Oil

I don't like gas at $4.00 a gallon as much as the next person. I am also going to be the one who admits that I do not understand the complexities of market forces as it relates to resource scarcity. So, anything I say here is not to be taken as fact or even informed hypothesizing. This is more or less supposing and chasing a what if.

So, let's consider that China and India are consuming more oil there are refining strains. Let's also assume that the idea that carbon emmissions are actually hurting the earth is being taken seriously be more and more politicians - even George Bush. Let's also assume that it is possible that George Bush understands how power mechanisms work, especially within a market system.

OK, with all of that in place, is it possible that Bush has seen a "win-win" for all parties involved (or maybe himself) as it relates to the oil industry?

There are many who take on the view that the solution to high gas prices is high gas prices. Moral or environmental arguments do not work as quickly or as broadly as economic motivation. Pocket book arguments (raise gas prices) is more convincing than any of these other arguments.

Let's assume Bush recognizes the power mechanism of economic motivation and allows prices to rise by not putting any real pressure on the supply side of oil (fake requests to Saudis for more oil), not actively promiting new exploration, having no energy policy, allowing oil companies to ride on the tail of oil speculators to artificially inflate oil prices, and at the same time throw out stimulus money which will only go right back into the oil industry.

At the same time as Bush is actively and passively asstintg oil prices to rise, he can talk green and promote new technologies. He can act on both sides of the issue. He can say "we're addicted to oil" as if that were bad and then help fill oil industry leader's pockets.

So for Bush it is win-win. If high gas prices are the cure for high gas prices because they motivate conservation and new non-oil dependent technologies, Bush can take credit for promoting new technology and green living. If, however, high gas prices do not promote new technology, Bush and sit back with his oil buddies taking in their congratulations for the boon.

Since Bush's approval rating couldn't get any lower than it is already, from his perspective, there is nothing to lose.

OK, that is oil for dummies. Any thoughts?

State of the Union

Although the speech is good, no mention of Jack Bauer. When is Bush going to learn there is only one way to deal with terrorists?

20% reduction in oil consumption. Whew, good luck. Does America have the will to decrease oil consumption? It would be a Hurculean effort to simply not increase demand. But to decrease? Whew. He's going to have to convince people to use turkey poop to heat their homes.

Iran needs a spanking.

Can we have a Korean pen-inch-you-la free from nuclear weapons?

Imagine using the 13 billion dollars in earmarks for fighting AIDS. Nice.

Three qarters of a million people are getting treated for AIDS that were not 3 years ago.

Let's fight malaria. Good one. More 3rd world debt relief. Yeah Bono.

Blue tie. He's given in to Democratic control. What a uniter.

Mutombo has a great smile and laugh. Great heart. He built a hospital. God has given him much and he has not disappointed.

Cripes, he's twice as tall as Laura.

Baby Einstein creator hooks up with John Walsh in a social entreprenuership for the protection of children.

Wow, Bush is on a roll. Cool stories. Wesley Autry blows kisses and points better than Sammy Sosa.

Another story? Wow. War hero. Human shiled lives to tell about it. Bush is telling stories like Clinton did. Stories are good.

"God bless"