Travelin’ down ‘a long and winding road, that leads ….’
According to John Lennon, his bandmate Paul McCartney wrote this song “back in the Cavern days” in Liverpool, which would put McCartney at about 20 years of age.
Today, the 69-year-old McCartney is looking at 64 from the opposite end of the time scale, peering back at it instead of forward to it. When he performs it today, an already wistful little ditty no doubt takes on an even more sepia tone.
But why, you may ask, did I choose to post this now? Well, 33 years ago today, my bride and I said our “I do”s, and the passage of time does make you think a little differently about such things.
Happy Anniversary, Babe.
“Will you still need me, will you still feed me,
When I’m sixty-four?”
– Jay Bookman
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800 comments Add your comment
Recon 0311 2533
February 26th, 2012
7:28 pm
Santorum,
Has derailed his momentum by hanging on to social issues and failing to address economic and foreign policy issues. He is now just a past tense flavor of the week and Romney will be the Republican ball carrier into November.
Jm
February 26th, 2012
7:28 pm
Bman, I’m with you, I’m ready for Romney
josef
February 26th, 2012
7:29 pm
SOOTH
I’m not about to express any certainty on anything dealing with the Byzantine world of the ME. However, it doesn’t matter how many buds you’ve got abroad (even if the last remaining ones are Iran, China and Russia), when the entire population goes into revolt, the only way out is to kill ‘em all and while I’ve no doubt Assad would do that, the logistics are against it…too many bodies to dispose of…
Brosephus™
February 26th, 2012
7:34 pm
jm: Three little letters: SPR (look them up if you need to)
And what will releasing oil from there do longterm? Releasing oil from there will temporarily drop oil prices. As long as Iran’s acting as crazy as you, oil prices ain’t changing. Has any release from those reserves had a long term effect on the price of oil? $3.65 gas is not a national emergency. $4 gas is not a national emergency. If there were something that caused a severe disruption in the flow of oil, then release from the SPR would be a solution. There is no huge shortage of oil on the market. The price is going up because of speculation that there will be big shortages.
I wish you would quit trying to make me seem dumb when you’re only showing that you don’t know what you think you know. You should feel embarassed that an immigration officer has to sit down and explain market forces to you. I know I’d be embarassed if I were in your shoes.
josef
February 26th, 2012
7:34 pm
jm
Like I said, my jury is still out on the charter schools, but it is the only path available as things now stand, to bring the school back under command and control of the principal. As we in Atlanta are painfully aware, the elected schoolboard can’t be trusted, but at least if we did come to the local schoolboard as the place the buck stops, the locals would be getting what they deserve…
Soothsayer
February 26th, 2012
7:38 pm
The western media demonizes those at whom Washington points a finger. The lies pour forth to justify Washington’s naked aggression: the Taliban are conflated with al Qaeda, Saddam Hussein has weapons of mass destruction, Gaddafi is a terrorist and, even worse, fortified his troops with Viagra in order to commit mass rape against Libyan women.
President Obama and members of Congress along with Tel Aviv continue to assert that Iran is making a nuclear weapon despite public contradiction by the US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and the CIA’s National Intelligence Estimate. According to news reports, Pentagon chief Leon Panetta told members of the House of Representatives on February 16 that “Tehran has not made a decision to proceed with developing a nuclear weapon.” However, in Washington facts don’t count. Only the material interests of powerful interest groups matter.
At the moment the American Ministry of Truth is splitting its time between lying about Iran and lying about Syria. Recently, there were some explosions in far away Thailand, and the explosions were blamed on Iran. Last October the FBI announced that the bureau had uncovered an Iranian plot to pay a used car salesman to hire a Mexican drug gang to kill the Saudi Ambassador to the US. The White House idiot professed to believe the unbelievable plot and declared that he had “strong evidence,” but no evidence was ever released. The purpose for announcing the non-existent plot was to justify Obama’s sanctions, which amount to an embargo–an act of war–against Iran for developing nuclear energy.
