GOP Comments Point To Political Capital to Be Found In Energy Problems

[DrFunkenstein]

Rep. Joe L. Barton (R-Texas), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said that with gas above $2.50 a gallon in Texas, his constituents were complaining plenty about prices. But when he lists for people the possible short-term fixes — "price controls, mandatory carpooling, lowering speed limits — they say, 'No, we're not for that.'

"People would love to be paying about half what they're paying for gasoline, but they're not willing to subject themselves to the loss of personal freedom and convenience that that would require," Barton said.

....

In an earlier generation, energy problems created trouble for President Carter. But today's situation is different, said John J. Pitney Jr., a former Republican National Committee staff member who teaches government at Claremont McKenna College.

"In the 1970s, many people believed in price controls and the breakup of the oil companies," he said. "Those ideas have fallen out of favor. Back then, there were urban legends about oil-filled tankers anchored just over the horizon, waiting until shortages drove prices up. This time, there doesn't seem to be an obvious target. Any politician who tried to scapegoat SUV drivers would soon find a district office full of angry soccer moms and NASCAR dads."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/latimests/gopfearsgaspriceangermayspillover;_ylt=Am.7bYJ9qMBiw3YLgo8Q0WetOrgF;_ylu=X3oDMTA3OXIzMDMzBHNlYwM3MDM-

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Two big things:

1. The GOP (of course) puts responsibility for energy solutions on consumers. Not (of course) on the oil and auto industries that we give millions in tax-payer subsidies.

Do you think oil mega-corporations are taking a loss right now, or huge profits? Take a guess. Anti-gas and anti-Middle East sentiments are at heights not seen since the 70's.

Now is the time for the party (hint hint all you people thinking about running for the Presidency) to focus its agenda around energy reform.

Which brings me to...

2. There is a part of the 70's the GOP wants to forget. The huge fight over removing lead from gasoline. At the time, the industry said there was no way it could be done. It would destroy the economy and the entire American infrastructure.

I don't know about you, but I haven't noticed any lead in my unleaded gasoline lately.

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Even more than healthcare, overhauling the industry to create clean, American-made energy for fast, safe cars is THE biggest goldmine in the political world today. Having the option to not kiss the ass of Middle Eastern despots, in fact not having to deal with that region period is something on a relatively bipartisan wishlist. And certainly will be in 2008.

[The Backlash Cometh]

1. Let's face if. Republicans have business practices down pat.

They could repackage human feces as facial skin restorators.

[louis-t]

2. How many timescan GOP be wrong?

" no way it could be done. It would destroy the economy and the entire American infrastructure."
They use this argument for everything. Higher mileage for vehicles, lead in gas, stricter environmental laws in general, stricter corporate laws in general. Translation: Anything that keeps us from getting stupid rich has got to be immoral and damaging.
Buy Citgo.

[CrispyQ]

3. Accordging to the current Business Week,

three oil companies are in the top 15 profitable companies for the 2nd quarter, reporting profits of:

Exon/Mobile $7 Billion
Chevron $3 Billion
Conoco/Philips $3 Billion

Gasp! For 1 quarter! And yet our congressmen, who we elect & who we pay, give millions in tax payer subsidies to these companies.


Of course, the people are to blame, too. One, for not paying attention to what congress is doing & two, for not being willing to sacrifice even a small part of their life style.

[welshTerrier2]

4. it's more than energy policy; it's imperialism

oil industry analysts have directly attributed the oil industry's RECORD PROFITS to the increased price of a barrel of oil ...

the formula for abusive oil industry profits is very simple:

invade Iraq = create instability = raise price of a barrel of oil = raise oil industry profits

but ask yourself this - what politician dares to teach this math to the American people? ... no courage = no truth = no progress ...

it's all very mathematical really ...

[Toots]

5. "This time, there doesn't seem to be an obvious target."

Oil companies reporting RECORD Profits and GOP reporting RECORD amounts of money on hand and no target you say.......

[sistersofmercy]

6. Hi Dr Funk!!!

How have you been? I'm soooooo happy to see you! I was just talking to my son the other day. He brought up gasoline and I replied that by the time he is my age there will be alternate fuel source.

[maxsolomon]

7. if the dems let the GOP get in front of them on this issue

its permanent minority status.

Energy Independence is THE ISSUE FOR THE NEXT 20 YEARS.