Open Thread
Exxon Mobil Corp., the world's largest oil company, on Thursday said higher oil prices drove first-quarter profit up 7 percent from the prior year. [...] The report comes amid consumer outcry in the U.S. about soaring gasoline prices. The average retail price of gasoline in the U.S. is now $2.91 a gallon, or 68 cents higher than a year ago.
Lee Raymond thanks you.
Comments (448) «
Hey Lee - with all that $$$$$ you have stolen from your fellow Americans, why don't you get a face lift...or two, maybe three. It wouldn't hurt to get those teeth fixed either. By the way, you are such a Patriot, NOT!
Thanks, Tim, I will feel better today, when I go and fill my tank to the tune of $46. ! Knowing that Lee Raymond and the rest of the Exxon and other Oil Company execs will have a comfortable retirement makes my heart sing.........
Oh Tim, did you have to put that ugly man at the top of this morning's thread? He turns my stomach.
Morning PamB, you know, we could start a dem choir, all our hearts singing together....makes you warm and fuzzy don't it?
Hey Kristen,
another stomach full of fluff from the pugs
did you hear the one about abolishing FEMA? Well, W, The Pope, and Saddam went into a bar together.......
hey momo,
hum a few bars.....
I will jump in! :))
Got my Lamont petition forms and have to get humping today. may bbl in between rounds.
B4 ya go PamB, please explain BBL
go get 'em DEMS
IMPEACH THEM ALL!!!
Ok, now that we have a new thread...I can share my one good news story that I have today (and probably all week).
On my drive into work this morning I heard that our local Republican initiative monster Tim Eyeman is running just about 116,300 valid voter signatures that he needs by June to get his anti-civil rights bill on the ballot for November. So far in the last three months of trying to gather signatures across the state they have only managed to get 8700.
My husband said that on Saturday while he was at the parade he was approached by someone asking him to sign the petition to have it added. He told the woman that there was no way he was signing as he didn't support what they were trying to do and my mother in law asked the woman why she cared what went on in other people's homes and my niece told her that people are just trying to live their lives and why don't folks just let them be. My husband said that the woman just walked away and as he watched her walk down the long line of people waiting to watch the parade she didn't ask another person to sign.
Lee Raymond's neck looks like a package of Ball Park franks.
Did you hear the ones about pugs at the pearly gates?...No, well i guess that's because there weren't any, they are re-designing the gates of hell, makin' them bigger- they're expecting a crowd!
How many members of the Bush administration does it take to change a light bulb?
1. One to deny that a light bulb needs to be changed;
2. One to attack the patriotism of anyone who says the light bulb needs to be changed;
3. One to blame Clinton for burning out the light bulb;
4. One to arrange the invasion of a country rumored to have a secret stockpile of light bulbs;
5. One to give a billion dollar no-bid contract to Halliburton for the new light bulb;
6. One to arrange a photograph of Bush, dressed as a janitor, standing on a step ladder under the banner: Light Bulb Change Accomplished;
7. One administration insider to resign and write a book documenting in detail how Bush was literally in the dark;
8. One to viciously smear #7;
9. One surrogate to campaign on TV and at rallies on how George Bush has had a strong light-bulb-changing policy all along;
10. And finally one to confuse Americans about the difference between screwing a light bulb and screwing the country.
good morning, everyone
A national boycott on gas. Since the media thinks the Democrats being filmed at a gas station is only a political move, I say we should picket every Exxon station in the country, the old pictet line fashion with signs asking why the face at the top of the thread needs 400,000,000 just for retirement.
Lets show the media, Gretcchen Wilson's song says "H_ _ _ Y_ _"
How fast could we organize it, to get it nationwide? Three weeks from now, 4 weeks. Anyone ready?
i keep saying to the hubby, maybe this is the end times...he says that's probably what they thought during WW1 - after the bombing of Pearl Harbour - during the great depression -
Remember, the founding fathers noted that the only way our country can be defeated is from within.....damn if those pugs aren't "within"
I forgot in light of Exxon issuing a letter to all of its stations, not to allow any filming at its pumps, to tell the press, it is for safety reasons,
I think we should show them national safety, dont pump at exxon at all.
We could make it happen with just posting a day on all the blogs together that we use. I believe we can do it.
"I don't think you know what you are talking about. In CA, where there are Wind Mills, they are pointed out to with Pride, even when they are bordering one's property! The fact they are an excellent source of power is widely accepted.
Better study up before you open your mouth!"
- PamB
Once again, when PamB doesn't know what she's talking about, she makes stuff up. Somehow truthout and the socialist web site she was quoting the other day missed the news about poor Teddy Kennedy and the proposed wind farm in his neck of the woods.
It's all here at Kennedy Faces Fight on Cape Wind.
The real story isn't so much his opposition to the proposed wind farm in Nantucket Sound, but the backroom deal he made to kill it.
The maneuver to stop the wind farm ''is clearly a backroom deal, and they're going to get called publicly on it," said John Passacantando, executive director of Greenpeace USA. ''The Democrats are going to kill the first big offshore wind farm in the United States because of their relationship with Ted Kennedy."
ugh, why does that disgusting mug have to be on the front of the open thread?
ANyway - CNN quick poll: Would a $100 rebate check offset your pain at the pump? 15% say "yes, it would help" whereas 85% say "no, it's a political gimmick"
HA! America is waking up and I looooove it!
dk2,
I have been boycotting exxon ever since valdese...they are still appealling the rulings and they keep pushing the anwar drilling...not very patriotic company if'n you're askin
momoaizo, do you think you would be willing to picket, - the old fashion 60's way, home made signs and all, ?
Momoaizo...I've been boycotting Exxon since Valdese as well. After we heard the news this morning about the record profits I found myself again shouting at the radio (really need to figure out a better way) that it was time that Exxon pay for the Valdese diaster...my husband was shocked to learn that they have yet to pay that bill.
Posted by DeLLBerto on April 27, 2006 at 10:40 AM
THAT WAS AWESOME - ROFLAO!!
