Gas prices have gone too high

According to AAA, the national average price of gas is $3.86/gallon, steadily increasing almost a penny a day. Last year, the average price around this time of year was $2.85/gallon. While the gas prices seemed to have gotten out of control, the Obama administration had decided to step in to make sure Americans are not being cheated.

Obama has approved an assembly of a new task force to investigate the high-rising gas prices this past week.  On CBS’ “Face the Nation” with Bob Schieffer, Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal formulated a jury investigation of possible wrongdoings in relation to the rising gasoline prices and spoke with confidence that this investigation could be a cure to the pain of the nation’s empty wallet syndrome.  He stresses that the government will not tolerate any type of action that may be cheating Americans or any illegal trade speculation. While the gas prices remain a problem in American, there is not much citizens can do. People still need to drive to work, school, amongst other activities or obligations they have.  Whether they like it or not, they will be forced to pay the price of freedom in America. Obama disagrees with Republicans proposal to cut and that “the 70% of clean energy investment cut will harm the efforts of reducing gas prices.” The gas prices have negatively affected Obama’s approval rating and believe that he is to blame for the current status of the economy.  While Obama’s ideas for clean, alternative energy seem plausible, it is merely idealistic and not realistic at this time. In fact, it will cost taxpayers more and just continue the steady hike in gas prices.

In an address he gave on April 23, Obama stated that there is “no silver bullet” for gas prices.  He believes that we need a long-term solution and that we should cut wasteful spending but invest in our future instead of sacrificing it. However, I do not think we should worry about something such as alternative energy until the nation can walk on its own two feet again.  With the value of the American dollar decreasing and consumer products and education costs increasing, these matters should come first. Once we are balanced economically as a nation should we then progress towards “alternative” solutions.

Amanda Leonard, Communication Studies, Wilkes 2013