As a signatory to the non-proliferation treaty, Iran has the right to develop nuclear energy. IAEA inspectors are permanently in Iran and report no diversion of nuclear material to a weapons program.
In other words, according to the reports of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the US National Intelligence Estimate, and the current Secretary of Defense, there is no evidence that Iran has nukes or is making nukes. Yet, Obama has placed illegal sanctions on Iran and continues to threaten Iran with military attack on the basis of an accusation that is contradicted by all known evidence.
How can such a thing happen? It can happen because there is no Helen Thomas, who also was eliminated by the Israel Lobby, to question, as a member of the White House press, President Obama why he placed war-like sanctions on Iran when his own CIA and his own Secretary of Defense, along with the IAEA, report that there is no basis for the sanctions.
I hope every single one of you enjoys World War III and that your children will have to leave their nice, comfortable dorm rooms to go fight for a war of hegemony.
You stupid, ignorant, gullible imbeciles. You deserve what you get!
Jm
February 26th, 2012
7:39 pm
Josef, I think we agree we need better empowered, better educated, and more talented principals
One can only hope that comes to fruition in some way shape or form
The wheels of government turn so slowly though…..
bman
February 26th, 2012
7:39 pm
Bro .. .. I didn’t know you were an immigration officer. I thought you protected from bad guys who try to fly the friendly skies?
Jm
February 26th, 2012
7:42 pm
Bro you asked what the president “can” do. I answered. Yes, it has only a short term impact and I’m not in favor of it excepting a real national emergency. But it something Obama can do, and has done previously.
You were hollering that there’s nothing the president can do, like he’s just some leaf in the wind. That’s just not true. Except our president is adrift…..
josef
February 26th, 2012
7:44 pm
SOOTH
Iran has shot its wad. Like Syria, it will most likely collapse from within. China and Russia have already seen that they’ve backed the wrong horse and are now looking for a face-saving way out.
Doggone/Ga
February 26th, 2012
7:46 pm
“f there were something that caused a severe disruption in the flow of oil, then release from the SPR would be a solution. ”
It wouldn’t really be a solution. All it would do, at best, is postpone the inevitable for short time. But the inevitable will still happen. The SPR doesn’t hold much oil in terms of our daily rate of usage, let alone something like our annual rate.
josef
February 26th, 2012
7:47 pm
I’m no big fan of Obama (Bush Lite), didn’t vote for him last go ’round and if I do mark the ballot by his name this go round it won’t be “for” him, but out of fear for what may be running against him. That said, he’s not done an altogether bad job considering what he’s been up against.
Jm
February 26th, 2012
7:50 pm
Doggone
The SPR isn’t meant to keep prices low in the long run, even though Dems are begging Obama to release the SPR to help their re election chances
The SPR is there to ensure oil is AVAILABLE in the event of disruption
bman
February 26th, 2012
7:50 pm
I think it’s great to explore alternatives for oil. However, every few years I hear the same reason why we shouldn’t drill here or there. It’s always “it will be years before the oil is actually on the market”.
Welcome to years later.
Soothsayer
February 26th, 2012
7:51 pm
I feel like we (the United States) are the unwitting Lennie and Israel is George in Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. We (the United States) like to “pet” things, but unintentionally kill them. Lennie has a mild mental disability, and is deeply devoted to George and [is] dependent upon him for protection and guidance. George complains loudly that his life would be easier without having to care for Lennie, but the reader senses that their friendship and devotion is mutual. Does any of this sound familiar to you?
Soothsayer
February 26th, 2012
7:54 pm
“Iran has shot its wad. Like Syria, it will most likely collapse from within. China and Russia have already seen that they’ve backed the wrong horse and are now looking for a face-saving way out.”
You keep believing that, OK?
