W/hat they don't teach you in Community Organizer School:

1. Oil PRICED IN US DOLLARS: and paid for everywhere on the planet in U.S. Dollars, and when the value of the Dollar sinks [as it has been doing for a number of years], oil gets more expensive. Speculators are blamed for the problem, because the truth is an open indictment of our politicians inability to govern.
2. U.S. ECONOMIC POLICY can correct the continued slide of the U.S. dollar and either stabilize or reduce the price per barrel denominated in Dollars. How is our domestic and foreign economic policy doing as it relates to stabilizing oil prices?
3. U.S. ENERGY POLICYy can stabilize and/or reduce the price of oil but moving "smartly" toward energy independence and related increase in world energy capacity. This brings prices DOWN. Does anyone know what our stated and implemented energy policy is?
4. LEADERSHIP: “process of social influence in which ONE person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task".

As we look at the prospect of $5.00-6.00 gas, how are we doing as a Nation on these 4 points that aren't taught in Community Organizer School?

It's Obama's fault!! Drill in the US which will create jobs and makes us less dependent on the Middle East!

Gall darn George Bush, Dick Cheney and their oil buddies.
Oops, they're gone.
Gall darn Barrack Obama, Joe Biden and their oil buddies.

Unstable mid-east, refineries shut down on east coast, increased global demand.

Nah, let's just blame Obama

As I noted in a previous blog, the United States is now Exporting MORE petroleum products than it is Importing !!! Yes -- for the first time since 1947, we are a Net Exporter.

This is due quite a bit to the fact that we have very cheap Natural Gas here, and that is replacing the use of heating fuel (which by the way is the same as diesel fuel) -- With the decreased use of heating oil the supply and demand theory should kick in and the price should come down even more --- Except that the oil companies are simply shipping it overseas where they can sell it for more.

The pipeline that Canada wants to stretch down to the Texas coast is so that they can send that oil overseas -- NOT to the United States for use -- we have too much here and they would not get as much as shipping it out through the Texas ports.

Ironically, the other pipeline they want to build would be entirely in Canada and run to their west coast to ship to China -- However the Canadian Environmentalists do not want a pipeline going across their pristine mountains, lakes and forests and they are blocking its construction ---

Funny that the Republicans want to build a pipeline over our largest underground source of fresh water when the Canadians won't build one across their own territory -- but maybe that is because the Canadian officials have not sold out yet to the oil industry.

Obama has big oil in his pocket. Idiot refuses the pipeline, and then his response to rising concern over prices, "We can't do anything in the short term." If that was Bush, he would have been ridiculed right out of the country. That's the beauty of having the truth commission writing the networks' newscasts. By the way, gas was $1.89 when the guy took office. Guess it wasn't George's fault after all.

They find the dumbest reasons to raise gas price, even before the demand or supply changes. Like before a Holiday, shouldn't prices rise after a increase in demand? I have no respect for those messing with commodity futures. It would be like buying milk for $3.00 one week then $3.35 next week an reason being Wiscosin might get a storm?

I blame George Bush and Scott Walker....oh wait!

Dynamic world market supply/demand, stagnant & occaissionally reduced US refinery capacity, constantly rotating US blend requirements, speculators, taxes

Like the price of bread, milk or anything else, if you don't like the price of gas or anything else, don't buy it. Should government control the price of everything? After all, we live in a capitalistic society. Move to a communist nation like China. You choose (assumed) to live here in the US. Get over it and pay up. After all, some of the front runners for the upcoming presidential election want to militarily take on Iran, another mid-east oil producer. Threaten your neighbor with harm and see how many other neigbhors may shun you.

Peak Oil theory is simply that, a theory , that is continually proven wrong as technology advances forward and new oil is found....Gosh, its everywhere, just as the Canucks and the North Dakotans.

Peak Oil theory is more malthusian bullshit economics.

Someone invented a car that ran on water vapor and got over 100 miles per gallon. I think it was Shell that purchased the idea and never brought it into production. Go figure.

Watch the documentary "Gas Hole". What a different world this would be today if we were not so dependent on gas.

Man oh man, lots of finger pointing, logical fallacy and ignorance going around in these comments. I love watching those who try to hold onto outdated ideas based on misinformation from people they "trust", flounder trying to figure out how to keep things "the way they were". I agree with Tim Scott, many of you just won't be able to adjust...

