Jeez cable,
"up til now, the word "speculation" has been the SOLE reason for gas prices... "
Speculators ARE a BIG part of this but not the SOLE reason. Please remember China and India. they are still partially third world countries but their economies are growing rapidly. EVERY analyst out there has noticed how aggressive China (especially) has become in grabbing every oil contract they can get their hands on. In effect, they are outbidding us at virtually every turn.
"there is enough crude oil, though as much of it is foreign, it is priced well beyond what domestic oil would be.. drilling in alaska, off the eastern seaboard, and in the pacific are things that should be done"
Lets see the reports showing this. Most of the reports I've seen indicate this is not the case. The assessments of ANWR are all over the map and depend on who is paying for the report. I have yet to see an assessment that can be trusted.
"but most of all, what we need are more refineries and fewer regulations pertaining to formulation..."
Have you ever been by a refinery? I have, and they are dirty, smelly, ugly and dangerous (remember Bhopal?). Most people don't want to live anywhere near one. In addition, there are many health effects related to living near one and many studies currently underway, especially in the chemical corridor between N.O. and Baton Rouge, to determine the effects. There are VERY good reasons why none have been built since the 70's.
A few other random thoughts:
According to a CNBC report this a.m. it is now cheaper to fly from NY to Miami. Based on $4.00 per gallon, which is apparently common now throughout the SE U.S, the flight is about $135 while the drive will cost about $270!
And this latest .50 to .90 price hike is known as GOUGING. People are so upset with people in N.O. that are just trying to survive but you hear virtually nothing about oil company practices. They are doing this to us because they CAN. I hope everyone is learning a lesson here.
Lastly, Bill O'Reilly came up with a very good idea last night. He suggested that everyone quit buying gas on Sundays. I would go a bit further but its a start.
Most importantly, we should all realize by now, that oil and oil companies are not our friends. We have got to do something else ASAP.