"HK" wrote in message
. ..


CNN is reporting that a number of big producers have shut down a number of
their refineries because of "problems." The problems must be their feeling
they could scalp the public a bit more prior to the start of summer.

I almost hate to bring this up, but ....

I remember, maybe 15-20 years ago, economic experts saying that the USA was
going to face some significant changes in the future. Manufacturing would
decline, Al Gore talked about the "Information Highway", job growth would
be in the service sector and the USA's overall economic influence that
developed as a result of WWII would weaken as the world shifted to a global
economy. Weaker nations have become strong. Even Russia is a quickly
developing economic power. The Ruble and the Euro are getting stronger
against the dollar.

For years everyone acknowledged that Americans were getting cheap gas and
fuel compared to the rest of the world and we did. It was a perk we enjoyed
for having the world's most powerful and influential economy.

The playing field is much flatter now and will continue to equalize. Quite
frankly, 3 bucks a gallon for gas is *still* cheap.

I really don't think oil companies or politicians have much control over
this.

Eisboch