If there stations were picketed it would at least divert some drivers to other stations, maybe picking a weekend like 4th of July when alot of people travel, we could ask them to especially not ues Exxon nationwide, and we could picket that week end because a lot more willing americans would be off work and able to picket without loosing pay.
here's a great American succes story:
just got another offer from citi card, offering a great deal; annual percentage rate for purchases = 9.99% variable - cash advance = 22.49% default apr=31.49% (if you default inder ANY CARD AGREEMENT) see, congress does work!
kjfindlay - dont use exxon unless it means walking, now I will make sure I dont use them,
a good sign could be "Remember Valdese"
This also would show support for the Democratic politicians..
dk - excellent idea. I think the nation stands behind us on that one. True, we can only change our behavior a certain amnt before we have to buy gas, but we have a choice where we get it.
I could run my Diesel for fifty miles on the oil rendered from Lee Raymond's neck!
kj (that was I didnt use exxon unless it meant walking) sorry typos
Posted by dk2 on April 27, 2006 at 10:51 AM
You know, it has been 30 years since I participated in walk-outs and rallys, but I beleive I would be willing to do this!
TIM TIM TIM TIM TIM TIM (Am I getting your attention?)
This is it. We must have a thread devoted to this.
Now is the time for all fair dems to step up to the plate and send EVERY elected official a letter (yeah, pugs too). What current war policy REALLY is all about!!!!!
Iraq started selling oil in Euro's in 2000. Iran now plans to sell oil in Euro's. Currently all oil is sold in US dollars, therefore the value of the dollar is guaranteed by oil.
The current US policy of attacking nations that choose to sell their oil in Euro's isn't the answer to the problem.
Iran's Oil Stock Exchange http://irannewsblog.blogspot.com/2006/04/irans-euro-oil-exchange-to-open-next.html
A Story About Oil You NEED To Hear http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/12/27/115725/53
National renowned phycisists letter to President Bush (pdf file) http://physics.ucsd.edu/petition/DCflyer.pdf
momo - I got one better: I get about 3 a day, and my bankruptcy was just discharged in January - most cards come saying "a great way to re-establish credit after bankruptcy". We also get 2 or 3 mailers from car dealers offering us a "great deal" to help us re-establish credit through dealer financing. It's crap and it's sick. Luckily, we haven't used a credit card since Oct, 2003, so we're used to ripping those puppies up - daily angst taken out on the mail. ;) Seriously, it's gotta be tough for people who aren't used to living without credit and/or who can't afford to live any other way. And I've seen a 28.9$ apr as the "great deal" they're offering.
Lets pick a day or week end right now and start spreading it across the web today, start now, do you think 4th weekend would be good?
hayduke - yeah, I love my diesel - I'm looking into a converter kit to have it run on vegetable oil, too. So what if my car smells like french fries ;)
Did you hear the great idea by Ford? You keep buying the big gas guzzeling SUV's but now you pay an extra $80.00 a year and somehow this offsets the pollution you emit? Great innitiative Ford, that's why you're number 1...aren't you?
$100 TAX rebate to offset high prices at the pump????? That would be apologizing for the oil company's obscene profits! And using tax dollars to subsidize their profits. What a scam. How could that even be considered. Who cannot see the theft? We should be totally indignant about this.
hey deb, how are you, do you think a national do pump weekend especially a national dont pump exxon weekend would also send a message to the opecs that we as americans are serious about not using/or being dependant on oil, we could even picket with signs for windfarms, and better, forms of fuel, we could even maybe get those with hybrids to do drive arounds the stations.
Posted by dk2 on April 27, 2006 at 11:01 AM
I'm in for at least spreading it around. What other gas stations does EXXON own/operate?
Posted by dk2 on April 27, 2006 at 10:51 AM
I thought your idea of July 4th was great, we could declare our independence from un-patriotic oil companies!
Dell it sounds like a date - I think we should try for the whole week end if possible, but the 4th is a great day it's suppose to be for american freedom,
we could have signs that say "freedom from Republican rule" or "freedom from Oil"
For Humpty, the sick egg!
from the article:
Kennedy rejected suggestions that he doesn't like the wind farm because it would be near his Cape home, and said the project probably wouldn't be visible from the Kennedy compound. He said he's against the project because it would create a range of environmental and navigational problems and would hurt tourism, one of the area's key industries.Continued
obviously you have NO conception of what Cape Cod is like, nor Nantucket. This IS strictly nothing but RESORT area. SMALL resort area.
Even Romney, Republican is against it, it says.
So Humpty, go get a job, and quit hanging around where you are not wanted ! How many times have you got kicked out of here? Take a hint, huH?
Have a little self-pride!
You want to be looked at like the Resident troll who prefers to come out at night, like the cochroaches? Just keep coming back where you keep making a fool of yourself.
(Ps. for the LAST time, and maybe you will get it this time! Truthout is a 3rd party source, that gathers news from LA Times, Christian Scientist, NY Times, etc. Just because truthout chooses the articles that are Truthful, not made up garbage, you don't like it. Well, maybe I should just go to the article source they reference, and post that link, and it will get thru your thick stupid head!!!)
Posted by xdebx on April 27, 2006 at 10:59 AM
Deb, your post is very on target. We have to recognize what is happening here. I don't think people realize how this is the issue that is driving much of our foriegn policy. Oil being sold for euros is a huge problem for the central bankers.
bye for now momo, keep thinking 4th oil boycott. spread the word.
hi PamB: I think he's on the red phone to the repub headquaters saying they are planning a picket of Exxon, and a boycott stations day.
xdebx, and follow the money, the euro is a major problem, I dont see how we can control them not asking for it, it is a disaster for sure..
Posted by PamB on April 27, 2006 at 11:10 AM
I have been looking into a wind turbine to supplement my solar system and the guy I have been working with on my solar system says that even one wind turbine is very loud. When he works around one that is running he shuts it down! Being that Cape Cod and Nantucket are tourist areas wind turbines would probably not be a good solution. They are not an eye sore but a noise pollutant.
PamB, you must have seen the article about Ted Kennedy's fight to stop the windfarm because you quoted some text. You obviously didn't read it or didn't comprehend what you read.
As I said previously, the gist of the article isn't that Teddy opposes the alternate energy source. It's the way he's going about killing it. The US director of Greenpeace is even calling him on the backroom politics.
Keep up the personal attacks. Keep stomping your feet and throwing your temper tantrums. The regulars don't mind and the rest of us find it amusing.
