ORIGINAL: awsure
[Please...that's a conspiracy theory on "Big Oil" that I doubt you could offer one tangible fact to support. You really think oil companies have that much control on global supply and demand...c'mon? An equally dubious theory might be that OPEC will exert pressure by constricting output thereby putting Republicans in trouble and contributing to getting weak-on-defense liberals elected allowing more terrorist attacks due to a weakened military and ultimately raising oil prices through the roof. (All that on one breath...whew)
Fact is....
Perhaps you are right, maybe I am just blowing smoke. But I don't trust big business and I don’t believe in coincidences. In 2005-06 we have seen oil prices, stock value, and profits increase drastically. I am not saying that OPEC, the war, hurricane Katrina, and normal fuel consumption patterns did not play a role; they were the crux of fuel costs for that time. And yet big oil still made profits in the billions, and Exxon gave their former CEO Lee Raymond a nearly $400 million dollar retirement package, including pension, stock options and other perks, such as a $1 million consulting deal, two years of home security, personal security, a car and driver, and use of a corporate jet for professional purposes. This was so controversial, many in and out of political office cried for legal action against them citing a blatant misuse of the free enterprise system. I understand that like all business, the objective is profit, but I do feel that the line in between big business and monopolies is seriously blurred.
Also I do understand the concept of supply and demand; people are consuming gas at a lower rate which lowers the price. In the summer, many travel, while in the fall and winter (not counting Thanksgiving and Christmas) people usually remain dormant resulting in less fuel consumption. Perhaps even daylight savings has something to do with; many people travel less in the dark for safety reasons. I apoglize if any of my statements came off as angry, mean spirited, or malicious. That was not my intention, nor was my intention to come off as Gene Hackman in Enemy of the State with conspiracy theories about big oil and the government. I honestly have problems with some of the policies of our government and businesses that reside in this country. The word Corporation does fit its definition: it is an entity, and that is hard to attribute qualities such as honesty, integrity, compassion, and equity which are, in my opinion, essential in business and life. But that is not the nature of the beast, profit is. And I think that these companies do what they have to do to make money, which may include inflated pricing and political partnerships.