As we are seeing in just these comments, there are a variety of understandings about the state of energy in our country.

I have been studying the subject of energy for the past 5 years. I founded Transition Wisconsin, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax exempt corporation for the express purpose of educating the public how to "Transition" to a world with less energy.

This is part of a world wide grass roots movement now on all continents. There are hundreds of American cities, villages and towns who have created Transition "Initiatives" who hold monthly meetings and share info via the web. We have our own here. It is called Transition Racine.

As you can imagine, the subject is a bit scary. But if you can hold out there is much promise for your children, grand-children and beyond. It is that promise which needs so much accurate information shared.

Over the next few months, I will be asking Patch for blogging privileges to share information about this subject. It hopefully, will help provide a foundation for people on what we can expect and what we can do about it.

To start, here is a link to our Peak Oil Page at Transition Wisconsin (TW). TW has a lot of good starting information on where we have been, where we are now and what our options are going forward. I encourage you to look at it and join for free for more info:

http://www.transitionwisconsin.org/page/peak-oil-info

What exactly does it mean to be non-profit? Churches are non-profit . . . . so too are lots of charitable organizations that have lots of wealth.

Daniel S.

Thank you for your question. What it means is we, as the name implies, do not make a profit. Any monies earned are used for the purposes of the corporation. A separate status, tax exemption, is only available to non-profits. It means our corporation may accept donations which are tax exempt on people's taxes. So, like your favorite charity, we have the same status. If you wanted to donate to us, we would be able to provide you a letter documenting that donation. You could then deduct that amount on your tax return. Because we are brand new, we have little to show but as people become to understand the importance of accurate information, we are hoping people will help us with funding (and join us) I hope that answers your question.

Since the 1970's I have watched the same scenario repeated in this country over and over again in regards to our reliance on oil. Americans have memories about two seconds longer than a clinical diagnosis of Alzhiemers (sp?) --------- until we truly diversify our energy alternatives, this same discussion will be repeated over and over and over every few years

Will diversification really solve the issue of unstable and uncontrollable pricing of energy? Not very likely. As I see it, the issue is more about the average person being able to afford the required energy, vehicle, maintenance and insurance to operate their desired mode of transportation so they can attempt to acquire a portion of the "Dream" we grew up hearing about. There are a select bunch living the dream; they are the ones that control all that we need. The power and wealth they desire is destroying the very world they depend on for their success.

Daniel S.

How does paying $0.75 a gallon sound? That is the approximate equivalent price of using electricity to power an electric car. There are many electric car options for the user and more coming. The Chevy Volt gasoline engine, for example, will charge the battery which runs the electric motor. But you can also charge the same battery by merely plugging it into a wall outlet at the end of the day. Eight hours later you will have a fully charged battery. You can then go between 35 and 40 miles completely without using gasoline. Many people will find that acceptable for their transportation needs locally per day. If you add solar panels to your home to the mix you can obtain the suns energy to charge your home batteries which could then charge your car battery at night. Other combinations are available too, like the Toyota Prius.

The only solution is to quit consuming. I don't know how anybody thinks an electric car is the answer. Everything including it's energy source comes from the use of fossil fuels. Add to the the purchase price of the car is outside the middle class wage earners income, impossible to achieve for the poor.

How does paying over $30,000 for a vehicle sound? Absolutely ridiculous. Wow, a whole 35 - 40 miles without using gasoline : ( Then there is the approximate equivalent price per gallon based on some miscalculated figures by? There are so many variables that apply with electric vehicles it's difficult to discern the real advantage. Marketing gurus and the Feds will do their best to herd the sheep in their desired direction. The truth is, society has run amok and there is no easy way out of the mess we've created around the world. Capitalism, Communism and Socialism have all failed the majority. However, the minority rules . . . .

