These are the proposed solutions; tax the oil companies, nationalize them, and a weak proposal to maybe drill for our own oil. Some of these solutions have been tried before and failed miserably. But politics, being what it is, keeps trying failed solutions over and over, and then resells the same idea with a convincing “this time it will work”.

 

What Isn't Being Talked About:

In politics, I believe what is not being talked about is often a significant part of the real issue. A few days ago I read an article that stated gas cost $9.30 a gallon in the UK and 75% of that was tax. When tax on our gas is discussed here it is usually stated to be about 15%. Is that true? The taxes paid on every step of the way of getting oil to your gas pump are paid by us, the consumer. So, essentially it is tax on tax, on and on, which doesn’t account for the other fees that end up being paid by us - the consumer. 

 

Refineries: 

 

There are oil refineries right across the water from my home and periodically flames shoot out of the refinery, which means they are in violation of the law. They are always fined large sums of money for these occurrences. I have heard consumers who really think this is great, saying the refineries deserve it, and perhaps they do. However, what some of us have noticed is that very shortly afterwards the price goes up to compensate for the fine.

 

Embedded Taxes:

If you are interested in finding out more details on the taxes involved in oil, do an internet search on embedded taxes and check the Cato Institute. I believe it is safe to say embedded taxes on gas are in excess of 50%. And, keep in mind that there is no shortage of politicians who have decided additional taxes either on oil, or oil companies is the answer.

The Ethanol Crowd:

 

Then, we have the ethanol crowd who are sure they have the solution. Corn to ethanol hasn’t been all that efficient. It takes a lot of fuel to create a gallon of ethanol, and a gallon of ethanol is not equal to a gallon of gas. Plus, it develops about 30% less power and mileage. To be fair, there are new crops being planned that claim to produce eight times as much fuel per acre. But corn and grains have jumped to an all time high. Is there anyone who doesn’t believe it has contributed to dramatically higher food prices, and in some countries increased starvation? Also, engineers have had concerns about the possible damage to engines by using ethanol.

The Money Flow:

 

Next, let’s review where the money goes. First OPEC. I am sure they are doing well, I don’t have a clue as to what their profits are, but I don’t think we need to subsidize them. Then, there are the commodity traders, many of whom are getting rich in trading by using decades of failed policies. We have set this up. Any commodity where a scarcity - real or artificial - is created is a bonanza for traders. All we need to do is increase our domestic supply and trading goes back to normal. Next are the oil companies, who the critics say is making an 8% profit. Where does the 8% go? A significant part of that goes to stockholders, many of whom are retired from the oil companies. I paid $4.389 at Costco for a gallon of gas, and if the oil company would agree to zero profits I would only have to pay about $4.039? That wouldn’t do it for me. It makes sense to me that on the short term the government could ease the taxes (including the embedded taxes) and create some significant short term advantages. For long term solutions allowing responsible drilling for oil, add oil refineries, and updating and increasing the efficiency of those we have would soon have a dramatic effect on the world market.

 

Half-Baked:

Lastly, we need to introduce newer, cleaner energy sources. We need government policies that are serious about alternative energy instead of half-baked, overly complicated policies such as the ethanol fiasco. We have a federal government that does not have our best interest in mind. Nuclear energy has worked well in France, yet we fail to follow successful models. What about increased use of railroads for shipping goods? The railroad can transport goods at a fraction of the fuel costs for trucking.

 

Educate Ourselves:

It is my belief we can only solve some of these problems by educating ourselves on the facts and not depending on the news media and politicians who have their own agendas. When we know the facts we then can hold the politicians feet to the fire with our votes and email campaigns. My suggestion is to not believe anything until you have checked it out and that includes my input. The price of laziness is just too high. If you don’t believe me go to your local Shell station.

 

And, your thoughts?

Hi Ernie, I don't have a problem with your editorial, however I would like to make a few points. Oil companies can do what they want. Fine them, like you said, they pass on the fine to consumers. Tax them, same thing. Threaten them, they reduce refinement, give them tax incentives, they pocket the change. Let them drill for more oil, they put it on the world market, and we pay OPEC prices. Have them testify before Congress and they write it off on their expense ledger. The oil companies have everyone over a barrel and they know it. The only rational solution is to launch a ten or fifteen year 'space program' type energy policy. It's going to cost us, but hopefully, during that time our nation, America, can develop and produce a fusion power industry. In the meantime, build the nuclear power plants and get the coal plants off line. Then developed a power grid to power electric cars. Just make sure that the Exxon and oil companies don't get involved, and shoot the lobbyist, or at least put a leash on them and keep them at bay.

~Art Cofresi

Sun, Jun 30, 2008 at 3:04 PM

Well written and thoughtful piece. He has a nice perspective. It's not so extreme, or slanted that it alienates the reader.

~Melanie Young

Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 12:16 PM

TOO MANY LEFT THINKING POLITITIONS WHO ARE INTENT UPON PLACING THEIR SOCIALIST THINKING ABOVE THE THE WELFARE OF THIS NATION. AND THEN, WE ARE OUT-numbered by the "USEFUL IDIOTS." Lenins'quote ... extremely accurate, isn't it?  

~Kaye Oker
Sun, Jul 13, 2008 at 8:52 PM