OHIO, 14 July 2006 — “Why does Saudi Arabia get to control the gas prices? We can totally dominate them…we have nuclear weapons, we should just go bomb them and take over their oil supplies.” These were the words of high-school freshmen from Kilbourne High School. They were discussing oil strategies in a history class.
Luckily not all Americans think that way. A decade ago, gas was less than $1 per gallon; today it is over $3 and it still rising. There are rumors that it will go up to $5 a gallon. Americans continue driving vehicles like before, but their lifestyles have changed very little, and at the gas pumps there are no full service pumps available where gas attendants fill up your tank for a slightly higher price. Now everybody has to fill up their own cars.
“It is such a hassle in winter; now I have to pump my own gas in snow and rain and sleet. I really miss full service facilities,” said Sam speaking at a Marathon gas station.
Are people changing their lifestyles? “Now I don’t drive without thinking like I used to,” said Tom — a construction worker. “Now I think about shortcuts. I try to consolidate my chores.”
Jane — who works in a doctor’s office — said that she stopped going out for lunch everyday like she used to. “Now I pack a lunch and that has saved me a lot of money. Also, the next car I buy will be a hybrid. I hardly drive my SUV any more, just my old Honda.”
Tempers are now rising with the increase in gas prices. Most blame President Bush’s occupation of Iraq for that. Some think he is an oilman and so does not care as long as he and his friends make a profit.
“I am mad!” said Tom, “We are all being ripped off by the government…they are all oilmen. It’s damn president Bush’s fault.”
Katie a teacher was more cautious, “I don’t think it’s anybody’s fault. It’s just a change in world politics and economics that is driving prices up. But I think we have made some mistakes in our foreign policies towards the Arabs and they too retaliated. I think we should sit down and negotiate. We should request Saudi Arabia to give us a break in oil prices. I would participate in a protest march, if gasoline prices hit $5 per gallon!”
Imran — owner of a gas station — said, “Everyone is angry with us. They think we make a lot of profit. Rising gas prices for small gas-dealers is a big blow. We cannot compete with the oil giants. Nobody hears us…. and it is all Bush’s fault. He’s a crazy man and it’s a pity that his unpopularity chart is plummeting now, wish it had when he was running for president.”
