A match made in petroleum [View All]

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JOAN VENNOCHI
A match made in petroleum
By Joan Vennochi, Globe Columnist | April 28, 2005

THE HEAT from rising gasoline prices sure can make a fella melt.

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Looking macho but sensitive, President Bush held hands with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdullah and the two men kissed. Like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, the two leaders engaged in a public display of affection that delighted comics and Democrats everywhere. ''What happens in Crawford stays in Crawford," joked Jay Leno, in a ''Tonight" show take-off on the Las Vegas tourism commercials. And humorist Andy Borowitz said, ''After the picture came out, President Bush reiterated his opposition to gay marriage -- unless one of the partners has several billion barrels of petroleum."

Close physical contact is common between Arab men and considered a sign of mutual friendship and respect. But here, the gestures seemed less than sincere on Abdullah's part. The president and crown prince emerged from their meeting with no agreement that would lower gasoline prices in the near future, although the Saudi Arabian leader reiterated plans to increase oil production in coming years.

The absence of a promise for more immediate relief is not good news for Bush. With the price of crude oil hovering around $55 a barrel in recent weeks, gasoline in the United States averages $2.22 a gallon. Some analysts predict even higher gas prices this summer. And, as gas prices go up, Bush's popularity goes down.



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