The media sounded the alarm last year when the largest U.S. oil company, ExxonMobil Corp, announced profits of $36 billion. But according to the Tax Foundation, the biggest price gouging profiteer was the U.S. government, cashing in to the tune of $54 billion in oil and gas taxes. The think tank, the Tax Foundation, said, 'Tax collections on the production and the import of gasoline by state and federal governments are already near historic highs.' In fact, in recent decades governments have collected far more revenue from gasoline taxes than the largest US oil companies have collectively earned in domestic profits.
"Since 1977, federal and state governments have collected more than $1.34 trillion,"
None of the major oil companies have any influence over the price of a barrel of oil. The world market for oil is a commodity market. It is nearly perfect competition. There are over 1,000 companies supplying oil to the market. Some, like ARAMCO and CITGO, are owned in whole or in part by governments. On the demand side, there are seven billion consumers. In both cases, demand and supply, no one is large enough in the marketplace to significantly impact the price of oil in the market as a whole. India and China have doubled their demand for oil in the past ten years.
"Since 1977, "They've collected more than $1.34 trillion in gasoline tax revenues in inflation adjusted dollars. That's 'more than twice the amount of domestic profits earned by major U.S. oil companies during the same period,' the Tax Foundation says." But it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter because despite government tax gouging on oil industry revenue, you have pandering senators who want to raise energy taxes even more, complaining that oil company profiteering is simply unconscionable.
As always, thank you for your money uh..uh...uh...support.
TK
Posted by Ted_Kennedy on April 27, 2006 at 11:32 AM
Henceforth Sen. Menendez's proposal to have a "tax holiday" on the federal gas tax. See, the Democratic Party is one step ahead of you. Now go away.
Humpty if you leave I'll take the training wheels off of your bike so you can ride it like a big kid!
Humpty,
what we dont mind is your entitlement to be, what ever you want, but your attack on indiviual posters we do mind,
if anything I have learned alot more from the post PamB and others put up, to refute your post,
Kennedy is not the issue, really the issue is your pleasure in trying to get under the skin of some posters. We all know that, it isnt about the issues with you, it is about how badly you think you can make someone feel.
So the republicriminals collective position on high gas prices is that "its better for the oil corporations to reap this money than it is for the federal or state government"?
Way to take a stand for the American people pugs!
That should go over real well come November. Its much better that Boss Hog gets to buy another Caddy than for our government to build new schools, pay VETERANS benefits, rebuild NOLA or beef up border security.
And besides, who really owns that oil??? It is US natural resources! YOu would think the American people, who have to put up with the environmental impact of the drilling, would get to benefit from the taking of the oil.
It does not matter who is for or against the wind farm of the coast of Massachusetts.
As far as I am concerned it is a national emergency and we all need to get behind it, including Senator Kennedy.
I am a rabid Democrat and Senator Kennedy is my hero for the working class. He should not have given away Medicare and he should get behind the wind farm if the truth is what it appears to be.
The tourism thing is a lame excuse. I would actually use the wind farm to promote tourism and have boat tours to proudly display what an advanced state such as Massachusetts will have done to implement green policies in their state. Kennedy stature would be enhanced dramatically for showing such wisdom.
If I had the money I would turn the whole roof of our house into a solar energy collector. I have already installed a solar water heater. My hope is to eventually use all my savings to build an off the grid energy self sufficient home.
That is what those of us who know what is coming are thinking.
As I said previously, the gist of the article isn't that Teddy opposes the alternate energy source. It's the way he's going about killing it. The US director of Greenpeace is even calling him on the backroom politics
ROFLMAO,
NOW, it's not that Kennedy doesn't want them in his own backyard, it is the way he went about it!
TYPICAL Republican BS! Next, you will find a way to blame it all on Clinton! LOL!
Do you know what we think of you guys, who are so filled with Fear and hatred, that the Democrats are winning this war against REpbulicans? We LOVE it, that you come in here, with your petty little rants . Fear not, we will take care of you when we take over! :))
(
While the republicriminals peddled their shiny, ubiquitous yellow ribbon magnets, they were sending wounded soldiers to collection agencies...
GAO Says Government Pesters Wounded Soldiers Over Debts
Nearly 900 soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan have been saddled with government debts as they have recovered from war, according to a report that describes collection notices going out to veterans with brain damage, paralysis, lost limbs and shrapnel wounds.
The report from the Government Accountability Office, to be released at a hearing today, details how long-recognized problems with military computer systems led to the soldiers being dunned for an array of debts related to everything from errors in paychecks to equipment left behind on the battlefield.
"We found that hundreds of separated battle-injured soldiers were pursued for collection of military debts incurred through no fault of their own," the report said.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/26/AR2006042602512.html
Hi Blue and Julio and anyone else,
National boycott, pickett gas stations especially exxon, are you in for the 4th of July,
home made signs (make more of a statement) after all who can afford pre printed ones?
Are you in can you post it on the blogs, get it out to highschoolers, college kids and all?
I first shook Ted's hand in 1969. I've been proud of the liberal lion, the patriarch of progressives for many years and never prouder than recently, particularly for his appearances supporting his most recent book "America Back on Track". However, I am disappointed with him on the Cape Wind Farm. Both Kennedy and Romney have Nantucket compounds. From their properties, the turbines will appear on the horizon no bigger than a thumbnail. Certainly, even the sharpest of ears will not hear the turbines over the waves breaking on the shore and the seagulls honking above. I cannot imagine that the wind farm will be a detriment to tourism, perhaps even a boon as the ferry boat roders will enjoy viewing them. Numerous environmewntal studies have certified that there is no harm posed by the Wind Farm and maritime people cite no risks. The latest ploy to attach a provision to the coast guard authorization spending bill allowing the local governor to veto is just offensive. I hope Ted loses this one. The Wind Farm has the capability of providing 80% of the power required by the entire Cape and the Islands. This is an extraordinary opportunity to curtail dependence of oil.
PS: I hope the Senate gives me $100 for gas pains. I'm gonna donate it to Ned Lamont so that my gas pains can be transferred to Joey Lieberman. When Bush gave me a $300 tax credit advance, I gave it to MoveOn.
Posted by Humpty on April 27, 2006 at 11:25 AM
Keep up the personal attacks. Keep stomping your feet and throwing your temper tantrums. The regulars don't mind and the rest of us find it amusing.
Hmmm, Humpy, you got a mouse in your pocket? Or is it multiple personalties from which you suffer?
