Gas Inflation

Gas inflation is affecting us in all aspects of our lives. Since the price of gas has been significantly increasing and seems to be rising out of control, it appears we will continue to see it affecting our lives and our pocketbooks.

Although gas inflation has come down in recent weeks, there is still no indication of stability in this market and it currently balances on a fine wire. Lasting gas inflation will push up the cost of products we use every day.

From food to fertilizer, we are being forced to cut back on our spending. As gas prices soar, we begin to see a trickle down effect as manufactures or producers are hit with lower profits resulting from both the high cost in getting a product to market and the consumers reduced spending on non-essentials.

Many smaller companies are struggling to survive. Independent truckers are leaving the business and there seems to be no end in site as we near the last quarter of the year. The prices of oil-based products are rising almost daily and it is not simply the few cent increases as were seen in the past.

Prices are increasing at record rates as companies attempt to recoup losses. If gas inflation continues, the American standard of living will begin a steady decline. The affect of gas inflation will most likely cause businesses to trim operation costs and lay off workers leading to a snowball effect on our already delicate economy.

So much of our civilization depends on oil that continued, significant gas inflation can destroy the fabric of our society. It is every parents hope that their children will have a better life. Yet, we are currently tearing down much of what we have worked so hard to build in order to survive.

Although we are experimenting with alternative fuels and better performing products, we are certainly not out of the woods. Oil and gas is the lifeblood of the American public and will continue to be a valuable commodity that enriches our lives forever. We may decrease our dependence on oil and oil-based products, but our dependence will never be completely eliminated -- at least not in most of our lifetimes.

Gas inflation must be taken seriously and it must be addressed now. We cannot avoid making decisions regarding its use. We have debated long enough and it is time to come up with the solution or solutions to our problem. We have delayed offshore drilling and drilling in Alaska long enough. Yes, we car about the caribou but we also care about the Caravan!

Although drilling has not proven to have a negative affect on wildlife, even if it did, it is time to consider human life over wildlife.