March 2, 2012

Do you remember the days when gas cost $1.25 per gallon? For some of us that is a distant memory compared to the very present reality that is gas prices today.  Over the last week gas prices have increased an approximately of $.50 across the nation and Americans regardless of party affliation aren’t receiving it with open arms. Some people are attempting to find creative ways to curb the blow using member points for cents off or utilizing websites like www.gasbuddy.com to find the lowest prices in their area.

With media outlets both local and national reporting an average of $5 per gallon before Summer 2012, many people are expressing their concerns to elected officials. Of course we’re in an election year so the responses from both sides include deflecting responsiblity and sub-par solutions to correct this roller-coaster ride issue.

Republicans and their Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, place the blame with President Obama. His claim is that ex- President George W. Bush had implemented policies that encouraged and resulted in increased American oil production which helped the US to not depend on foreign oil and pay inflated prices. Romney also then accuses President Obama of failed energy policies that have resulted in the recent increase.

President Obama on the other had spoke out during a speech this week, petitioning Congress to pass legislation to do away with subsidies ( money typically provided by the government to sustain a particular industry or increase it’s demand) that oil companies have been receiving for much of the past century. “Eliminate this oil industry giveaway right away. I want them to vote on this in the next few weeks,” stated Obama. In addition to stopping the subsisdies, President Obama is still stressing the importance of clean energy initiatives in America to help accomplish a broader range of goals in the future. The President also sat with Party Leadership from both the House and the Senate to encourage bi-partisian reconciliation.

No matter which color you identify with red or blue, majority of Americans will be negatively affected by increased gas prices. Is your representatives speaking up for you? Will Democrats and Republicans work together to fix this issue? November is close will gas prices influence you at the polls?

Spill the beans below…