Recon 0311 2533
February 26th, 2012
7:54 pm
The left likes to blame oil industry speculators. How about if Obama came on national/world wide news and said that the United States because of this gasoline price crises is now going to open up Anwar in Alaska along with other federal government controlled land to exploration and drilling as well as approving the Canadian Keystone pipeline. The time has come for America to exploit all of its energy production resources to become independent from all foreign sources outside of North America. Which direction will the speculators turn and how might that influence the price of oil?
Jm
February 26th, 2012
7:55 pm
Sooth don’t try to over apply analogies
josef
February 26th, 2012
7:58 pm
Literary analogies? The Mouse that Roared
josef
February 26th, 2012
8:01 pm
SOOTH
In the Macciavellian scheme of things, what do China and Russia stand to gain? Proxy politicking and propaganda are one thing, all out bang, bang shoot ‘em up is another and not in their best interests.
bman
February 26th, 2012
8:02 pm
“The time has come for America to exploit all of its energy production resources to become independent from all foreign sources outside of North America.”
If Obama said this tomorrow, the price would fall like a rock. Like the stocks of companies, oil is traded (as we can clearly see) and priced for what “speculators” believe it will be worth.
Soothsayer
February 26th, 2012
8:02 pm
What the Ministry of Truth calls “peaceful protesters brutalized by Assad’s military” are in fact rebels armed and financed by Washington. Washington has fomented a civil war. Washington claims its intention is to rescue the oppressed and abused Syrian people from Assad, just as Washington rescued the oppressed and abused Libyan people from Gaddafi. Today “liberated” Libya is a shell of its former self terrorized by clashing militias. Thanks to Obama, another country has been destroyed.
Washington set its puppet Arab League upon Syria in order to establish Syria’s isolation among its own kind, the better to attack Syria. Assad forestalled Washington’s set-up of Syria for destruction by calling a nationwide referendum on February 26 to establish a new constitution that would extend the prospect of rule beyond the Ba’athists (Assad’s party).
One might think that, if Washington and its Ministry of Truth really wanted democracy in Syria, Washington would get behind this gesture of good will by the ruling party and endorse the referendum. But Washington does not want a democratic Syrian government. Washington wants a puppet state. Washington’s response is that the dastardly Assad has outwitted Washington by taking steps toward Syrian democracy before Washington can obliterate Syria and install a puppet.
Obama, the neoconservatives, and Tel Aviv are really pissed. If Washington and Tel Aviv can figure out how to get around Russia and China and overthrow Assad, Washington and Tel Aviv will put Assad on trial as a war criminal for proposing a democratic referendum.
Recon 0311 2533
February 26th, 2012
8:03 pm
bman, Amen.
Soothsayer
February 26th, 2012
8:09 pm
“what do China and Russia stand to gain?”
Iran has the second largest oil reserves (second only to Saudi Arabia) in the World. And, many Caspian Sea oil pipelines pass through Iran to the Persian Gulf and Russia.
Soothsayer
February 26th, 2012
8:12 pm
I wonder how many of you can remember the puppet government that the then Soviet Union set up in Afghanistan when they invaded that country? Can you remember what you thought about that government? Did you think that they had the country’s best interests at heart or the Soviet Union’s?
Oh! but wait! We’re the “good guys,” right?
josef
February 26th, 2012
8:12 pm
SOOTH
With Iran’s current regime in eclipse, why would Russia and China risk all out war for that access. All they have to do is wait for a regime change…
Soothsayer
February 26th, 2012
8:15 pm
josef: I haven’t seen or read anything that suggests that Iran’s government is in decline. Quite the opposite.
They BOTH suck
February 26th, 2012
8:18 pm
“If Obama said this tomorrow, the price would fall like a rock.”
