[marktwain]

And also it's in the best interest of the government and oil companies to have supply choked as much and for as long as possible.

I have a hard time following your assertion here. How is it in the best interest of the government to have the oil "supply choked as much and for as long as possible"? After all, taxes will go down, the economy suffers, the War becomes harder to prosecute, the President's poll ratings go down, and much, much more.

[mysterio]

Because the gubmint makes more money when gas is expensive, and happy oil companies donate lots 'o green to their buds in Washington.