So You Think There is an Oil Crisis?

Yes, the world has reached "peak oil." And yes, there are concerns about supply that need to be addressed. And yes, oil prices are higher as a result. But not that high, so to speak. A large part of the high price being paid now is a direct result of market manipulation and Republican policies of nonsense. Regardless of what your favorite right wing mouthpiece might be screeching daily about the need to drill, drill, drill - there is no current supply crisis that justifies the huge price spikes.

Think about this - When there were gas shortages in the 70s there were lines, gas rationing, stations closed for lack of gas, cars and trucks parked because they couldn't get any fuel. Where is any of that now? Can anyone point me to a single sign of shortage, beyond skyrocketing prices? Of course you can't. There is enough supply to meet current needs. Again, not to say that oil production hasn't peaked and supply problems won't manifest themselves. Nor does it diminish the pressing need to move ahead with alternatives to oil, for environmental, supply, and cultural reasons. But supply is not what is behind the huge run ups now.

The blowhard's of the right will say that Democrats are responsible for your high gas prices because they are against drilling in ANWaR and expanding offshore leases. It's a ruse, people. You are being robbed, plain and simple. The oil companies don't need more leases, they need to act on what we have. And I'm sure you've heard the one about refineries. According to the right, no new refineries have been built due to Democrats and environmentalists blocking them. That's a lie, pure and simple. Only one new request for a refinery was put forth between 1975 and 2000, and it was approved. Several requests for expansion and updating of existing refineries were approved also. There could have been more, but oil companies no more want increased capacity than Wal-Mart wants unions.

As for the leases standing unused, Congressman Peter DeFazio, Oregon Democrat, stated the following when speaking about legislation he was introducing.