Iran, Gas, Economy

Guess what? You still don't get a cogent argument. Here's what I'm thinking about today:

1. Turn on the television or pick up a newspaper and you are sure to hear Democrats talking about how President Bush is not doing enough to investigate price gouging as it relates to the current hike in gas prices. In 1999, crude prices were about 35 cents per gallon. Currently, crude is about $1.59 per gallon. That is an increase of 454%. Gas prices have risen 162% in that same period. Paying $3 per gallon at the pump is difficult for most people, but it is not nearly as difficult as it would be if "Big Oil" would have raised gas prices in proportion to the price they pay for crude.

a) China and India now consume as much oil as the whole world did 10 years ago; and, b) Exploration plummeted as a practice when crude was $20 a barrel some time ago. Math Time! a+b= massive demand and static supply. Add global instability, refinery issues, and gasbag politicians to the equation - and you are ready for a Huffy.

2. The Dow, Nasdaq, and S&P have been surging near record highs and unemployment is 4.7%(Recall that Bill Clinton bragged about maintaining a 6% unemployment rate during his re-election bid in 1996). Our economy is red hot. BUT:

a) The press has an innate liberal bias; b) 2006 is an election year; and, c) a hard view of the economy makes Republicans even more vulnerable in November. Math time! a+b+c= the press painting a picture of economic despair! Consider the ankle-grabbin' good time at the pump, and the public buys it!

3. I have heard many people argue that Iran is not close enough to building a bomb for us to concern ourselves with their activities. The same people say that the Iranian government is just a bunch of grandstanding nuts who should not be taken literally when they speak of wiping Israel off the map.

They said the same thing about Hitler in the 1930's. We know exactly the road down which Iran is heading. Even if the world is not yet in immediate danger, why should we stand idly by until we are? We call that situation an "Oh, Shit-uation". We WILL face devastating consequences if we allow ourselves to get into an "Oh, Shit-uation" with regards to a nuclear Iran .