"Since when does wealth and power = "the dream"?" As with most everything, we all have our own ideas. There are many factors which influence each thought we all have. Not living in a Gulag is a dream, okay; mine was to have a place of my own that was affordable, raise a family, have a decent job and to do all these for the next 30 or so years while I worked toward retirement at 62. Well, that lasted about 15 years and has been spiraling in the opposite direction for 5 of the last 10. 7 years left to go to that magical 62 (well it was at one time), which now seems to be pushed out to 66 pending further meddling by our illustrious (facetious) political leaders. There are plenty of people who do not live in a Gulag in the USA, somehow I imagine that many of those people do not consider themselves living the dream; there are many who see it as a nightmare though.

obama's green baby

A Delaware bankruptcy judge on Wednesday approved close to $370,000 in bonuses for 20 employees of Solyndra LLC, a solar panel manufacturer that received a half-billion dollar loan from the federal government before declaring bankruptcy.

http://www.onenewsnow.com/AP/Search/US/Default.aspx?id=1541538

This may help answer some questions:

http://news.yahoo.com/why-americans-paying-more-pump-183758416.html

Oy Vey!! I drove big V8 powered sedans for many years, then went to a six cylinder mid size car. Now I drive a 4 cylinder HHR Panel truck that gets awesome mileage (owned two of them) and is perfect for my business as a mobile DJ. Now that Chevrolet has stopped making this vehicle, what is my next option? A bigger SUV? GM's full size van? Wanting to be responsible to the environment using a smaller vehicle and save fuel costs on top of that, but Chevy in their infinite wisdom has stopped making such a vehicle. There are no windowless small vans available except maybe the Ford Transit Connect which is made in Turkey of all places and is quite a bit more costly to purchase.
@Tim Scott....I find your comments interesting but I would have to disagree with the comment about Saddam and Qadaffi. Sadam was tried and executed by the Iraqis in their own court. Qadaffi was killed by insurgents in his own country. As far as Iran is concerned, that has yet to unfold and I guarantee that it will not be good for anyone, the US or Iran.

Why has the Asian demand increased, what was/is the impetus behind the growing economy in China? Is it time to pull out proverbial mirror?

Daniel S:

You said "How does paying over $30,000 for a vehicle sound? Absolutely ridiculous. Wow, a whole 35 - 40 miles without using gasoline"

First, Daniel, were you aware of a $7500 tax deduction if you buy such a car? Now a $30,000 car comes down to $22,500.

Next, how many miles do you put on when doing your normal everyday stuff around town? Ever actually measure it?

Last, the Asian demand has increased because both China and India have embraced the Industrial Revolution. Both require vast increases in energy. Both China and India have huge populations and as more people want the same kind of lifestyle we have been accustomed to now they want it too. The result? They are building a coal fire power plant each week. Now they are experiencing huge environmental issues. Those are the facts. Tis a problem for us all.

Clinton gave China most favored nation status. It took some time; but most of our manufacturing jobs have gone there, while we gobble up the cheap crap they make and call it a bargain. They are managing the global recession fairly well, and building highways and infrastructure much like USA did after WWII. If and when we come out of the recession, they will be more able to compete because of that infrastructure. Their quality will improve even more and a US recovery will be even more difficult.

Rees Robert said: "were you aware of a $7500 tax deduction" Where does that $7500 come from, thin air? No, your pocket. "Now a $30,000 car comes down to $22,500." based on the price search I did, $30,000 was after the rebate. "Asian demand has increased because both China and India have embraced the Industrial Revolution." It's more like, those who run the USA (business & gov't) embraced countries that do not enforce laws we slap on our own citizens and businesses. As usual the citizens must bail them out, through lower wages and benefits, higher prices on goods and a standard of living that keep slipping away; unless you put your wife to work and take on a part time job yourself.

You are correct Mr. Roberts, you mentioned the Volt and I shared the cost in my post. It's actually over $30,000 but I rounded it down. By the way, sticker price is around $41,000. In contrast: my first brand new home (a duplex) cost me $101,000 in 1988. Before the housing readjustment kicked in, it was close to $215,000 for that place; today it's back down to $144,000 and dropping. Here's hoping the auto industry prices crash next.

You're not going to get any version of the Volt for under $30K even with the rebate.

It will be a cold day in hell, the day I spend that much money for a vehicle. I can buy a lot of gas for that price. My son's old scrappy Mitsubishi that was given to them, gets 35-40 mpg.

The 2012 model also benefits from a $1,005 price drop, with some lower-cost option packages available. The biggest change is that the standard GPS navigation system is replaced by GM’s OnStar turn-by-turn feature. The base price for the 2012 model will be $39,995, including shipping. After the $7,500 federal tax rebate, that brings the net price to $32,495. The top price with options such as leather seats and a map-based navigation system, but no dealer markups, will be $46,265, or $38,865 after the tax credit.

mau

Currently you are correct. However, I see many more electric car options going forward. Competition always seems to do wonders bringing down the price of products. Innovation and smart consumers will certainly do their part too. I too would not purchase a car with a purchase price like that even with a $7500 tax break. As more people see the benefits from electric powered vehicles supply will improve along with a better price tag.

