Gas Prices

Doesn't it seem strange that right before one of the busiest travel periods of the summer, Labor Day, the price of gasoline at the pump dropped dramatically? One analyst admitted that, although the demand for oil products is up, supplies are up, also. With the recent problems with the Alaska pipeline, one would assume this would make a good case for oil companies to raise prices. This seemed to be the situation after Hurricane Katrina. I believe this drop in prices supports the argument that oil companies can manipulate oil production to fit their needs. Think about it. With dramatically lower gas prices and the November election right around the corner, they have removed one of the main hot-button issues that has upset the voting public. Recent polls have shown this. Could it be that these same oil companies, which contribute thousands of dollars to the campaigns of political candidates, might be getting a little worried that some of their friends in Washington might not get re-elected? I hope the American people will not be deceived by this tactic reminiscent of White House political adviser Karl Rove. Paul Gibbs, Newfield - Published in the Courier Post, September 19, 2006