Like it or not, we've kind of made our own bed in terms of how reliant we are on oil. Gas prices in Europe are through the roof, much higher than here. Auto companies have made efficient vehicles, and the Govt encouraged us to by them through tax breaks. We chose to buy big guzzling SUV's. Outside of the big cities, people don't rely or even attempt to use public transportation. If we weren't so reliant on oil, high prices wouldn't affect us as much.

Aren't there some industries currently regulated by the govt?

 

Not sure. Examples of industries whose prices are set by the Feds?

Let me hear what you think we can do or need to do. I am sure they are good ideas.

 

I don't have any short-term ideas. I didn't claim that the government was going to make short-term plans to help the President.

Like it or not, we've kind of made our own bed in terms of how reliant we are on oil. Gas prices in Europe are through the roof, much higher than here. Auto companies have made efficient vehicles, and the Govt encouraged us to by them through tax breaks. We chose to buy big guzzling SUV's. Outside of the big cities, people don't rely or even attempt to use public transportation. If we weren't so reliant on oil, high prices wouldn't affect us as much.

 

This.

I don't have any short-term ideas. I didn't claim that the government was going to make short-term plans to help the President.

 

Never said you claimed anything, just wanted to hear your ideas.

Never said you claimed anything, just wanted to hear your ideas.

 

I don't know if there are any good , realistic short-term answers. Certainly, no easy ones.

I know what you are saying and that goes against capitalism and toward socialism. But this effects our whole economy and families. it isnt like they are trying to tell a business how much to charge for toliet paper. The Government can put a restriction on the price for now, at least until we get our mess figured out with gas prices and Iran.

 

This goes against everything you have supported, politically, on this site.

This goes against everything you have supported, politically, on this site.

 

While I disagree with his particular position in this thread I do not see caveats as a problem. That type of rigid thinking on both sides has greatly contributed to where we are politically.

While I disagree with his particular position in this thread I do not see caveats as a problem. That type of rigid thinking on both sides has greatly contributed to where we are politically.

 

Caveats can be a problem. Especially for those who look at short term effects and ignore long term effects and indirect consequences. However I do not ignore caveats even though I hold my libertarian ideology strongly. I am pragmatic but I have certain principles that I believe are very sensible. As much as Mt Ref harps on Obama for his policies, I found it ironic he made a government controlled pricing suggesting.

People can change. hahah

Not sure. Examples of industries whose prices are set by the Feds?

 

Not sure either. I know the airlines were. Utilities? Phone companies?

I ask this in all sincerity, what's it going to take for you to reach solidly into the middle class? I've been reading your posts for a few years on here now, and you're obviously way above average intelligence. What do you want out of the Federal gov't? Is there anything that could happen between now & November that would take your vote away from Obama?

 

I've never asked anything from the Federal Government. I have just always lived in the circumstance that I was in at the time. I do appreciate you thinking I'm of above average intelligence, though. You're a rarity. :lol:

 

As to what would it take for me to solidly middle class? Well, I blew my chances years ago...never finished college, got married at 19, divorced by 24....long story, but none of it I regret. I don't care about being middle class. I just want a decent life, and you can have one without being solidly middle class or super rich. As to what could happen between now & November that would take away my vote for Obama...Well, a really solid, middle leaning candidate (of any party), with what I feel is a compassionate focus on social issues, a "business" sense on economic issues and a diplomatic approach to foreign affairs would have to happen. The economy and job issues are long, LONG term issues. I don't see any candidate who can bring rapid change to either. Fuel prices are solidly within our own ability to control by reducing our personal consumption....lifestyle changes and choices.

It's been said before, but it's not real likely that "the government" is going to be doing a whole heck of a lot in the next nine months to "help the President."