If competition brings prices down, why are cars so expensive in general; there are plenty of vehicle brands and models? There are plenty of coffee shops, why is coffee so expensive? Competition doesn't seem to be working so well.

Daniel S.

Like most things you can buy good, better and best. Your comments would be just as valid 30 years ago as it is now. People complained back then too. For our economic system to work you must always have continued growth in cost.

If you are interested in how energy, the economy and the environment work together take a look at Chris Martinson's crash course. It has great information and would help answer your questions.

Site:
http://www.chrismartenson.com/page/crash-course-one-year-anniversary

This guys a genius (Chris M.); "let me tell you why the next 20 years will be much different than the last 20" if he only knew it would be awesome. Of course, who expected the past 20 to bring what it brought? Technology advanced incredibly, yet we still have the 100 year old drug war and the oil crises has been growing since 1973. As for our economic system to work; it hasn't been working for quite some time now. There will be changes in the next 20 years, probably big changes in the next 10 or less. Without watching the Crash course, I doubt it's the same course I'm seeing. But the word Crash is in mine too. It's been a slice Mr. Roberts, have a wonderful evening.

Daniel S.

Your response was so clear. Thank you for allowing me to suggest something and responding in such a kind way.

Did anyone else see this CNN opinion? Yikes, take a look at what the people in the UK are paying for gasoline. They call it petrol there.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/28/opinion/opinion-european-gas-prices/index.html?eref=rss_us

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Check this out:

http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/4ec2cf96eab8ea5e62000013/chart-gas-prices-in-europe-and-the-us-nov-15-2011.jpg

It's always been way more costly for fuel in other parts of the world. What isn't mentioned are the cars that get better mileage (or do they?). Ford Fiesta ST over 50 mpg, Mercedes A Class up to 52 mpg. Is the mileage really that high, or is this a conversion difference between US and the Metric /Imperial Gallon system? I do know they offer a lot more small fun cars, that are not available in the USA due to Federal overRegulation.

When all is said and done, the powers above us, (corporate & government) do not want us to have cheap fuel, cars that are too efficient, too fun or practical. If they did, we'd have all those things. Yes I know there is more involved, but in simple terms; that's it in a nutshell.

Will the end of oil be a gradual descent, or more like a "shark fin"?

Many are expecting a "Seneca Cliff" moment -

“I would like to argue that whereas the method used to model Peak Oil using a Gaussian is reasonable when looking at individual oil fields, provinces and countries, it is not reasonable when looking at entire planets, because, unlike oil-producing provinces and countries in decline, planets can't import oil, while oil shocks cause industrial economies to collapse rather than decline gradually along some geologically constrained curve. In [my] article ["Peak Oil is History"] I have a long list of effects such as EROEI decline, export land effect, etc., to make the case for a stepwise decline rather than a gradual one."

http://cluborlov.blogspot.com/2012/02/pile-of-straw-at-bottom-of-cliff.html

"Don't you stumble, sometimes, into something that seems to make a lot of sense but you can't say exactly why? For a long time, I had in mind the idea that when things start going bad, they tend to go bad fast. We might call this tendency the "Seneca effect" or the "Seneca cliff," from Lucius Anneaus Seneca who wrote that "increases are of sluggish growth, but the way to ruin is rapid."

http://cassandralegacy.blogspot.com/2011/08/seneca-effect-origins-of-collapse.html

Brand new installment of Hoffa's Retro Cinema Club up today - be sure to check it out!

http://mountpleasant.patch.com/blog_posts/hoffas-retro-cinema-club-dreamchild-1985#video-9206916

"Somehow we have to figure out how to boost the price of gasoline to the levels in Europe"($8+/gal) - Steven Chu, Obama's Energy Secretary

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0212/73138.html

HMMM... It is Obama's fault after all.

Craig M. said: "You can't pursue your dreams while you're in jail. " Actually you can, as all pursuits begin with thinking; if you can think, you can pursue your dream. Even the best laid plans go awry however and many dreams turn into nightmares.