All of the costs for these programs have already been incurred prior to any revenue coming in. So the margins, while still nice, are not near the 100% that some would think.

 

Similar to oil exploration costs?

I suspect that people don't complain about a $50 video game, or $80+ tennis shoes, becasue they're personal "enhancements" to life. Unfortunately, Americans pretty much consider gasoline a necessity....sort of like electricity.

 

I agree. I think another part of it is gasoline prices are easily the most publicized consumer good.

Free advice: Come up with better examples. What are the chances of an AMERICAN carmaker raising their prices $10k and actually selling that car? None. Hell, they're barely able to get a few percentage points above cost. What are the chances of a $150k home selling for $250k? None. Why? There's no market for that product at that price. Simple economics.

 

Secondly, why does the level of profit in one particular industry compared to something non-related have any impact? What's the point?

 

Lastly, we as a country like to complain about the gas prices but we do nothing about it. We don't change our driving habits. We don't change the types of cars we drive. That tells me that $3/gallon is still doable. We may not like it but we're still willing to pay for it rather than change our habits.

 

So, we can either continue to live with it or do something about it. Complaining/whining yet not doing anything differently is simply noise.

 

First off it was an example. And who says they can't? All the oil companies are greedy enough to drive prices up to three dollars, why can't all the home makers and car makers get together decide to drive the prices up? It's not going to happen, but it was an example of if someone wants to screw people and get away with it like the oil companies do. If we are told gas prices are in the 3 dollar range and deal with it, why can't they say the price of a place to stay is 900-1500. They could make excess profits, just like the oil companies. Surely, we need to get to work and have to have a place to live right? I guess if I had posted this thread in 98 when gas prices were a dollar you would have laughed at me too.

 

You say everyone needs to conserve but its a more difficult battle then you say. First off the rich, upper middle, and most of the middle classes are paying 3 to get to work or wherever they want. All of the truck driving companies in America are paying it, they just raise their full surcharge for the companies they deliever to. Delta, pays it everyday day, and they recently raised round trip fares 10 dollars.

 

There are plently of people conserving.. yeah lower class people. But it's a war they will never win.

And who says they can't? All the oil companies are greedy enough to drive prices up to three dollars, why can't all the home makers and car makers get together decide to drive the prices up?

 

Because they can't. Supply and demand.

First off it was an example. And who says they can't? All the oil companies are greedy enough to drive prices up to three dollars, why can't all the home makers and car makers get together decide to drive the prices up? It's not going to happen, but it was an example of if someone wants to screw people and get away with it like the oil companies do. If we are told gas prices are in the 3 dollar range and deal with it, why can't they say the price of a place to stay is 900-1500. They could make excess profits, just like the oil companies. Surely, we need to get to work and have to have a place to live right? I guess if I had posted this thread in 98 when gas prices were a dollar you would have laughed at me too.

 

Don't take this as an attack but ,rather, an observation.

 

Either you simply do not fully understand how the market works or you're simply so riled up at the oil companies that you are incapable of thinking clearly.

 

How would a car manufacturer "get away with it" should they choose to raise the price of their car by $10k? There are too many other options for you and I to choose from should this occur. Therefore , unless there was something highly unique about a particular car, this would never occur.

Don't take this as an attack but ,rather, an observation.

 

Either you simply do not fully understand how the market works or you're simply so riled up at the oil companies that you are incapable of thinking clearly.

 

How would a car manufacturer "get away with it" should they choose to raise the price of their car by $10k? There are too many other options for you and I to choose from should this occur. Therefore , unless there was something highly unique about a particular car, this would never occur.

 

What other options though? Mass transit is weak around here. I'm saying if all car manufactuers did it across the board. That would then jack up the price of a used car also.

 

If the oil companies can rig things to go there way why shouldn't other companies? It's an easy way to get rich, really rich.

Here's another suggestion for fighting high gas prices. Go to where the gas is cheaper to fill up. Even if it costs you more to drive out of your way. That way you reward the retailer with cheaper prices. I do have one exception to this. I never buy gas from Citgo. I'm not giving my money to Hugo Chavez regardless of how cheap his gas is.

Here's another suggestion for fighting high gas prices. Go to where the gas is cheaper to fill up. Even if it costs you more to drive out of your way. That way you reward the retailer with cheaper prices. I do have one exception to this. I never buy gas from Citgo. I'm not giving my money to Hugo Chavez regardless of how cheap his gas is.

 

I would pay Chavez the money compared to the ExxonMobil CEO.

I would pay Chavez the money compared to the ExxonMobil CEO.

Chavez hates the United States and would like to destroy it. He's close buddies with Ahmadinejad and Castro.

Chavez hates the United States and would like to destroy it. He's close buddies with Ahmadinejad and Castro.

 

There aren't many Citgos around here are there? Definetly all against them.

Back to 3.29 in our area (Ashland area) yesterday.

You know that there is a problem when we have a "Track the Gas prices" . :eek: :lol:

3.20 SSA 10th st. Newport

I'm going to print and frame this. If I'm not mistaken, we agree! :eek:

Don't get too warmed up to this thought.....football season is right around the corner.

I just got gas for $3.16 a gallon at the local BP and i somewhat feel that i got a good deal since it was about 10 cents less than other gas stations. Then i look back and it was at $2 about 4 months ago.