I agree bb, Ted is wrong on this one. But as far as his opposition being a big issue for Dems...um, its not.
Let's see...Illegal invasion, Lies, Leaks, Running up the National Debt, Medicare Rx fiasco, Lies, Torture, Manipulation of US intelligence, Lies, FEMA failure, Voting machine fraud, Illegal wiretapping....
So what if Kennedy opposes a wind farm.
Sorry for lack of response...I will be a bit hit and miss today.
I buy Citgo whenever possible (Venezuela) and when that is not possible I buy BP because it mostly comes from the North Sea. I don't like the idea of pruchasing from the middle east.
PLEASE make note of my 10:59 post. The oil for Euro's issue MUST see the light of day. It is why we invaded Iraq and are planning to bomb Iran. It must be discussed. Bombs cannot protect the US dollar. It's their oil not ours and we will just have to deal with shoring up the dollar another way. Everyone really needs to know, please send a letter to your politicians and to local papers.
BLUE: don't forget the most important (imo) NO PORTS security!! and NOW we're gonna test a nuke in Nevada???? LIKE we don't already know how that will go??????
Yea Teddy boy has done his service and should consider retiring actually with his pride intact, I might add, as his contributions far out weigh his distractions.
The wind is howling outside my window today and even WE here should consider some pretty little windmills!! Holland is FAR ahead of us here! dank u vel :-)
Posted by xdebx on April 27, 2006 at 12:05 PM
An analysis of DOE data by About.com's Urban Legend expert reveals that today only three of the stations listed as not importing oil are correctly identified. They are Sinclair, Sunoco and Hess. The United States gets its oil from a variety of domestic and international sources. Less than one-third of our oil imports come from Arab nations. In fact, we get almost as much oil from Canada and Mexico as we do from Algeria, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia combined.
banning one gas company over another will do no good btw! It's a global market, they ALL pass it around!
I found out that the other day sadly! Looks like our only choice is to conserve. That will make the biggest dent. Stop driving out for only ONE purpose. Combine errands, add people, you know, keep your tires inflated, check your systems, get cheaper running cars, give up the GAS HOGS, or park them for now.
unfortunetly, as good as it sounds, boycotting any Oil/Gas company will not work, per Snopes:
Claim: Participating in a boycott of selected oil companies will lower gasoline prices.
Status: False.
Yesterday afternoon, a House committee caved to the narrow interests of telecom companies and voted to strip Net Neutrality from a bill moving through Congress.
Network Neutrality is the Internet's First Amendment -- without it companies like AT&T, Verizon and Comcast will move to control what you do, where you go, and what you watch online.
The vote was an outrage, but the fight for Internet freedom is far from over. More important votes are coming in Congress -- and we have the momentum.
More than 250,000 people have written and called Congress in the past five days. Because we've raised public awareness of this issue, no member of Congress can in good conscience vote with the telephone and cable cartel.
Politicians take action when they realize we are paying attention. Let them know you're watching:
Tell Congress to Protect Internet Freedom
We have ignited a prairie fire of protest. In less than one week, our SavetheInternet.com Coalition has lit up the phones in Congress. We've rallied more than 600 blogs to write about this issue. We've formed a diverse, bipartisan coalition of more than 75 organizations banding together to fight for a free and open Internet.
Congress needs to hear from us right away. Please sign our letter to Congress. And don't forget to spread the word to your friends, colleagues and family:
Stop Congress from Selling Out the Internet
The fight has just begun. We've already proven that people can make a difference by simply speaking out. Now, let's win.
Onward,
Timothy Karr
Campaign Director
Free Press
www.freepress.net
P.S. Stay up to date on breaking developments in the campaign. Visit SavetheInternet.com
P.P.S. To learn more about yesterday's Committee vote, see the vote tally and call your representative.
Blue:
That is really eye opening,
Boycott weekend 4th of July, home made signs:
"freedom from Republican rule"
sorry dk my daughter is coming up over the holiday of the 4th! We'll be at Lake Junaluska watching some local fireworks with family!
We're all driving over to my Aunts together so in essence we are at least carpooling!! ;-)
Just saw Chairman Bernanke of the Federal Reserve talk to the senate on CNBC.
The Senators wanted to know what the National Debt is. The Senator and Bernanke choked on the debt numbers and had to admit there were various methods of calculating those numbers and look at unfunded mandates in Social Security and Medicare. They could not state what the national debt number is!!! Can you believe this? The chairman of the Federal Reserve band of United States does not know what the national debt number is!!!!
He did state that the national debt is putting pressure on the world market to lower the value of the dollar. Why would it have downward pressure if the national debt is a low as the propaganda websites and republican talking heads are stating it? Well, there is this document signed by the president and republican congress calls the CBO Annual Budget Report. The 2005 edition was released on December 15th 2005. It seems to be getting more difficult to access that public information report.
I want to notify everyone that congress and the president are required by the law written in the United States Constitution to disclose the budget and spending.
"No money shall be drawn from the treasury, but in consequence of appropriations made by law; and a regular statement and account of receipts and expenditures of all public money shall be published from time to time."
The time to time limit is annual reporting!!! Not the ploy by the republicans and bush to stick their head in the sand and hope their bad accounting practice will go away!!!!
Stop your thief of the public trust fund, stop stealing from the public treasury, stop the funny money accounting by republican senators and bush administration.
Dawnie and Pam,
Its wont solve the whole world problem with oil.,
But it will draw attention to Exxons profits, and it will get alot of americans moving, it is an united cause for the american people, to show that we can unify against the republican issues in control, will $100.00 Rebate solve your problems, certainly not mine,
I think this could also help us unite americans for the vote in 06 and 08, they can see the democrats back as a party for the people,
what a better way then to unite
Sounds like a great week end for you Dawnie, enjoy it,
I think the whole week end for avoiding exxon, pickets on the Satuday before would be July 1,
and if you can't be there, we can all still post the date everywhere and get the word out.
Posted by dk2 on April 27, 2006 at 12:18 PM
as far as I can tell we are united! Something like 89 percent of dems in the last polls.......... that's a LOT better than only what? 70 percent of the pugs are sticking together these days?
I'm all for rallies and picketing when the cause is real. Banning a certain station will only hurt that local business owner. Exxon won't blink an eye!