1. Is this based on some assumption that oil is just in a pool for us to extract and have on the market tomorrow?
2. If the US could produce enough oil in the short term to impact price, who really thinks OPEC, Russia, Mexico, Brazil and Canada and will not slow their own production to influence the price? Because they like us? Really?
josef
February 26th, 2012
8:21 pm
SOOTH
I’d say the 2009 revolt would suggest that…the forces of change might have gone underground, but they didn’t go away…the winds of change are blowing that way…you can repress and repress, but the longer and the harder you do, the greater the reaction when it comes…
getalife
February 26th, 2012
8:22 pm
del,
You should listen to our President so you would have a clue.
Dow is at 13,000 and record profits are flowing for the ones you bow down for.
It’s all good.
Sock Puppet
February 26th, 2012
8:23 pm
Puppet governments are fun to play with.
St Simons - we're on Island time
February 26th, 2012
8:23 pm
just like Time was not on the side of the neanderthals 12,000 yrs ago
it is not on the side of the neanderthals now, here or there.
They BOTH suck
February 26th, 2012
8:25 pm
josef
I think you are correct or pretty close in regards to China and Russia………. I believe they are already working back door channels with the US and UK to insure that they will not lose much if any of their contracts with Syria……… Both do plenty of business………. They get assurances, they will both step aside unlike they have so far in terms of the UN
My analysis is simple compared to the myriad of issues and complications, but to your point, Russia and China are not going to intercede to do much for Syria
bman
February 26th, 2012
8:26 pm
“1. Is this based on some assumption that oil is just in a pool for us to extract and have on the market tomorrow?
It wouldn’t matter if it were years before it hit the market. It would have the same effect as Apple if they were to announce new styling and more innovative options for their new iphone that would be released – not tomorrow, but by 2013. The price of oil would fall.
“2. If the US could produce enough oil in the short term to impact price, who really thinks OPEC, Russia, Mexico, Brazil and Canada and will not slow their own production to influence the price? Because they like us? Really?”
They like our $ lol .. .. But again, I was specific about long-term as far as the oil itself being available on the market. In the short term, the price would fall. It would have to ..
Jm
February 26th, 2012
8:26 pm
BOTH is intuiting some game theory
Some sound postulations there BOTH
Recon 0311 2533
February 26th, 2012
8:27 pm
TheyBOTHsuck, When gasoline prices were skyrocketing toward four bucks a gallon on Bush’s watch he announced accelerated exploration and issued numerous drilling permits on federal land as well as off shore that caused a significant drop in fuel prices. When Obama took office the price per gallon of gasoline’s national average was $1.83 per gallon.
Jm
February 26th, 2012
8:28 pm
St Simons
There are these people called Visigoths, and Huns…..
Civilization has to fight back constantly or it will collapse.
Jm
February 26th, 2012
8:31 pm
Both
Where you go astray is its not just about the price of oil
It’s more about the “balance of payments”
Google it
Recon 0311 2533
February 26th, 2012
8:33 pm
“Russia and China are not going to intercede to do much for Syria”
but Iran will and Russia along with China will be background partners as they have been. War with Iran is inevitable the question is will it become a world war that includes Russia and China.
Soothsayer
February 26th, 2012
8:34 pm
This is a digest of the multi-dimensional and multi-track strategy that is in place, and is being pursued simultaneously in a coordinated manner, by The Executive Branch, Defense Department, State Department, and all intelligence agencies.
1. Preparing the public
Our media and public diplomacy campaign is working. The public can be conditioned into supporting us. The Pew Center has released a study showing, “The public (now) supports tough measures – including the possible use of military force – to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Nearly six-in-ten (58%) say it is more important to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, even if it means taking military action. Just 30% say it is more important to avoid a military conflict with Iran, even if it means that country develops nuclear weapons. These opinions are little changed from October 2009.
Israel is working with us in this effort, although. Like, in the laws governing the “SUPER PACS,” we can’t be seen to be “coordinating” with each other.
The Israel Lobby has been pushing for a tougher stand against Syria and Iran, as are the NeoCon “intellectuals” and even, increasingly, “liberal” hawks who support humanitarian intervention.
