Who is holding the smoking gun responsible for regular, unleaded self-serve gas prices topping $2.009 per gallon?
President Bush says that if his energy bill had passed three years ago, we wouldn't be in this mess. With a ponderous tone and an itchy pointer finger, Democratic presidential challenger John Kerry casts the blame to Bush, assailing his continued dependence on foreign oil markets while urging the president to halt refills of our nation's emergency oil reserve.
Like Pete Sampras at Wimbledon, President Bush lobbed Kerry's return back, refusing to "play politics" with the petroleum reserve.
Meanwhile, consumers are paying through the nose to fill up their economic-minded cars, and sport utility vehicle owners will say they're leaving limbs as collateral to top off their 20-gallon-plus tanks. The only consensus reached, so far, by all parties is that we're expecting a long, hot summer on bicycles and public transit - the anticipated relief coming as this November's presidential election grows nearer.
So who has the oil on their hands? Bush? The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries? Drillers in the Middle East? What ever shall the American people do to keep their SUVs brimmed with premium so we can idle in rush-hour traffic?
Our conscience tells us to find a comfortable pair of walking shoes. As oil prices increase - and all signs point to a continued increase - an absolute certainty is that they will surely decrease. Well, sooner or later, and almost certainly before we decide our next president this autumn. "Playing politics" at the pump is - and will be - the motive of right versus wrong and good versus evil for a few months. Relax, Michigan motorists, the price will ease as the temperature cools and the leaves change color.
Until then, it's prudent to count our blessings in light of the circumstances. This week's reports indicate that In Los Angeles, it costs on average $2.30 per gallon, highest in the nation. Seattle drivers cough up about $2.25 a gallon, and Miami, Chicago and New York City all have a higher average price than Michigan. In Europe, prices have always been higher, even while we were paying peanuts for gas less than five years ago. It may be looking through rose-colored glasses, but everyone feels the brunt of this. You're not the only one who is reluctant to head to the cabin up north.
No one is safe from this price hike, but we're all capable of shouldering some of the load until the hikes fizzle out.
What we really need is a fuel source that is beyond the fluctuating nature of petrol. Though electric cars and other high-tech, lower cost ways to keep your motor running are on the horizon, it will be some time before an alternative fuel is brought into the mainstream.
In the meantime, act according to your budget. If you don't need to drive to the corner store, save some gas and walk. If it'll be cheaper to fly to your vacation destination, give the airlines your business instead. The smoking gun in this price hike probably won't be solved to satisfy public outcry until election time. Until then, you can go take a walk.
