PhilTeach Blog

A few months ago my family and I were struggling with the continued increase of gasoline prices. The increase took a great chunk out of our monthly budget. The increases noticeably began when we invaded Iraq. The hikes were reasonably expected but we were informed that it would be temporary event. I recall many of our political leaders saying that as soon as we got control of the gas production in Iraq, prices would eventually come down. They did not.

Then Hurricane Katrina made havoc of our offshore Gulf production, and prices went up again. Even after production resumed, prices continued to rise. This wave was then followed by the sectional closing of the Alaskan pipeline. And you guessed it, prices continued their upward pattern.

All through these price increases, many individuals wondered why the White House or Congress had not done anything about the situation. The best response we could get was that nothing could be done–the increases were due to unforeseen events. In addition, the administration did not control the market forces. Due to the public demand, Congress called the leaders of the major oil companies to Capitol Hill. Each leader gave their own account on how the increases were a natural phenomenon of the petroleum market, and how the increases were outside of their control. No one, we were told could do anything about it. That is, until now.

As we approach the November elections, I find it peculiar that gasoline prices have been steadily going down, and may continue doing so even into Election Day. President Bush, and members of the Republican-led Congress, made this recent phenomenon a campaign slogan. They tell us that due to their leadership, gas prices are dropping.

There are two unusual points about this claim. First is the reality that gasoline prices rapidly increased while both the White House and the Congress were under Republican control. Do they really think that we suffer from short-term memory problems? The reductions now only closely bring us back to where we used to be before, and thus do not indicate any genuine improvement for the American consumer.

The second point is that either they had an influence on the increases, or they did not have such an influence. They can’t have it both ways. These same leaders, when earlier approached to do something, held that nothing could be done. If they could do nothing then, how can they now claim that prices are lowering due to their leadership?

If they did have an influence, then they were not completely forward with the American people, and quietly sat by while American families suffered. Prices for food, goods and travel increased steadily. Many families and businesses had to adjust to the increases, all while the petroleum companies saw the greatest profits in their history. Such profits permitted some CEOs to have very comfortable salaries and unimaginable retirement benefits.

So which is it? Did our leaders have an influence or did they not? If they did, why was it not used when the American public requested it? Why is it that prices are going down now before an election, and not then? Is it possible that the American citizen is presently being placated by the present price of gas? Are we being tempted to forget how much American families have suffered in the last few years? Are we being lured to believe that everything is fine under the control of one political party, specifically the Republican Party?

I cannot help but remember the story about Queen Marie Antoinette. The story goes that while the citizens of Paris were begging for bread outside the gates of the royal palace, she was asked by one of her attendants what to do about the hungry crowd. She responded, “Let them eat cake.” Instead of cake, is the American citizen now being placated with gasoline? Are we, by getting a reduction in gas prices now supposed to forget what has occurred in recent years in Washington? I, for my part am not placated.