“What is surprising, though, is that despite the disaster of Iraq, looming withdrawal in what will amount to defeat in Afghanistan, and, to put it charitably, the ambiguous result of the U.N.-sanctioned, NATO-led, and Qatari-financed intervention that brought down Muammar al-Qaddafi’s regime, is how nearly complete the consensus for strong action has been even among less hawkish liberals, whether what is done takes the form of the United States and its NATO allies arming the Free Syrian Army, opening so-called humanitarian corridors, or encouraging Turkey and a coalition of the willing within the Arab League to do so.”
2. Preparing the Battlefield
Efforts are underway to prepare the military for a future campaign. The 5th Fleet, based in Bahrain, has already expanded its presence near the Straits of Hormuz. Troops are carrying our exercises on Islands off the coast of Yemen, near Iran. While the Iranians did capture one of our drones, our satellite surveillance is being strengthened.
“The Obama administration has relied ever more heavily on these elite military units, which have become what amounts to a secret army under the command of the US president and accountable to no one. JSOC, like the CIA, has been empowered to draw up kill lists of alleged terrorists and launch assassination missions. …
The increasing reliance on such methods has been facilitated by the embrace of militarism and imperialism by a layer of the affluent upper-middle class that previously was identified with anti-war sentiments.
3. Preparing the World
Tim Geithner and Secretary Clinton have been criscrossing the globe winning support for Anti-Iranian policies. They have got the whole world scared and uncertain, in part, by selectively leaking information that feeds fear, and reinforces the sense that “we have to do something!”
Russia and China remain a problem. They are worried about “regime change.” Note, like in Libya, we never use that term although that was the result of our support for a “humanitarian intervention.”
War may still be averted but the danger of war will dominate the news for the months to come, setting up a psychological background to the election campaign and likely convincing the public that they would be best served by keeping your Administration in office.
They BOTH suck
February 26th, 2012
8:36 pm
Recon @ 8:27
Good point however that is not taken into account the increase in demand both both China and India from that time until now………. Their economies while being hit by the global recession, are growing by leaps and bounds and as we know that takes fuel……….. and with those countries’ standards (or lack of) for the environment, etc………. They are taking whatever they can get to feed the fire
For the first time in numerous yrs the US is a NET exporter of oil and oil products. There isn’t any effort to keep all the US oil in the US. I’m not blaming the oil companies, but the FACTS are what they are…….. They can’t sell it overseas fast enough to help meet global demand even with a decrease here in the US.
A threat of closing the straight of Hormuz, an announcement by OPEC, the US, etc sure it can impact prices in the short term, but global demand and of course speculators will drive prices more than anything………
Beyond my pay grade and brainpower, however I wish I knew the true numbers behind speculation and how much it impacts the market
They BOTH suck
February 26th, 2012
8:39 pm
Jm
OPEC and these other countries are not going to allow over the long term the market to be flooded with oil without decreasing production……
We will just have to agree to disagree on this issue…..
I certainly do not have all the answers…….. It is not just in “green energy” nor just drill, drill, drill and the problem goes away……. It is somewhere in between. Exactly where is beyond me to be totally honest
getalife
February 26th, 2012
8:39 pm
I see the cons have collective amnesia about Iraq too.
There will be no war with Iran so they should stop warmongering and the price will drop.
Big oil pays corrupt congress millions to get their record profits.
It is not Iran’s fault.
That is your fault.
They BOTH suck
February 26th, 2012
8:40 pm
Recon
I speaking more in terms of Syria…….. I do believe that depending on how Syria continues to play out, Russia and China will let them go……..
Iran…………….. that is probably another story
Soothsayer
February 26th, 2012
8:41 pm
Well, I have to leave. Here’s a beautiful song (don’t worry, it’s not religious) by “my girl.” Longtime posters know who I’m talking about.
