$5 Gasoline? One Reader's Response

We've chosen the following as a Reader Guest Op-Ed, as sent to us through the blog:

Gasoline prices are rising all over the country – now $4 going on $5 a gallon or more – and the price of diesel fuel is even higher. And who is hurting the most? Yes, rural Americans, who depend on fuel to earn a living!

Senator John McCain and President Bush say they can “solve” the problem and bring down prices by lifting the ban on drilling. Wrong!

Here are the facts: In 2007 the Bush Administration’s Department of Energy analyzed the impact on oil production and what you pay at the pump if we lifted the ban on offshore drilling. The conclusion? “No significant impact” on gas production and prices “before 2030.”

Can you wait 22 years? Is this the best McCain can offer – promising that if you vote for him maybe in 22 years you might see fuel prices stop rising?

One more fact: While you’re paying $50 or more to fill your car or truck’s gas tank, Exxon Mobil reported profits – not gross income, but profits! – reached $40 billion in 2007.