Hoooo