Recon 0311 2533
February 26th, 2012
8:46 pm
They Both suck,
My point is that the administrations position is that nothing can be done, while the previous administration did act and that action produced a positive result. It calls into question Obama’s posture of live with it because we can’t do anything, so let me invest more tax payer dollars in green energy. Nothing wrong with alternative energy but it will take the private sectors investment. Injecting government into the equation only produces Solyndra’s and nothing of greater substance.
getalife
February 26th, 2012
8:50 pm
“Injecting government into the equation only produces Solyndra’s and nothing of greater substance.”
Sure if you ignore the Internet revolution, the lobbying industry and the space race.
You seem to forget like an elephant del.
They BOTH suck
February 26th, 2012
8:51 pm
Recon
As I mentioned the answer is somewhere in between the all out green and all out drill, drill, drill……..
Where…… is beyond me…….
I’m not saying nor advocating that Obama has done everything right in terms of “energy” policy…… but saying it is all his fault is like the left blaming all the issues related to the economy on Bush……. It doesn’t fly either way
Recon 0311 2533
February 26th, 2012
8:53 pm
getalife, yes…thank you for reminding me Al Gore did invent the internet. Didn’t he?
Recon 0311 2533
February 26th, 2012
8:55 pm
“It doesn’t fly either way”
They BOTH suck, agreed.
They BOTH suck
February 26th, 2012
8:55 pm
Everyone
Have a great night and awesome start to your week………… I’m going to read before I turn it in.
Recon: chk out Frederick Forsyth. Great reading that I think you might enjoy. CIA, MI6, Mossad espionage stuff
Thulsa Doom
February 26th, 2012
8:58 pm
One thing about gas prices that’s for certain. Rightly or wrongly as gas prices climb Obama is going to get the blame, the anger, and the asskicking at the ballot box the higher and higher gas prices go.
They BOTH suck
February 26th, 2012
8:59 pm
TD @ 5:58
That is a BIG 10-4
Have a great night
getalife
February 26th, 2012
9:02 pm
Our President is drilling more than ever, investing in green energy, two new nuke plants and used the reserves.
There is nothing left except to approve the pipeline which he will.
del,
Gore did help invent the internet because it started with a government project.
They BOTH suck
February 26th, 2012
9:04 pm
meant 8:58
Tired
Peace
Jm
February 26th, 2012
9:10 pm
“Our President is drilling more than ever”
Lie
More permits denied than ever under O
Let’s attempt to stick to facts even if that isn’t your forte get
Paddy O
February 26th, 2012
9:12 pm
For those contemplating the crediblity of jm’s statements, it is now 40 years, and most folks still listen to the Beatles. The Beatles are the Sinatra of their time, and they substantially altered music for 3 generations. Sadly, distorted Rock is now aimed at 12 year old girls, whose parents feel guilty about not raising them,and blow money to compensate for that guilt. Also, technology, just as it is putting magaizines & newspapers out of business, put a whole lot of folks OUT of the recording industry, and created faux talent – ala the Black Eyed Peas (can’t sing worth much) and Brittany Spears.
getalife
February 26th, 2012
9:13 pm
jm,
willard is getting ripped by his own wife so I know you are upset.
We are drilling more than ever and that is a fact.
You are never right so you are consistent.
Paddy O
February 26th, 2012
9:15 pm
The availablity of oil is NOT the problem – the problem is the manipulation of the market, primarily by Goldman Sachs. The price should be under $2.00 per gallon, once demand is factored in. The demand in China as competition might add 50 cents to the cost – guess why there is such demand in China? Bill Clinton & providing permanent MFN status to China, despite is existence as a communist nation with little civil rights, labor laws or environmental regs – gives them a tremendous comparative advantage over uber regulated US, with many enviro laws mis-applied, and having dubious benefit. Ecology recovers quickly – look at the aftermath of Mt. St Helens.