I say we blame Canada! hehe.
talk about a huge open border too!!!
(this is my tongue and cheek)
oh and I get my gas at Ingles....... still only $2.87 a gallon. of course I've not been out today yet, so it could be higher.
really? Jen I thought it was first? was it jon stewart or who that had the big map thing the other day?
Plenty of companies have been hurt or at least been given a wake up call.
As for the locals, they are also the blame, they do not hold back their profits any, and are laughing all the way to the back with the executives.
In Dallas when I lived there during the long gas line shortages of the past, back when they rationed gas days by you license plate, and how many gallons you could purchase at one time.
I had a friend, young they were in their early 20's, her husband had a couple of gas stations, (his parents had many) and the made a killing in profits back then, they lived a very, very, very nice life style compared to most of us. So I don't have much simpathy for the local Station owners.
The republicriminals take a working agency, dismantle it and hide it in the Dept of Homeland Security, and then recommend its complete destruction when it doesn't work after their mangling with it. Lieberman you are a first rate doofus and, based on your obvious lack of logic, make the move to the dark side, now, please.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which floundered in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, should be abolished and replaced with a new organization, a Senate committee recommended Thursday.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/04/27/katrina.fema/index.html
I don’t understand this whole move against network neutrality. Does it not amount to censorship and restrictions on freedom of movement?
Isn’t there something in the Constitution that says you can’t do that?
I would be mightily angry if I could not go wherever I damn please after I pay my broadband provider $43 a month for broadband cable.
Blue did you watch Colbert last night? Did you like it?
I had to turn him off again. The Hannity and Colmes bit was not at all funny considering there's nothing funny about that creature hannity. And the jokes about having a bomb were also lost on me.
but my sense of humor is not yours maybe?
Julio, it's all about the benjamins
I just saw a thing on cnn, dawn, but who knows!?
Hello, ALL!!
I heard a little blurb on the news a few days ago, (when I was 'puter-less), that Chicago is studying a plan to install Solar Panels and wind turbines on ALL of the City's Firehouses. If that works, Schools and Libraries will be next.
City Hall already has a "Green Roof" garden.
A local University has already completed a program to heat their swimming pool and showers using Solar.
Posted by Tornado on April 27, 2006 at 12:30 PM
there you go. I can't argue with that!
dk - I believe what happened in the 70's was a bit different than now but I was much younger so can't say for sure. I don't blame anyone for making money if it's legit and if they are somewhat generous about it.
Observation of republican and bush administration strategy regarding the national debt:
1) Lie and send propaganda that it is only less than $9 trillion dollars and some 2% of the GDP. Hey, those numbers do not add up!!! The GDP in 2005 was somewhere around $20 trillion per year and the nation debt according to Bernanke, bush and the pugs is inaccurate. $9 trillion / $20 trillion is not 2%!!!!
2) Is the new bush administration and republican party agenda, “Do not speak or mention the thief and unfunded mandates in Social Security and Medicare! Or Else!” According to a document signed by the republican congress in the 2005 CBO report released on December 15th 2005, the debt incurred within the Social Security Trust Fund and Medicare Trust Fund is negative $46 trillion. (CBO Report 2004 is the last report I can access at this time, the 2005 report disappeared off the web!!!!)
Well, $46 trillion / $20 trillion is not 2% of the GDP, is this another illustration of no child left behind math program exhibited by Bernanke in support of bush doctrine of misinforming the American public?
-Where are these republicans and bush administration getting these funny numbers?
-Do you believe the propaganda numbers and funny money accounting practices the republican senate and bush administration are engaged in to illustrate the national debt?
Posted by Dawnie on April 27, 2006 at 12:31 PM
I didn't catch much TV last night...bizzy. But I do like him and maybe I do have a different sense of humor. To me, he takes O'Reilly up a notch to where you can't do anything but laugh. And, I love his word of the day segment.
Gas hundred dollar rebate: stupid idea
Moratorium on gas tax: stupid idea.
Windfall profit tax on oil megas: logical and just.
Bust up the monopolies: logical and just. T.R. busted trusts a century ago. Do it again, Congress.
Please, don't rob the treasury anymore in the name of a stupid rebate, thereby letting Exxon Mobil and the rest completely off the hook.
We'd paid; now make them pay.
Posted by jen on April 27, 2006 at 12:32 PM
after Wolfie said yesterday that Tony Snow was his "good friend" I've decided I don't trust that network or HIM any longer as well!!!
who KNOW who's telling the truth anymore and that makes me crazy!!!! I SEEK THE TRUTH!!! not some one's homemade version of what they think matters enough to be told to the public. TELL ME ALL THE BLOODY FACTS YOU JERKS!! (that was to the media)
Dawnie:
The reasons may have been different then, but I think alot of it was still a shortage, opec cutting production. And I dont blame anyone for profit either, but there is a big difference in profit and raping the american people,
a big difference in a 10-20% mark up rather than 1000% markup
even if we can get everyone on solar and other fuel products, that is going to taka alot of time, gas can and will continue to go up, I don't want to see it at $10.00/gal, or even $5.00/gal,
A boycott or picket is only a wake up call to action, I am not stupid, and I dont believe it would solve the whole worlds problems.
The pathetic thing about the news today about dismantling FEMA is that FEMA was NOT broken when Bush took it over.
If I recall correctly FEMA worked beautifully when Bill Clinton was in charge.
FEMA was broken by the Republicans in charge and now they want to finish the job. It is actually perfectly aligned with the way the think. These are the same people who blame the rape victim.
Posted by ChuckWisconsin on April 27, 2006 at 12:37 PM
easy remedy if we would reverse bushies tax cuts to the wealthy top 2 percent which includes Exxon CEOs etc.
yep - that should be #1 once we take back the house.......... #2 bring the troops home saving even MORE money (we should do 1 first because we need the quick cash to be able to do the 2nd) all those planes flying all those troops and equipment home will be astronomical!! and #3 SECURE OUR DAMN PORTS!!! then maybe work on medicare, environment, equal rights , education (not in that order but you know??) we need the quick cash first and the freaking CEO's should shut UP and comply!
Posted by ChuckWisconsin on April 27, 2006 at 12:37 PM
I'm with you. The republicriminals can stick that 100 dollar check up their behinds where there neck stops. That will buy the average consumer 3 tanks of gas and will come from our own collective pocket. Stupid pugs think that throwing some change at the masses will placate them.
