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This all started in October of 2007 when gas prices went into the stratosphere. They are still there, and actually about 40 cents higher than they were back then. This is killing the disposable income of the average folk, not to mention reeking havoc on food prices and anything relying on oil-based modes of transportation. Until we see a return of cheap energy available for mass consumption, the hardships will continue.
This all started in October of 2007 when gas prices went into the stratosphere. They are still there, and actually about 40 cents higher than they were back then. This is killing the disposable income of the average folk, not to mention reeking havoc on food prices and anything relying on oil-based modes of transportation. Until we see a return of cheap energy available for mass consumption, the hardships will continue.
Someone has a government license to manipulate oil. They are using it to offset losses in the real estate market. And the Fed's 0.25% prime isn't helping matters at all.
This all started in October of 2007 when gas prices went into the stratosphere. They are still there, and actually about 40 cents higher than they were back then. This is killing the disposable income of the average folk, not to mention reeking havoc on food prices and anything relying on oil-based modes of transportation. Until we see a return of cheap energy available for mass consumption, the hardships will continue.
I agree with you that this was the straw that broke the camel's back. However, we will not be returning to cheap energy prices for any extended period of time. Once the market made the price it has a memory to return and settle. Market drivers will look to move it higher taking advantage of real and anticipated supply shortages.
Already, many of the big players are looking at gaining control of other key sources of alternative energy and commodities such as grain and water. If water was suddenly a viable source of energy you can bet you'd be paying one way or another and it wouldn't likely be cheaper than what you pay for gas today.
I built an energy efficient, passive solar home. I have a high efficiency propane furnance and it is super insulated. Even though I purchase 650 gallons of propane I get hit with a minimum use charge because a home my size is supposed to use more. This put me in a higher price point which essentially negated the 25% less fuel I used compared to similar-sized homes that are less efficient.
I built an energy efficient, passive solar home. I have a high efficiency propane furnance and it is super insulated. Even though I purchase 650 gallons of propane I get hit with a minimum use charge because a home my size is supposed to use more. This put me in a higher price point which essentially negated the 25% less fuel I used compared to similar-sized homes that are less efficient.
Back in the day I read about a house that was built like yours that had a lot of mail boxes out in front. They heated it on junk mail. (That was the joke) Can you get your own trailer and buy your own at the pump? Then you can discontinue the service?
It is not "normal" to have nearly 10 percent out of a job, another 10 percent in a job below their qualifications, and have to look for a job for over a year. This depression is the worst we have seen in a lifetime and we need to take corrective action that will really work. Obama will likely lose to some Republican bozo who darn well better get the economy repaired.
It is not "normal" to have nearly 10 percent out of a job, another 10 percent in a job below their qualifications, and have to look for a job for over a year. This depression is the worst we have seen in a lifetime and we need to take corrective action that will really work. Obama will likely lose to some Republican bozo who darn well better get the economy repaired.
No one is talking about the kinds of changes you need to make to the economy to get it working again.
As someone said there is only one person on C-D that is talking about the kinds of things that I talk about. Lots of inflation to cut the cost of the debt we are carrying, then changes in the tax code to keep the debt from growing too fast.
pvande, No one said the new "normal' is good, but it will last, no matter what we try. 8 million were axed, and corp revenue is back to where it was or more before the mass firings. The reduction in force increased earnings, so why would they give it up, when they figured out how to staff more efficiently? Assuming they don't give it up, how will anyone of either party change the employment picture? Only buffoons thing tax code changes will cause Mr. CEO to say, "Gee, whiz, I'll use my increased after tax profit of $2 billion to hire back those I fired 3 years ago." Only buffoons think a crack fix style stimulus will be anything more than the census, in terms of long-term employment impact, and the Chinese are not going to lend us trillions for a long-range stimulus, as they eat our lunch. So how can anyone of any party change the equation?
It is not "normal" to have nearly 10 percent out of a job, another 10 percent in a job below their qualifications, and have to look for a job for over a year. This depression is the worst we have seen in a lifetime and we need to take corrective action that will really work. Obama will likely lose to some Republican bozo who darn wellbetter get the economy repaired.
I smell a false assumption, namely that it's within the power of any president to "get the economy repaired". The president is not completely powerless either, of course, but he cannot just do whatever he wants; there is Congress to consider, and staying within Constitutional limits so things don't get set aside by the Surpreme Court. Even more important may be global factors beyond the control of the president. Then throw in consumer actions which, collectively, may or may not be helping matters.
It is simplistic and child-like to assume that some savior will come along, just as it is simplistic and child-like to think that Obama is to blame for our profound economic malaise. There are so many factors which caused our present predicament, some global and some national.
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False assumption
