China is not drilling anywhere in our hemisphere. They are, however, building a new refinery in China that's designed specifically to refine crude from Venezuela - apparently, this oil is more difficult to deal with than that from other countries. Chavez wants to have the Chinese as big customers so that he can leverage himself away from the USA being Venezuela's biggest oil customer. The news report I saw mentioned a capacity for this new refinery of 1,000,000 barrels a day.

Meanwhile, the high price of oil/transportation of goods is repatriating jobs into our economy - the goods that are cheap to make in China have become hugely expensive to ship here. Imagine, Americxans once again making real things that are widely purchased by other Americans!

Funny old world, ain't it?

Meanwhile, the high price of oil/transportation of goods is repatriating jobs into our economy - the goods that are cheap to make in China have become hugely expensive to ship here. Imagine, Americxans once again making real things that are widely purchased by other Americans!

Silver linings and all that I suppose.

I don't know what to say exactly. I think gas in this country was always too low, now that I look back on things. I'm not all that upset over the price now, but I know lots of people literally cannot afford it and I'm in a bind that way - I don't like to see people here hurting. But in the long run, I'm not convinced that high prices are really a bad thing because we've GOT to change. It's an awful quandary.

The point to me is that this should be news a story in the MSM itself. Except MSM doesn't do serious news, that's why these clowns get away with this crap. Serious journalists should be debunking this crap. It would make good TV at that. Get this guy on TV and ask him what he knows that nobody else doesn't. Where are these Chinese oil rigs, we'll get our news copter down there and Lou Dobbs or somebody can rail on whomever. Except of course there are no such rigs. Goode can humidda humidda is way out of it or whatever, it would make a great 60 minutes spot. I'm sure more people are aware of Lara Logan's affair than realize the Chinese drilling is a hoax.

I'm getting confused

Well no wonder - it is confusing. I can't keep the Axis of Evil scorecard straight anymore - Bush removed No. Korea and the whole thing is out of balance.

;)

Frankly I'm surprised there hasn't been more anti-Chinese rhetoric (from both sides) in the election cycle so far. It's an old theme of Presidential politics and both sides use it to excess. As for Chinese manufacturing jobs returning to the USA, no chance. I source manufactures from China and even with a tripling of containter shipping costs nearly all products are still infinitely cheaper to produce in China than here. And it's not all due to "slave" labor. In some instances (LCD screens, for ex.) China has the more advanced facilities.

I am sure the corporate media will be all over these lies in a very short while.

Jean Schmidt too. Why am I not surprised? And it says a lot about supporting voters in her district.

When Clinton was President and Gore was running against Bush, the Republicans were falling all over one another trashing Clinton & Gore over dealings with China. Then, with Republicans controlling the White House and Congress, the deals with China came fast and furious, including the sale of IBM's PC business to a Chinese (Lenovo) company, and not a peep was heard. Now, with Obama and the Democrats having the seeming upperhand in the Fall elections, here come the Chinese complaints from the Republicans again. Don't believe them, don't trust them, vote them out of office.

The best solution to gas prices is find a way to park the car.

I parked mine for the last time in March, 1996. I have never been late to any appointment. When I need a car, I rent one, about twice a year. Friends live vicariously through my (perceived) courage, and I have lifts a-plenty. Some even "feel sorry" for me, and these are the ones willing to drive me to Vegas!

Since 1996, I've saved $74,000 in payments, gas, insurance, and whatnot.

I've also lost about 40 lbs.

Trouble is, most of America is laid out for the car, not so much the pedestrian. But this is a challenge to be overcome, not an excuse for continued inaction. I live in LA, so I can get anywhere.

Worse, America institutionalizes an entitlement to drive, so it becomes that much harder to break the habit.

Many have already had to park their cars. As gas goes up, more and more of the middle class will be priced out of the gas economy, because all their other costs are going up, too.

Seriously, only park the car because you want to. It was not until I saw the car for the ball and chain that it is that I could walk way from it.

You won't miss it nearly as much as you think.

Pax,
M.

I fear right-wing southern republican crazy assholes infiltrating the American political system

Jean Schmidt is such a victim player.I saw a news clip where she said that she and her husband were asked by a young couple if they could give them money for gas.She didn`t say whether or not they gave them anything.All this sadness and pain just because the Democrats won`t support off-shore drilling and opening up ANWAR.
Maybe also a bit of Bush energy policy rubber-stamping by Jeannie Gym Suit?I am so glad I get to vote for Vic Wulsin.