Julio: the repubs can't take the blame for put in appointees that only know how to go skeet shooting, and golfing
sibel edmonds - Congress Not Allowed to Receive Information from NSA Whistleblower
The Chairmen of the House & Senate Intelligence Committees Dodge Oversight Responsibility; Again!
Posted by dk2 on April 27, 2006 at 12:41 PM
I never said you were stupid nor would I - and I agree we need to do MANY things! I think we are. It's just a slow moving wheel that's been damaged badly by the present day systems put out of wack be W of course!! And Cheney (I should reverse that order) LOL
that energy bill they passed last year was hideous! And btw it's already almost $6 a gallon in Holland for gas. You should see the cute little cars driving around. They look like toys from the fair but get like 60 mpg.
Here are some interesting thoughts:
1) Gas price is high because there is insufficient refining capacity to add ethanol into the gas but there is plenty of refining capacity to use MTBE, therefore you suspended the need to add ethanol in gas in favor of MTBE!!
a. Mr. President may I remind you that most of the West Coast of United State do not used MTBE in gas. No MTBE is used in Washington and California gas, we use ethanol. I don’t know about Oregon.
b. Please explain why Washington and California will require a known carcinogen MTBE to be added to our gas to increase production?
c. Mr. President, please explain how your statement of ethanol should be use to reduce dependency on foreign oil jibe with eliminating the ethanol use in gas in favor of MTBE to increase supply and increase pollution?
Posted by ChuckWisconsin on April 27, 2006 at 12:37 PM
I agree with you also Chuck
btw,
I have not pulled into an Exxon station for the last 6 months or so, since I first heard word of their profits last year. The first quarter of this year was just a repeat of last year.
These guys are screwing us, without even a wham bam, thank you m'am!
{{DAWN}}, add to the Dubai Ports fiasco the little mentioned fact that W wants to sell production of our M1 Tanks to DUBAI to go along with China making most of our Air Force.
These Pugs don't care one whit about America. They only care about MONEY.
yea Pammy I'd like to be kissed before I'm screwed!
pAHAHA! (shaking my head) looks like another day like the other days here.......... I'm adding to the grief but the system is soooooooo frigged up in so many ways its almost incomprehensible all the damage that faux cowboy has done to this nation.
In any other country he'd be shot for his treachery to the nation. Same goes for Cheney and Rove.
Posted by DPD on April 27, 2006 at 12:52 PM
{{dpd}} I almost missed you!!! hey! You are sooo right! And that M1 thing is like poison icing on this putrid cake! (typos abounding I'm sure)
The thing PamB that is really galling to me, is that they think we cant do anything about it, I would like to see them realize that a united american people can do something if only for a small impact to the cost.
Alot of people are not informed, when I worked more than one job, and with 3 kids, when I got home listening to the news wasnt high on my list of things to due, washing clothes, cleaning, homework, yardwork, grocery store time, sick child, there was rarely even a minute for me, I certainly wasn't informed.
Many people today still dont look at issues they barely have time to think about what their doing that day.
Pickets at gas stations, with a theme tied in helps inform our fellow time-consumed americans.
It would be a good time to pass out alternative fuel pamplets and voter registration cards, if for nothing else.
Posted by dk2 on April 27, 2006 at 01:01 PM
I agree that's all part of their plan. Keep us too busy to notice. We should protest, we should boycott, we should VOTE!!!!!!!
It wouldn't hurt a few tv stations to be generous enough to let us make a few commercials about all this ........... where are the big money maker democrats??? Give me a mic!! I'll rant all day as long as I can elevate! LOL and take my pills on time.
I'll peel off the facts so the folks with only time for little sound bytes will HEAR ME!!!!
oh and speaking of stations the local asheville stations is sooooooooo blue it makes me cry in delight to hear them diss the president and the local paper is also very blue (there is a freebee pug paper floating around too but no one reads it ) hahahahahha!
Sorry - I tried twice to paste and image - no luck, but it's worth the side trip...
www.thanksalotw.com
Afternoon all,
Boy, ole Timmy Russert had a glum look on his face last night explaining bushie's low polling numbers to Brian Williams on NBC. I was loving every minute of it.
Have a good break Dawnie, I've got to run too,
Keep up the Good Fight!
BBL
Well Fema is ready to perform it second act! The first act was to tell the American Public that FEMA is not going to be there when disaster strikes. The republicans did a 3-6 month campaign with little children asking parents what to do during an emergency. So parents you are in charge of Natural Disasters, FEMA will stay in Washington DC. The second act is the republicans are so incompetent that they want to remove any ability to help people in disasters therefore they are proposing disbanding FEMA and running away!!! If FEMA do not exist than the republican congress and bush administration cannot be blamed for not helping people in need. Run Away, Run Away!!!, before they blame us for any other Federal Emergency Management Associated issues!!! Don’t forget the money!!! The money must be given to the cronies quickly!!!
Nationalize Big: Oil – Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, Airlines - We subsidize them so we may as well own them
There is no upside to anything short of alternative fuels and lower consumption. In the next decade China and India will consume 90% of oil production as their manufacturing and service sector economies expand. Average people who are taking American jobs will get to these jobs on fuel costs supplemented by their governments.
Don’t you just love the Bush administration? What a magnificent tribute to America and its way of life they have made.
Tax dollars collected to secure our infrastructure were loaned or given to foreign investors to build foreign factories to put American’s out of a job. Goodbye tax money!
Bush puppet masters demand those who sell products must reduce the costs by moving manufacturing to these new foreign factories. Goodbye jobs!
Republicans permitted our telecommunication lines to be sold to foreign owned companies. Goodbye privacy laws!
Republicans permitted our confidential credit information to be sold to foreign owned companies. Hello identity theft!
As for Humpty and the other republican trolls, and I use that word sparingly, as you venture into the pointed forest in hopes of finding the point lost by your sheep herder Bush, keep in mind that a point in every direction is the same as no point at all.
******************** JUST A MATTER OF TIME *******************
http://www.mykeru.com/assets/images/rovefrongmarch.jpg
:)
break over
Hahahaha Kathy I thought that was real!! dayum!
