FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The gas price saga is like the movie "Groundhog Day."
We've been here before. Many times.
President Obama says gas prices make things harder and Mitt Romney says Obama wants higher gas prices.
When gas prices get to a certain level, it becomes the president's fault.
Happens over and over. The president's response (doesn't matter who the president is - they all do the same thing).
Name a commission to look into speculation, call to release oil from the strategic petroleum reserve. (That's not what that oil is meant for).
And threaten to remove the subsidies enjoyed by the big oil companies. (The subsidies are never touched.)
Sometimes some oil is released from the strategic reserves. Sometimes this results in a temporary decline in gas prices. Small and temporary.
The commissions looking into speculation don't do anything. They discover there is speculation - super sleuths that they are - but we already knew that. It's like the government commissions to reduce the deficit or cut spending. Meaningless.
And if you think the government is going to get aggressive cutting oil company subsidies in an election year, you're dreaming. You know how much money these outfits donate so their subsidies are left alone?
It's all a three-card monty game designed to lure the sucker citizens (you and me) into thinking the government really cares and is actually doing something meaningful.
Nothing is further from the truth.
We'll pay the higher prices until the market decides they're high enough, and they turn around and come down. That's how markets work - as opposed to the government, which doesn't.
Here’s my question to you: What's the real answer to rising gas prices?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Ken in Atlantic City, NJ:
Greed and speculation. Obama needs to stop talking and nationalize the oil refineries. If he can order the assassinations of Americans, jail Americans without trial, bomb countries without congressional approval, then he can also do something about the upcoming $5.00 a gallon gasoline.
Patriot:
Since there was no winter and fuel oil sales were in the dumpster, greed took over and the big oil companies screwed us again making up their lost revenues by increasing gasoline costs.
Larry in Georgetown, Texas:
There few things that could be done. Another major recession. Quit driving, get a bike, or better yet walk. We could also have the Army invade the oil companies and take them over. Other than that, greed is legal and the free market wins, it's the American way.
Pete in Florida:
The real answer is, "suck it up, folks." There are many ways car drivers can cut their usage, improve their own personal fuel economy and thus spend less on gas. Get used to it people…and learn how to help yourself. Because long-term, it's only going to get worse.....A LOT worse.
Tom in Desoto, Texas:
I don't believe there is an answer to higher gas prices; it’s like trying to put toothpaste back in the tube. We are catching up to the rest of the world realizing the cost.
Charley in New Mexico:
For once you and I are in agreement. To answer your question, I use the car as little as possible, and do all my shopping, etc. in one trip. The less gasoline I use, the better I'm able to afford to eat this month.
Mr. D:
Apparently the groundhog saw his shadow and we are in for many more weeks of high gas prices. Blocking the sun from the groundhog never seems to work for Congress, along with much of anything else.
Louis:
Lease a horse.