Quote Originally Posted by Danny
Agreed somewhat. I'm not convinced alternative energy will be the needed competition. As much as I would like to see the energy sector go to a free market, I just dont see it happening with out some major changes. Its kind of like asking the US airline market to be open, they will just chuckle and say "what do you mean, it is open".

I think there is one thing we can all agree on, we are getting raped in the ass by everyone and everything (not litterally).
I absolutely do not think Democrats want smaller government, I argue hard with my friends that are democrats about the windfall profit tax on oil companies.. my #1 question is what is it about taxation that will make a corporation want to LOWER prices? Its like they want to use taxation as a punishment and that is not why we have the tax system we do.

I will admit I support Barack but when he starts talking about all these government programs I'm thinking.. okay c'mon now lets not go overboard. The kind of government spending I agree with says that oil companies buying up corn futures or the companies that are colluding are the same ones producing Ethanol is a conflict of interest.

The way the oil industry is set up HAS to be a violation of Antitrust laws here in America. I do not think the oil companies need to be punished directly but I do think the government needs to take a look at how everything is structured. Section 1 of the Sherman Act states:

"Every contract, combination in the form of trust or otherwise, or conspiracy, in restraint of trade or commerce among the several States, or with foreign nations, is declared to be illegal. Every person who shall make any contract or engage in any combination or conspiracy hereby declared to be illegal shall be deemed guilty of a felony, and, on conviction thereof, shall be punished by fine...."

OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is a group of 12 countries who controls 35% of the worlds oil and those countries come together.. agree on a set amount of production therefor fixing gas prices, a complete violation.

I am for a government that steps in and says speculation on the price of oil is not in the best interest of the people and has become out of control. The government is there to step in to an unfair market and set things straight without too much of a strong arm. The government could not put a cap on gas prices, that would be disastrous but putting forth the infrastructure for Biodiesel (40mpg and produced from waste) Cellulosic Ethanol (does not use corn) Hydrogen.. whatever, viable competition can be made.