Over a Financial Cliff
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The Pilot’s recent interviews with Frank McNeill and other gas suppliers blame major oil companies for high gas prices in Moore County. These same oil companies supply gas to outlets in Lee County, where gas at the pump is cheaper by 5 to 15 cents a gallon than in Moore County, and has been for years. Perhaps Mr. McNeill can explain this anomaly.
A major part of responsibility for gas prices that have increased by 90 percent in three years resides with the man in the White House, playing the part of the president and doing it poorly.
The oil-producing countries read this anti-carbon president better than the American public. His latest lie claims that we produce as much oil domestically as we import, when, in truth, we produce 5.03 billion barrels and import 9 billion barrels of oil.
Continuing his attack on carbon production with his pen, Obama has banned or blocked development of millions of acres of potential oil and gas production. He and his henchmen in EPA, the Energy and the Interior departments have denied and delayed oil and gas development in the Gulf, off both shores, and in Alaska. But Mr. Obama’s recent canceling of the Keystone project is the most anti-American political decision he has made in his entire tenure in the White House.
This modern day Pied Piper is leading Americans over a financial cliff, and the view from there will not be pleasant.
It is important that “Nobama 2012” become a reality if this country is going to survive and not become another Greece.
Fred Piermattei
Pinehurst
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Comments
JER 3 months ago
Hey Fred, why not write your own letter to the editor rather than parroting what you watch and listen to on right wing conservative TV and talk radio. We have been up and down this road 100 times and it is still untruthful babble. You and your Republican friends have so little to support in your own party that all you have is tossing this garbage up in the air in hopes that there is a brain dead individual not already a registered Republican who will buy into it. Have a look at oil company profits. Have a look at what product is the leading export for the USA. Have a look at the county tax rate differences between counties in NC. Find out why you favor doing away with foreign sources of oil but want a pipeline built from Canada to provide more oil for the refineries to process into fuel, to be exported by the oil companies to countries like India and China. And you do know that Canada is a foreign country,right? Since you believe that Obama sets the price for the gas you buy at the pump in Pinehurst, do you also believe he's the reason a round of golf on #2 cost several hundred dollars? In my opinion, the most anti-American thing done in the last 3 years are letters like yours.
SH59 3 months ago
It always surprises me how much power Obama appears to have when people don't get what they want and at the same time he can't get anything done.
madstork 3 months ago
AGENDA 21
jimt 3 months ago
"His latest lie claims that we produce as much oil domestically as we import."
U.S. Oil Imports: Context and Considerations Neelesh Nerurkar Specialist in Energy Policy, Congressional Research Service April 1, 2011
"Summary: U.S. oil imports fell each year between 2005 and 2010 to reach just under 50% of U.S. liquid fuel consumption, its lowest level since 1997. The economic downturn and higher oil prices were a drag on oil consumption, while price-driven private investment and policy helped increase domestic supply of oil and oil alternatives.
Last time I checked under 50% was less than half.
Courseaire 3 months ago
madstork 21
DaveyNC 3 months ago
Copy, paste the original article, here: http://www.thepilot.com/news/2012/feb/05/roller-coaster-ride-likely-continue-gas-prices/#c65987
And here is the explanation to the anomaly that Mr. McNeill supplied in that article: “Because we’re the only local distributor, some folks think we sell every gallon in the county,” he says. “But we probably sell less than 10 percent. We’re the little guys. We don’t control anything. The Pantry has more stores in Moore County than we do. So does Shortstop.”
Further explanation from another c-store owner in the original article: “Rex Oil sets the price. Basically, they let me match the lowest price on U.S. 1 between the Kangaroo in Southern Pines and the Wilco Hess in Aberdeen,” he says. “They let me make a nickel a gallon.”
Mr. Piermattei, it's like you didn't even read that article, but here you are referencing it.
Copy, paste my reply to original article:
"People still asking why prices are higher in Moore County than surrounding counties must not have read the article. In fact, you didn't read the second sentence in the article, because that is where it is explained to you. "Whatever the market will bear." This isn't Scotland County or Hoke or Montgomery County. People leave there and come to Moore County to work or eat out or play golf. In fact, people from all over the southeast drive here to play golf. And they buy gas. In fact, we are ranked 32nd in the state for population, but 11th in travel-related expenditures. This amounts to an extra $880,000 a day in revenues to the county. More info here: http://goo.gl/v7vAk That is a lot of added demand, folks. Repeat after me: Econ 101 says that when demand is high and supply is constrained, prices rise. The people at Rex Oil understand that and they maximize their profits as they should. Meanwhile, we enjoy the benefit of all that extra cash sloshing around in the county. Think Scotland County wouldn't like some of that? And by the way, this is an excellent article and I hope that it finally puts to rest this issue once and for all, particularly as it pertains to McNeill Oil. If you want gas prices to come down here, either stop buying here or open up a half dozen gas stations around town. Because, repeat after me: When supply goes up or demand drops, prices go down."