Posted by tonitobandito on April 27, 2006 at 01:14 PM
aw drat I missed it!!! hey {{banditobrother}} what's shaken?
A lot of great Oil company stats on the front cover! Good work Tim.
Dawn, have you and MOM already changed your voter registration to the new location yet? You better get cracking if you haven't, rib rib!!
Tony I guess you can't be having fun ALL the time right? It would lose it's kick.
LOL you must be reading my email Brah - I just told Pammy that I mailed it out 2 wks ago and still have not received it!
OH I can't wait to find out where we need to go. I think it's the local library here (hopefully) as I've met all the nice people there and would love to help if they'll let me do shifts.
Just more evidence that we are twins separated at birth, LOL!!
INdeed!!! except you got the looks, I got the height and neither of us got any money! hehe.
Well, I got my Desktop Weather, Real Player, Spybot and AdAware installed. Now I have to get the printer program loaded. This sucks.
keep in mind that a point in every direction is the same as no point at all.
Posted by Tom_Terrific on April 27, 2006 at 01:29 PM
HA! I like that!
Ooo Al Franken has a scientist on talking about stem cell research!
Posted by DPD on April 27, 2006 at 02:15 PM
Heyyyyy which system did you get? Did you buy blue I hope?
Tonito,
how far are you from Hotlanta and which direction? I'm trying to figure out if you are less than or more than 3 hours from me.
We left our motel in Atlanta 4/1 (off of Jimmy Carter Blvd) and it took a little less than 3 hours to Asheville airport. Even after we got off on the wrong road once trying to hook up to I-25.
In 2004, I bought a house and signed up for service with PGE.
Approximately 6 months later, I noticed a unusually high spike in my PGE bill. Around the same time, I found a roof problem that required
$10,000. to repair. I had it repaired. Approx a month later, I received
a medical diagnosis that I'm dying. My son came out to CA to help. He contacted PGE, explained the high bill, the recent roof repair and my sudden diagnosis, which necessitated setting up a bill pay plan. PGE assured him that a flat payment plan would help catch up on any outstanding charges and get the regular bill paid, too. We were told a monthly payment of $175 will take care of it. I paid and continued to pay this amount. Approx 3 months later my PGE had GONE UP to $275.00 per month for 2 adults. For almost a year. Every time I'd call, they'd put me on another program, but my bill never EVER stablized and currently has gone up ANOTHER HUNDRED. FINALLY, on 3-20-06 I had my entire house weatherized by PGE but my bill has continued to go up ( and I'm the ONLY one left living here ). I, now, owe a total of $900.00. I tried to get an agreement for payment of my bill. On Friday 4-21-06, I contacted my Congressman and was told of several ways I might address this problem of payment...one of which resulted in the following:
I was given a contact number to the Public Utilities Commission. They arranged a THREE-WAY phone call with PGE. I was told I should get food from local food banks and take care of my personal needs with charity, BUT PAY PGE. She did this...on the phone...with a third party
listening from Public Utilities...and that if I did not send $ 385.00 EACH MONTH, they will terminate my service AND turn me over to collections. I tried to remind PGE that I am on a national LIVER TRANSPLANT list and this fact is on file with them. That if I can not control my enviorment I become open to any infection because I have no immune system left after 3 yrs of Chemotherapy! They stated that they were aware of this but it changes nothing. I was completely humiliated. I'm a retired LICENSED NURSE who also gave 10 yrs in State Civil Service as a Correctional Sergeant in a MENS MAX SECURITY and, now, I'm dying. I have faced a lot over my life, but PGE just reduced me to a "dead-beat-piece-of-trash" in one 15 minute phone call...and they did it in front of the Public Utilities Officer.
BOTTOM LINE: no one - no where - Rep or Dem - Gas or Elect - gives a hoot about your gas problem in the long run. and NO ONE is REALLY going to do anything to help the public. I KNOW...I'm talking to these ppl ALL DAY LONG...and they say they REALLY don't intend to do anything but scream, and shout and hold "go-nowhere" investigations. AND WE PAY THEM ... and we pay and pay and pay and...
If you all want to know what these high fuel prices and Insur prices can do to a middle class person , Bush and the boys at the white house and the big oil companies did to me
http://fredwilkes.blogspot.com
Finally dems stand up in Senate. Sen Ron Wyden on floor of senate holding sway for America on oil prices now - tune in to C_Span 2.
Posted by HybridFuel on April 27, 2006 at 01:17 PM
during my break earlier I did catch Susan Collins ranting about getting rid of FEMA! Does she think we are all totally stupid?
FEMA was fine before they stuck it in with Homeland Security!!! How ridiculous is that???
Collins has lost it and is taking advantage of an ignorant public wanting to blame SOMEBODY for Katrina ........... BLAME BUSH!!!
Dawn, according to mapquest it will take me 4 hours 44 minutes.
Posted by LEAST on April 27, 2006 at 02:29 PM
:-(( sigh {{cyber hug}} I've been in collection before. It's not as terrible as they try to threaten it. They just want their money. It's all about money. It's sick, sick, sick and I am so sorry for your plight!
Dawnie
Tom went home to catch some shut-eye.
He would want you to know that
a point in every direction is the same as no point at all.
Was a from Oblio, who was born without a point. Oblio was sent by his father to the pointed forest to find a point.
Harry Nilsson, The Point - 1971
Posted by tonitobandito on April 27, 2006 at 02:36 PM
DaM! Well you'll just have to bring a pillow and blankie and crash on my couch then! (hehe)
I am up I-75 north halfway between Hotlanta and Chattanooga. So I have to go South to the north bypass and catch I-85 to get to you. (according to them). I am sure I could find myself a more direct route using the back roads.
Shoot Tony that means you have Cherokee and Waynesville and Canton and the rest inbetween..... I didn't realize you were so far north.
heading south to turn east would almost defeat the purpose but that route between Cherokee and Maggie (although breathtaking) is slow!
poop
THANKS DAWNIE...
it DOES "suck" ! You throw the CASH in the air and the POLITICIAN'S-GAS COMPANIES SUCK IT RIGHT IN. Boy! if you fall down, the lash you with the whip till you die or get up again and KEEP ON PAYING!!!
Don't worry Dawn, you will definitely be worth the visit. I love the Smoky Mountains!
Bet all these guys voted for Bush, too! Now, like the trolls, they are pissed !