Paddy O
February 26th, 2012
9:17 pm
Why should the female gender not pay a copay for prescriptions they take to control ovulation? Are women really to stupid or cheap to contrive a way to provide that for themself? Have they replaced the gov’t for a providing husband? Essentially, all those who DO NOT USE contraception are paying for the provision – is that fair?
Jm
February 26th, 2012
9:17 pm
“distorted Rock is now aimed at 12 year old girls”
Someone has forgotten that the Beatles were the pop band of their age and mobbed by throngs of girls
Doggone/Ga
February 26th, 2012
9:18 pm
“For those contemplating the crediblity of jm’s statements”
Trust me on this…we DON’T bother to contemplate his “credibility”
Jm
February 26th, 2012
9:21 pm
“he price should be under $2.00 per gallon, once demand is factored in. The demand in China as competition might add 50 cents to the cost ”
Paddy O looks ridiculous
He’s just floundering and making up garbage about the fundamental price of oil
Even though he’s never heard of “price discovery”
Recon 0311 2533
February 26th, 2012
9:22 pm
getalife, get informed…the bulk of drilling permits underway on federal land was issued on GWB’s watch. The private land drilling that has picked up considerably on Obama’s watch is mostly in North Dakota where the fed’s have no control. The fact is that Obama has not increased exploration and drilling since he took office. He’s trying to play it both ways to appease his base, while attempting to BS Independents and moderates into believing he’s increased exploration and drilling.
Paddy O
February 26th, 2012
9:23 pm
Speaking of taxes – why should anyone over the age of 18 NOT pay income tax? Also, should not the first order of business be to terminate earned income credit? Fair income tax:
- all adults (over 18) must pay 2.5% of their gross income (from all sources – wages, capital gains, child support/alimony, dividends, etc ) as income tax. Only inheritance would be exempt.
however, they will receive the following deductions:
adult standard deduction: $25,000 per adult
child standard deduction: $8,000 per child
standard exemption: 10% of income
This would provide adequate deductions for wealthy & poor.
all citizens would then pay 17% of their income to the federal gov’t. If 18, and make only $8000, would pay $200 in income tax.
all are treated fairly, all bear the burden of funding the gov’t.
Paddy O
February 26th, 2012
9:24 pm
jm – prior to bush adopting TARP, and AIG appearing to NOT be able to meet its obligations to Goldman Sachs (thus making Goldman lack liquidity) – the price of gas did what? (As Goldman Sachs was forced to leave the futures market for oil) Do you remember the price of gas in GA during this time frame?
Paddy O
February 26th, 2012
9:26 pm
The screaming idiot girls is what forced the Beatles to stop touring. However, those girls were much closer to the age of 18.
Paddy O
February 26th, 2012
9:29 pm
What do you think happened to all those traders who participated in Enrons market manipulation of electricity on the national grid? Were they all banned permanently from trading futures? Or, just move over to another field? Also, another key is the merging of the Seven Sisters, to create mega oil companies, and thus further reduce the limited competition which occurs in the highly vertically integrated oil to gas delivery industry. Loss of competition leads to higher prices generally. Also, Exxon is well established as a driller & a retailer. Do they NOT own a single refinery?
Jm
February 26th, 2012
9:31 pm
Paddy O
Why don’t you first start by explaining your ridiculous forgetfulness about the Beatles.
Then we can tackle more complex things like why oil prices collapsed during a liquidity crunch and recession that would naturally reduce consumption of a product with an in elastic supply curve
getalife
February 26th, 2012
9:32 pm
Yeah del,
No drilling in the Grand Canyon on Federal land but big oil is making record profits from their “donations”.
Fact.
You can’t beat him so stop trying.
Stressing yourself out and losing is no way to live.
Unhealthy.
Jm
February 26th, 2012
9:39 pm
Paddy O can’t take the heat
Poof
Recon 0311 2533
February 26th, 2012
9:39 pm
“You can’t beat him so stop trying.”
Don’t have to try he’s beating himself by not producing.
“Stressing yourself out and losing is no way to live.”
