Pain in the pump

We all know that gas prices are now astronomically high. We've seen it at every gas station and now feel the effects even if we don't drive in the price of pretty much everything from a gallon of milk to a bunch of bananas. Unfortunately, we're being told this is only the beginning. Price of gas is roughly $3.65 to $4.00 around the country and it's not even the official summer "driving season" when gas prices normally jump anyway. The price of a barrel of oil is $120-something depending on the time of day you check and they're forecasting it to go up to $180 or higher. You can imagine how much gas will be then.

Oy people! I know that we are a country that love our vehicles from the economical subcompact (which I should have bought) to the gas-guzzling super SUV (which unfortunately I own) we have a hard time not driving. Is it because we don't want to give up the freedom they provide? Maybe. More likely, if you don't live in a large metropolitan area that has a well-established public transportation system, ie. New York City, Chicago, then you don't have a whole lot of options on how to get to work, the grocery store, school, etc. I hear everyday these people toting the argument that it's the people driving the SUVs and trucks that are the problem. "Buy a smaller car!" is the solution. Well, some of us can't afford to just up and buy a new car, and unfortunately, not many of us live withing walking and/or biking distance from work otherwise that would be an option as well. Some people say, "Move closer to work." How many people can just uproot and move x amount of miles? Not too many I think.

I know we are a country of "it's not my fault" and "blame these guys" when it comes to our problems, but I think we have a legitimate gripe here when the oil companies continue to report record setting profits. They are getting this money from you and me. I say we need to do something about it. Don't know what since most politicians seem to be in bed with said oil companies and are not about to jeopardize their campaign funds to stand up for what is right for the people they're supposed to be representing. Even the threat of drilling domestically would send a shockwave through OPEC. I say we need to become independent of foreign oil, then of oil altogether. We all know it's not going to last. We need to find alternative methods of energy and we need them now! If our parents/grandparents were the ones going to the moon when no one said it could be done, why can't we free ourselves of this serious ball and chain?

I say look at wind farms, solar power, we have plenty of both! We're shooting ourselves in the foot I think. I read once that they wanted to start a wind farm off Cape Cod (or somewhere in that area) since there is so much wind available. It was shot down because one of the Kennedys didn't want to see windmills when he was sailing. Nice huh? I'm glad to see that the wants of few outweigh the needs of millions. We need to start thinking outside the box. If you want to erect a windmill in my backyard, go for it. Solar panels on my house, I'd totally do it if I could afford it. Bring on the energy!