As the public debate over immigration reform has taken center-stage in American politics and public life, white supremacists, neo-Nazis and other racists have declared "open season" on immigrants and attempted to co-opt and exploit the controversy by focusing their efforts -- and their anger -- on the minority group at the center of the controversy: Hispanics.
http://www.adl.org/main_Extremism/immigration_extremists.htm
OH and about FEMA: my brother got his check yesterday for his truck that went UNDER during Katrina's brush with the keys last year!
7K - almost the blue book - not so bad afterall
Posted by LEAST on April 27, 2006 at 02:48 PM
depending on which state you live in, I've found the people HERE in NC are the most kind and understanding when people have problems.
In Florida they were pretty cold most of the time about my condition. Except the local health dept nurses and doctors were ALWAYS great to me!
Least - I think at this point, I would call one of the local tv stations that likes to do "community watchdog" or public interest stories, and let them slam PGE. PGE might back out for the bad PR.
Also, I hear that if you contact an energy exec instead of the customer service folks, they can actually waive the entire fee, especially with your story. that's the kind of thing they like to do so that they can sleep at night on top of their millions.
I don't know how to go about figuring out who the execs are in your area, though.
Anyway, my $.02
Both the Republicans and the Democrats are headed in the wrong direction on gasoline prices. Party leaders seem to think that oil companies alone set the price of gasoline. This is false. The American people need to understand that high gas prices cannot be attributed to a single source. They also need to understand that neither political party will be able to fix the gas problem.
The major factor that determines gasoline prices is the price of the crude oil from which gasoline is refined. When crude oil prices are high, so are prices at the pump. Other factors that affect the price of a barrel of oil:
1. The price of oil is set on the crude oil futures market. Oil is traded in a global commodity market where increased demand or reduced supply in one place instantly translates into price shifts everywhere. Many public sources show that oil supply is relatively static at the moment, while world demand continues to grow.
2. The output of major oilfields is declining; we may now have reached a peak or plateau in global oil supply. Oil companies have not been able to increase production for a number of years, and it is unclear whether OPEC is accurately reporting their reserves.
3. Even if there were significant sources of high quality oil remaining, it is getting increasingly difficult and expensive to drill. An aging workforce and infrastructure also contribute to high oil prices.
4. The world political situation is volatile. Every time there is a rebellion in Nigeria or a confrontation with Iran, the price of oil goes up. Political tensions make oil traders fearful that the supply will be interrupted by armed conflict.
5. While we are accustomed to obtaining as much oil as we want, China and India are industrializing at a great pace, and competing for that oil. China is working furiously to secure new oil supplies, and, unlike the US, they're willing to negotiate with Iran and the Sudan.
To adjust to a world with less oil, we make the following recommendations:
1. Do not eliminate the gas tax - temporarily or permanently. That would only worsen our dependence on oil by stifling the innovation of oil alternatives and oil conservation efforts.
2. Rather than lowering gas prices, which will only encourage people to drive more, investigate alternative sources of energy, fund mass transit and carpooling programs, provide incentives to buy smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles, and promote a campaign to increase awareness about conservation.
See www.theoildrum.com. for more information.
Rummy and Rice got a slap in the face!!!
BAGHDAD — Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld paid a surprise visit to Baghdad on Wednesday to express support for Iraq's new leaders, but drew criticism from Iraqi politicians who said they feared the unannounced visit might do more harm than good.
"We didn't invite them," said Kamal Saadi, a Shiite legislator close to the new prime minister-designate, Nouri Maliki.
Least
sorry to hear your having such a time, its terrible and happening all over american, our aged, sick, and disabled shuffle off to no where.
Have you called the Governors office? As he is in charge of the state maybe they can direct you to some other options, I am hoping.
Hey {{karen and pammy}}
I'll be back........
Tonito I can't wait. Visit soon!
Peace
Ray Hackett a veteran political reporter in Norwich, Connecticut, writes, "I think it's possible that Lamont could pick up 30 to 35 percent of delegates. If he does, Lieberman is in the battle of his political life."
"The dynamics of this campaign can shake the shit out of the Democratic party," says Morissey. "And it's about time."
Least another place to call is Pepperdine University, ask for Ken Starrs office number.
I think they need to hear how bad it is.
PamB
You are not helping to advance anyone's cause by attempting to combine legal and illegal immigration as if they are one and the same.
To the rest on gas prices. Two sources can help save you money on fuel for the time being.
Go Ron Wyden D-Org anyone listening to his speach on CSpan2?
hehehe...just LOOK at some of the comments on this blog. These ppl LOVE their beatings...want MORE...actually, the more negative the public gets about gas gouging politics, the more they("They" are the politicians and the gas companies and ALL THEIR INVESTORS who see MONEY ahead) are going to scream "public greed". Like THEY don't need the public MONEY, too. Yes, "THEY" are so clean and "WE" are just being cry babies. I used to hold EXXON & MOBILE, too. I sold them to pay my gas bill. hehehehe. Seriously, Check your blog...those that are MAKING MONEY off this short-fall are screaming at the ones that are GIVING MONEY to get thing straightened out.
BOTTOM LINE: YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN FOLKS!
What? Den Salazar D-Col asking that the debate on the oil co be wrapped up quickly, "People have somewhere else to go!"
Go RON give 'em hell!
Posted by turtlegirl on April 27, 2006 at 02:56 PM
Thats all great and wonderful, but I think they can do something, they can cap the price and make the oil companies trim the fat at the top, there is no executive in the world worth 400,000,000.00 in retirement, whats he going to do sail around the world in a golden yatch thumbing his nose at the poor people who are only good enough to serve his royal rear end?
They can make companies that for the last 50 years that have bought the pattons on alternative fuel options up, release them or move on implementing them.
There is alot the congress can do, stop shipping tax payer dollar to help all these countries develope.
PamBYou are not helping to advance anyone's cause by attempting to combine legal and illegal immigration as if they are one and the same.
WTF? I didn't write the article, pal, I posted how immigrants, period are facing hate and violence! Tell you what, why don;'t you just skip my posts like I skip your's?
Pat Roberts at it again. Protecting this administration.
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman rebuffs attempts to interview Administration officials in pre-war Iraq probe
http://www.rawstory.com/admin/dbscripts/printstory.php?story=1957