Brain Dead

Oil prices are hitting new highs as is gasoline, and no relief is in sight. I wonder at what price if any will the government take some action. Will people continue to drive at their present rate, or will the price of gasoline begin to cause more drivers to think before they turn on their engines. Either way, with gasoline quickly approaching $4.00 per gallon for a national average, something in family budgets has to give. Food prices have also been affected by the increase in gasoline prices as well as the fact that grain prices have risen this past year because of the production of ethanol. The price of flour has doubled. Perhaps more Americans will start growing their own food, or at least start planting more vegetable gardens. What happens to retail sales when people do not shop because their disposable income is going into filling up their gas tank. If you have a job and the only way to get to work is to drive, there is no option, money must be spent on gasoline. But after paying for food and shelter, little disposal income will be left for much else. What happens to all those retail stores and all those shopping malls? Will, or can, the consumer continue to add to personal (credit card) debt? It is obvious that these gasoline prices are not affecting the leaders in Washington. With incomes over $100,000 per year, they are perhaps not even aware that the increases in gasoline and diesel prices are having on the average American family. At what point do we have a national emergency? I guess as long as our leaders in Washington can continue to live their lives without any inconvenience, then the rest of us should be happy to watch TV, drink beer and sit at home in the dark. I can only imagine what the mood of the electorate will be come November 2008?

This is a special weekend for me, so I may not post anything on Friday April 18. Take a moment and reflect on some of the commentary from past postings. Perhaps, even go back and read a few on oil. This problem is not going away anytime soon. This economy is not headed in the right direction until some action is taken to bring relief to the price of gasoline and diesel. Gradual change in prices can be better handled than rapid price increases. The economic dislocations that are happening as a result of the sudden and large percentage increases are hitting the economy right now. Those of us that live in urban areas can get out our walking shoes and walk to the store. Those that must drive better car pool more. The weather is getting warmer and walking will be in vogue, so turn off your engines and get your legs in shape. Stay tuned.