Here's my opinion as to what President Bush needs to do. Ask for network broadcast time and speak to the American people.
After explaining all the horrors of this tragedy, and reciting some stories of heroism, we should speak directly first to the oil companies. Tell them they need to suck it up and hold the line on fuel prices for now.
Then speak directly to the nations of the world. Explain that many times in the past, when other nations have been swamped in a tragedy, the U. S. has been right there to help. We need their help now. We need them to hold the line on oil prices.
Then speak directly to Americans who are oil futures speculators, tell them that they need to stop trading on tragedy and refuse to engage in trading that earns windfall profits. To temporarily fall on their financial sword for the benefit of the American people.
The phrase of the night needs to be "don't trade on tragedy". The tragedy of Hurricane Katrina.
I'm undecided as to whether President Bush needs to explain what steps he is willing to take, if these three groups, the oil companies, other nations, and U. S. oil futures speculators, refuse to stop the mad spiral of oil price increases.
But he has to take the lead in calling for a stop to profit taking and "trading on tragedy". If he doesn't, as a nation we could be facing financial ruin. It's as serious as a heart attack.
This seems like a fine time to start reaping some of the profits from all of that oil in Iraq. Let's get some benefit out of that hellhole.
Alright. Here is my dime of thought, not that it's worth that much. I read the post by Pukin Dog and he is right on, this is not the time to second guess the President. However, to me, the biggest impact this will have on the country is economic. Some of you financial wiz's help me out on this. If gas prices continue to go up, will it effect everything else? If so, my opinion is that the most effective way to deal with this and the possible inflation is to cut taxes. What would happen if the Feds and state governments cut taxes on gas - say at least by half - as a temp measure for the next six months. Would it help the citizens? Would it help the economy?