Gas Prices

[bbsam]

At this moment, sure. The question however, are the prices natural or are they manipulated? And that opens up a whole other can of worms.

Always manipulated. But I think the oIL equation has changed and the US is far better positioned.

 

[wkmac]

Always manipulated. But I think the oIL equation has changed and the US is far better positioned.

True, but I'd still like to see us move beyond fossil fuel to a more open source type energy. It can be done to a certain degree on the micro scale but even that is tough because energy has become the lynchpin on which economic forces have built themselves and both private and state interests have agendas to maintain that dominate position.

 

[wkmac]

More on the forces behind oil and cheap prices.

 

[bbsam]

More on the forces behind oil and cheap prices.

I thought we had all pretty much hashed this out.
See all you foreign policy tough talkers? We don't have to bomb Iran or invade Crimea. You poopoo sanctions on Russian leaders and their economy is moving toward the brink of collapse. This is global geopolitics at work. I'll be interested in seeing how China figures into all this. There may be enough pressure worldwide to keep prices fairly low.

 

[Catatonic]

I remember all of the outrage when gas first hit $1 per gallon. I forget what year but probably around 1980.

I'm still pissed!

 

[Sportello]

More on the forces behind oil and cheap prices.

Every time you seem to make a little sense and be a rational person, you post drivel like this. When the commentator says 'this is not a conspiracy theory', you can bet it is, because 'if you're ignorant and you're not paying attention, blah blah blah.'

Do you really believe this bunk, or are you just stirring the pot?

 

[bbsam]

I think everything the video stated is true and I don't think it's even disputed. Saudi Arabia is playing it smart because they can afford to. Russia and Iran are no friends of theirs (that's "there's " for some of you. )

So Sportello, why do you think there are low gas prices?

 

[wkmac]

I thought we had all pretty much hashed this out.
See all you foreign policy tough talkers? We don't have to bomb Iran or invade Crimea. You poopoo sanctions on Russian leaders and their economy is moving toward the brink of collapse. This is global geopolitics at work. I'll be interested in seeing how China figures into all this. There may be enough pressure worldwide to keep prices fairly low.

As someone who advocates absolute free markets and oppose hegomonic, cartelized monopolies, I'm pulling for Russia, Iran and Venezuela on this one!

 

[wkmac]

Every time you seem to make a little sense and be a rational person, you post drivel like this. When the commentator says 'this is not a conspiracy theory', you can bet it is, because 'if you're ignorant and you're not paying attention, blah blah blah.'

Do you really believe this bunk, or are you just stirring the pot?

One thing you better learn about me, the moment you think I'm predictive, I'll do just the opposite. Often on purpose.

 

[wkmac]

I think everything the video stated is true and I don't think it's even disputed. Saudi Arabia is playing it smart because they can afford to. Russia and Iran are no friends of theirs (that's "there's " for some of you. )

So Sportello, why do you think there are low gas prices?

Well you have to admit it does leave the Obama administration looking to be on the side of the oligarchy so I can understand that from his POV of partyarchy. But to be honest, I'm not sure Obama has a choice. Do this or we sink the growing economy you are benefiting from. Kind of a gun to the head if you think about it.

 

[bbsam]

As someone who advocates absolute free markets and oppose hegomonic, cartelized monopolies, I'm pulling for Russia, Iran and Venezuela on this one!

They are free to sell their oil at $140/barrel aren't they?

 

[bbsam]

Well you have to admit it does leave the Obama administration looking to be on the side of the oligarchy so I can understand that from his POV of partyarchy. But to be honest, I'm not sure Obama has a choice. Do this or we sink the growing economy you are benefiting from. Kind of a gun to the head if you think about it.

What made you think he wasn't on the side of the oligarchy?

Ideology tends to take a backseat to actual governance.

 

[wkmac]

They are free to sell their oil at $140/barrel aren't they?

Yes, they can.

 

[wkmac]

What made you think he wasn't on the side of the oligarchy?

Ideology tends to take a backseat to actual governance.

Oh I think Obama is. I'm just giving Sporty a little wiggle room.

 

[bbsam]

Yes, they can.

Then there's your free market!!

 

[wkmac]

Then there's your free market!!

No, that's state capitalism.

 

[Sportello]

I think everything the video stated is true and I don't think it's even disputed. Saudi Arabia is playing it smart because they can afford to. Russia and Iran are no friends of theirs (that's "there's " for some of you. )

So Sportello, why do you think there are low gas prices?

The Saudi's can afford to for awhile. Russia and Iran (and by extension, Venezuela) are not their BFF's, but neither are we. Unlike the esteemed @wkmac, I'm not pulling for Putin and his allies.

Oil is a fungible. It's worth what it's worth. If the guy with the most drops his prices and ups production, well that not only hurts Putin and crew, but the high dollar, dirty oil producers. I don't pretend to be in the know about the inner workings of the House of Saud, who clearly hold the cards and are willing to take a loss for awhile, but I do know it won't last.

In spite of what some may believe, the easing of combat in the oil producing regions has helped the oil make it to the refineries. All in all it seems more like a price war, than a conspiracy, with the large producer(s) hoping to put the smaller ones out of business. It's the Walmart model.

If Russian interests fail, and the Koch brothers fail, and I can call $5 'gas money', I really don't care. Unlike @wkmac, I don't think I can change the world, and don't want to live off the grid. I'm good where I am. YMMV.

I don't pretend to know the answers, I just try to roll with the punches. Lord knows I've had enough thrown my way. Still standing.

 

[wkmac]

Free market is no ism. It's a market determined by the very actors involved in it. It can take any number of forms but it's voluntary and operates on non aggression.

I don't conflate capitalism with free market nor do I consider non state socialism not free market.

 

[bbsam]

No, that's state capitalism.

That's as close as you get with countries that own the industry, including I believe the three you are "pulling for".

 

[wkmac]

The Saudi's can afford to for awhile. Russia and Iran (and by extension, Venezuela) are not their BFF's, but neither are we. Unlike the esteemed @wkmac, I'm not pulling for Putin and his allies.

Oil is a fungible. It's worth what it's worth. If the guy with the most drops his prices and ups production, well that not only hurts Putin and crew, but the high dollar, dirty oil producers. I don't pretend to be in the know about the inner workings of the House of Saud, who clearly hold the cards and are willing to take a loss for awhile, but I do know it won't last.

In spite of what some may believe, the easing of combat in the oil producing regions has helped the oil make it to the refineries. All in all it seems more like a price war, than a conspiracy, with the large producer(s) hoping to put the smaller ones out of business. It's the Walmart model.

If Russian interests fail, and the Koch brothers fail, and I can call $5 'gas money', I really don't care. Unlike @wkmac, I don't think I can change the world, and don't want to live off the grid. I'm good where I am. YMMV.

I don't pretend to know the answers, I just try to roll with the punches. Lord knows I've had enough thrown my way. Still standing.

Fear is the mind killer!