First of all, putting the government in charge of oil production would be just dandy.
After all, our federal government has proven itself time and again to be efficient, fair, and above corruption. Hasn't it?
Next, our gas prices are not that bad. In 1923, the gas prices (if you adjust for inflation) were $3.11 a gallon.
Yes, there has been a recent spike in gas prices. But we have been so spoiled by cheap gas for so long that we are calling these prices outrageous.
As far as the oil companies having high profits, that is a function of two things. First the cost of a barrel of crude oil has jumped. And secondly, our consumption has continued to grow, despite high prices. When the news reports a 2% reduction, they are reporting a 2% reduction is the growth of our consuption. When you drive down the interstate, do you see more small efficient cars or more big SUVs? In rush hour traffic, do you see lots of people in one car? Or do you see more cars with a single person in it?
And to whoever talked about corporations or businesses paying taxes, they don't. Only consumers pay taxes. If the government increases taxes on a business, they are actually taxing the people who buy the product or services. The business includes taxes as the cost of doing business and sets their prices accordingly.
