The American Man

The rest of the world often look to the United States of America in awe. after all, it is the land of the free, the home of the brave and the essence of the "American Dream"... or is it?

Oil price hikes are not uncommon. Flashback: in 1980 it went up record levels, adjusted to inflation it would probably be at around $102.53 a barrel. At present: on Jan 2nd it crept past the $100 mark, hovering at around $100 ever since. and it hit an all time record of $103.05 last friday.

For the largest carbon emitter in the world, this should have some if not major impact on their lives, since it would mean the prospect of $4-a-gallon gasoline. Thanks to the geniuses of the American motor industry, for owners of the average American family cars like the Dodge Durango SUV (voted one of The Worst American Cars 2006 by Forbes, and does 12 miles to the gallon which is the same as a Lamborghini Murcielago fyi), it would be hell expensive to drive at the moment. just imagine: a typical 25-mile school run would turn into a $16 affair daily, which translates to about $80 a week. Yikes!


And what is the president of the US of A doing about it? the following excerpt should shed some much needed light on the status quo:

Peter Maer of CBS News Radio asked: "What's your advice to the average American who is hurting now, facing the prospect of $4-a-gallon gasoline, a lot of people facing ... "

"Wait, what did you just say?" the president interrupted. "You're predicting $4-a-gallon gasoline?"

Maer responded: "A number of analysts are predicting $4-a-gallon gasoline."

Bush's rejoinder: "Oh, yeah? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that."

Read More: $4-a-gallon gas? Predictions surprise Bush

Hadn't heard? I wonder whose tune Mr. Bush has been listening to. Wait a minute, does it mean THIS is what he has been like for the past 8 years?

Maybe it's about time that all Americans take a moment and re-evaluate their positions, perhaps seriously taking a cue from their infamous national anthem - The Star-Spangled Banner, once a symbol of hope and freedom.

The last stanza reads in particular "...And this be our motto: In God is our trust." Indeed, it sure does seem like God is the only bloke whom they should put their faith in at the moment.


Edit: seems like i'm a bit outdated. Oil prices have climbed to a staggering $104 a barrel on wednesday. ouch!