Gas Flu Blues?

Symptoms of this highly contagious virus are loss of buying power, depression, feelings of hopelessness, and uncontrolled anger when passing gas stations.

 

 

 

 

Would you support a California gas flu SICK OUT to protest record high gas prices?

Yes
92% (73 votes)
No
8% (6 votes)
Total votes: 79

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The government has conducted numerous investigations of suspected "price gouging" in the past; it usually finds that market forces of supply and demand, not illegal market manipulation, are responsible for high prices.

Do something real!

Keep in mind that the US consumes more gasoline now at $3.50 a gallon than it did when gas was $1.50 a gallon. Obviously the price isn't high enough to curb demand, the price will have to get MUCH higher.

If you really want to take a stand, get yourself off gasoline -- move closer to work, bike or walk to where you have to go, work from home, etc. It's stupid to whine about the price -- what about everything else that goes up -- starbucks lattes, real estate, healthcare, university education? If you don't like the price, simply don't buy.

it's not about the money

the oil industry is worth somewhere around a cool trillion dollars. it's not about hurting them financially. we can't. but we can show them we are not mindless little drones and that we are capable of acting independently of their desires. if you want to say "people will just buy gas tomorrow" that's fine. but don't talk down to people by saying "think it through." your logic is what has perpetuated the historical profits of oil companies. the feeling of inevitability they want you to feel in your gut. oh, there's nothing we can do. we need oil. and even if i stopped buying gas someone else would make up for it. huh, guess i'll just keep going about my business, oblivious to the world around me. guess nothing ever changes. guess technology never advances or things that were previously thought to be necessities ever become obsolete. big oil is looking out for our interests after all, we might as well put our faith in them.

flavaflav is right: you don't have a clue

"Sick out"

Stupid idea. The gas in the gas stations has already been bought and paid for by the station owners. So, nobody gets gas that day, everybody gets gas the next day. So what?

actually the economics works for a gas flu

actually a "sick out" implies people do not drive to work, and therefore reduces the amount of gas they would use in a single day. This is obviously more effective than a simple boycott, because refiners and others in the gas making process don't get this day back. It's not simply saying "skip filling up" one day, it's directly decreasing demand, fyi...

Gas Rally

We need to get organized and start voicing our opinions, speaking with our wallets...Conserve gas - drive 55 mph, don't punch the gas to cut some one off - save your nerves and gas!! - have your tires properly inflated...Carpool... walk...ride a bike...I'd go to a rally if someone would start one...I really fed up on being ripped off..

GAS FLU, pass it on.

vince's picture

It appears that our elected officials, both State and Federal, have sold us out for 30 barrels of oil. Obviously shutting down the economy of a State is a drastic step but it is also a desperate call for help. It may only be a coincidence that the last time we had Federal hearings on high gas prices, the prices dropped. So if your as SICK and tired of the Gougeonomics of Big Oil, join me as I spend the day at home recuperating from the Gas Flu.

Gas Flu

All Californians have had the Gas Flu for quite some time. We thought prices were high when they hit $2.13. The companies then decided they would make us excited about seeing $2.13 again. We seem to accept or get used to every new price hike and wish only that prices won't hit $4-$5 and up. Not good enough! A kind caller gave me some interesting information today. He explained the two different pricing tactics used. One price is the real posted amount known to the industry and the other price is the "guesstimate" or "Futures Price" based on estimating what the price "might" be. It is on this basis that contracts are sold to folks who foolishly believe the price will go down. Maybe the formulas used could be made into video games so we can all learn to play. Perhaps the video game could become a teaching tool to our elected officials so they will see beyond the "buying power" to re-election. Why isn't the media asking the tough questions to the elected officials instead of just reporting how miserable the situation is? So, I'm SICK and tired of paying taxes for people representing big business and who care nothing about me!

lay it down

what exactly is a "sick out"? is it like staying home from school when you're not really sick? if so, i hope it happens. let's get as many people as possible to not buy gas, not go to work, and not drive anywhere for a single day (and then multiple days). i don't know, i've been feeling pretty sick lately over greedy corporations, but even more so over the government's total apathy regarding the situation. they can talk all they want about investigating anit-trust violations, price gouging, etc. but at the end of the day whats good for corporations is good for america and the political elite. i think we need to get together as americans and match the apathy of our politicians and not even get out of bed anymore until there are some substantive changes. in fact, i'm going to leave work, go home and lay down in bed right now...

true patriot

TIME TO INVESTIGATE THE GAS CROOKS

California Gas Companies share the CORRUPTION GOUGING GREED MANIPULATION DISHONESTY
California has more fuel efficient cars than ever before. Supply and demand is no excuse! Maintenance shutdowns are a lie. Why do they always shutdown in Summer around Holidays? Why don't they spend the billions in profit on keeping the refineries maintained and open! Why you ask because it's an excuse to raise the prices! Oil Companies are the highest profit greediest industry and most corrupt in the world. They are running the goverment of this country. Is there an honest politician left in USA?? For and by the people huh?.....US CALIFORNIA CITIZEN

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