OldSpook 3 months ago
Don't ask logical questions, just repeat "It is Bush's fault." and continue to drink deeply of Washington's handouts.
dustyrhoades 3 months ago
AGENDA 21
by dustyrhoades
JER 3 months ago
Nobody objects to reasonable and logical questions. What is objectionable is the crap parroted by the letter writer.
justmyopinion 3 months ago
"madstork AGENDA 21"
awwwwwwwww shaddup already!
Harley- Really?? Is that called for??
madstork 3 months ago
PREZBO - on the side of business...from the WSJ just released budget info...
"President Obama's 2013 budget is the gift that keeps on giving—to government. One buried surprise is his proposal to triple the tax rate on corporate dividends, which believe it or not is higher than in his previous budgets.
Mr. Obama is proposing to raise the dividend tax rate to the higher personal income tax rate of 39.6% that will kick in next year. Add in the planned phase-out of deductions and exemptions, and the rate hits 41%. Then add the 3.8% investment tax surcharge in ObamaCare, and the new dividend tax rate in 2013 would be 44.8%—nearly three times today's 15% rate.
Keep in mind that dividends are paid to shareholders only after the corporation pays taxes on its profits. So assuming a maximum 35% corporate tax rate and a 44.8% dividend tax, the total tax on corporate earnings passed through as dividends would be 64.1%."
JimHeim 3 months ago
madstork, well that Wall Street Journal article (biased as it is) sure explains the high cost of gas in Moore County. And here I thought it was agenda 21. Thanks for sharing.
Courseaire 3 months ago
The main reason for the high cost of gas in this region is the aging population. As you know, aging produces more and more gas and without a way to harness it, it is just wasted byproduct, polluting the air we breathe. Agenda 23.
JimHeim 3 months ago
Glen Hubbard, one of Mitt Romney's economic advisors said this of the Obama tax proposal, “If you take the spending and tax pieces together, it’s a narrative of the policy agenda and life under a Romney presidency,”
So hey, you're going to vote for him in November so get used to it.
Courseaire 3 months ago
Har - Another one for you:
A Harley biker is riding by the zoo in Washington , DC when he sees a little girl leaning into the lion's cage. Suddenly, the lion grabs her by the cuff of her jacket and tries to pull her inside to slaughter her, under the eyes of her screaming parents.
The biker jumps off his Harley, runs to the cage and hits the lion square on the nose with a powerful punch. Whimpering from the pain the lion jumps back letting go of the girl, and the biker brings her to her terrified parents, who thank him endlessly. A reporter has watched the whole event.
The reporter addressing the Harley rider says, 'Sir, this was the most gallant and brave thing I've seen a man do in my whole life.'
The Harley rider replies, 'Why, it was nothing, really, the lion was behind bars. I just saw this little kid in danger and acted as I felt right.'
The reporter says, 'Well, I'll make sure this won't go unnoticed. I'm a journalist, you know, and tomorrow's paper will have this story on the front page...So, what do you do for a living and what political affiliation do you have?'
The biker replies, 'I'm a U.S. Marine and a Republican.'
The journalist leaves.
The following morning the biker buys the paper to see if it indeed brings news of his actions, and reads, on the front page:
U.S. MARINE ASSAULTS AFRICAN IMMIGRANT AND STEALS HIS LUNCH
That pretty much sums up the media's approach to the news these days.
BigE 3 months ago
I can't poop. Damn Obama! My handicap index is going up. Damn Obama! Can't remember. Damn Obama! Why can't I sleep? Damn Obama! TV shows are terrible. Damn Obama! My pants don't fit anymore. Damn Obama! 25 year old hotties think I'm a creepy old man. Damn Obama! What was your name again? Damn Obama! Steelers lost to Denver? Damn Obama! Romney is being challenged by Santorum? Damn Obama! My IRA has double digit growth! Thank you President Obama! I can still refi my mortgage. Thank you President Obama! Our young men and women are coming back from the Middle East. Thank you President Obama! Yea! My taxes are lower. Thank you President Obama! My insurance provider will not be able to dump me after sending them $12,000 per year for the past decade. Thank you President Obama!
madstork 3 months ago
-JimHeim -"madstork, well that Wall Street Journal article (biased as it is) sure explains the high cost of gas in Moore County. And here I thought it was agenda 21. Thanks for sharing."
Maybe not comrade heim, but as the details of this move become public, it will reveal the complete lack of understanding of global economics. A move like this just keeps assisting countries like China to continue to benefit from the US policy. Maybe we could have another state dinner for the communists who hold our debt, tax our imports (even though e don’t tax theirs), manipulate their currency to leverage the FX float…etc, etc etc.
Toda 3 months ago
Is research just for college students? Just throw anything out there and see what sticks! http://www.thepilot.com/weblogs/commi...
Perhaps before writing another piece of biased opinionated crap, the writer will take time to research at least one statement.
jimt 3 months ago
BigE, it's even worse than you imagine. I missed two putts inside of three feet yesterday, the wind was more than I'm used to, and my opponent made putts of 35 and 40 feet to defeat me on holes I was sure I'd win. Overall, cost me $3. I voted for O in 2008, never again!!!
BigE 3 months ago
Actually, taxing fuel is an excellent way to encourage a change in behavior that drives (yes, pun intended) innovation for alternative energy, reduces dependency on fossil fuel, and generates funds for much needed infrastructure projects. Win-win! Just sayin'.
JimHeim 3 months ago
madstork, I would love to hear how the twenty-year-old non-binding, voluntary protocol (Agenda 21) that encourages sustainable development and has so far in all that time cost the government exactly zero dollars will play into China's hands. Really?
As for the Communists who you think hold our debt, consider that those bonds are the result of a balance of trade problem. If you (yes, you!) quit buying cheap Chinese goods, that problem will go away. It's as simple as that
dustyrhoades 3 months ago
Maybe not comrade heim,
This is where I quit reading.
Of course, I probably should have just written madstork off after he obsessively posted AGENDA 21 over and over like a crazy person. But I'm just so forgiving.
nothingspecial 3 months ago
Big E, lets tax food more too so folks won't get fat, and baby supplies, etc. Lets create a board of folks to decide what things we don't want people to do anymore and start doing that thru taxes. Taxes are such a cure all for all those irritating problems. Let's also tax anyone who uses a four letter word, "darn Obama" included. The board hates it when folks say that.
BigE 3 months ago
NS, excellent point. We should tax carbs and make fat Americans pay more for their lack of self control. Damn, wish I had thought of that. Thanks!
Hembloche 3 months ago
Cmon now BigE, you know that people will just turn to the black market for their fix. Do you really want to empower the South American Twinkie cartels?
BigE 3 months ago
Hemi- Lobby harder, in other words, throw cash at me and I'll be sure to sneak an exception in there for Twinkies.
Hembloche 3 months ago
It's no use. The cupcake lobby is way to powerful. Now, if we can get the Moon Pie people on our side we might just have a fighting chance.
Thatcher 3 months ago
Rising gas prices threaten the economy by erasing Obama's $40 payroll tax cut. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrib4Q.... Not to worry about this, though.... http://www.usdebtclock.org/. All is well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDAmPI....
Thatcher 3 months ago
Hey YukonJohn! Let us know your arrival time! You asked what my favorite movie scene is? Easy... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bK-Dqj.... Pretty much explains Obama's economic plan!
nothingspecial 3 months ago
Thatcher that's a great movie scene! My personal favorite:
http://youtu.be/qViUeTiefok
Speaking of financial plans how about let's do the opposite of what our current president is doing because (coincidentally I'm sure) his deficit spending now has us with a higher per capita debt than Greece ($38,937 for Greeks and $44,215 for Americans). What a campaign platform that would be! No wait hold it, the president says that is being mean spirited and mercenary to bring up the truth, AKA his gas speech this week.
Thatcher 3 months ago
nothingspecial-- Great post! BTW, this is what happens in Greece when people learn their "free benefits" can't be paid anymore because there is no more money to "spread around." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17pFS3.... Of course, this will never happen here. The folks in Wisconsin can tell you that.
nothingspecial 3 months ago
How dare they deny Greeks all that free crap! On the topic of movies again Thatcher, I think the president and Greeks could learn from My Fat Greek Wedding. Try a little Windex on all this debt problem. Though of course it is less environmentally friendly than air in the tires, simply giving other people or the government your money when you have extra or too much (where maybe you're considered a Hoarder) and other genius advice.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2012/02/22/the_fairness_fraud_113204.html
JimHeim 3 months ago
As usual the discussion long ago strayed from the topic of the letter, but I still would like the conservative answer as to why, with US demand at low levels and the world supply of oil at the highest level ever recorded, gasoline prices are poised to spike about $5.00 a gallon this year.
My guess it that it isn't supply and demand. What say you?