No stress and no loss here. Sadly it doesn’t appear you can say the same.
Unhealthy…yes it is, so take better care of yourself by finding other interests beyond the blog.
Jm
February 26th, 2012
9:40 pm
Getalife loses again
Recon wins. Good job recon
Brosephus™
February 26th, 2012
9:41 pm
bman
I spent 2.5 years with TSA before going over to CBP. In the 7 years I’ve been with the feds, I’ve done quite a bit to keep us safe. I can’t tell everything, but I have seen quite a bit of everything in this country. But, yeah, I work daily to keep us and the friendly skies safe.
————————–
jm
Short term would not solve any problems. That’s why I say the president can’t do anything. Even if your boy Romney was the one in charge, he’d have the same impotence when it comes to gas prices. If the government is not going to nationalize the industry, we’re riding the market just like the rest of the world.
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When gasoline prices were skyrocketing toward four bucks a gallon on Bush’s watch he announced accelerated exploration and issued numerous drilling permits on federal land as well as off shore that caused a significant drop in fuel prices. When Obama took office the price per gallon of gasoline’s national average was $1.83 per gallon.
If Obama nationalized the industry and oil companies could no longer export their “surplus”, oil would probably drop down to $1.25 or maybe even lower. Has anybody looked at the sheer volume of gas that was exported last year? Imagine what that supply would do to prices here at home?
The thing is, gas is volatile, and it can not be stored for long periods of time. When our demand dropped like a rock, the companies couldn’t sit on that surplus until demand picked up again because they could not store it. Once they realized the profit potential from exports, it’s been game on ever since. Go back and look at how quickly gas and fuel exports have skyrocketed for the US. It’s not because of some invisible hand, I can tell you that much.
getalife
February 26th, 2012
9:43 pm
It is like shooting fish in a barrel del so no stress here.
All I have to post is the truth.
Easy victory is mine.
Recon 0311 2533
February 26th, 2012
9:47 pm
“Once they realized the profit potential from exports, it’s been game on ever since. Go back and look at how quickly gas and fuel exports have skyrocketed for the US. It’s not because of some invisible hand, I can tell you that much.”
Still doesn’t explain nor defend Obama’s inaction and false claim that there’s been more domestic drilling on his watch. Sounded good though.
Recon 0311 2533
February 26th, 2012
9:50 pm
“Easy victory is mine.”
Get, as they say life is built on dreams, so enjoy your dreams. Enjoy your evening.
getalife
February 26th, 2012
9:50 pm
del,
Your ideology blinds you from the facts.
He is positioned well on all policies except for unemployment and that is dropping.
Admit defeat.
Jm
February 26th, 2012
9:51 pm
Bro
Yes, the market dictates prices. But supply constraints exacerbate the problem.
I’m in favor of an “all of the above” approach. With heavy concentration on nuclear and natural gas for now, but not being muddle headed on oil.
Recon 0311 2533
February 26th, 2012
9:52 pm
Okay folks it’s time to saddle up. Enjoy…Taps.
Paddy O
February 26th, 2012
9:53 pm
jm – You deftly fail to answer questions which essentially terminate your positions. What happened to the price of gas when the market manipulating Goldman Sachs left the market? You also seem to be blind to the difference between older teen girls and market focus of today’s Bieber pop music. Your premise regarding the Beatles indicates you know more jargon than theory.
Paddy O
February 26th, 2012
9:56 pm
If the market was genuinely operating freely, the price would be lower. Also, why do the previous 7 sisters need a market? They are vertically integrated, so market is not necessary, as opposed to food operations.
Jm
February 26th, 2012
9:57 pm
Toodles
Paddy O u r loco
Paddy O
February 26th, 2012
10:21 pm
jm- I think that is one opinion we share of each other – have a great day!
Tundra Dude
February 26th, 2012
10:25 pm
Brosephus wrote, in part:
That’s why I say the president can’t do anything.
I guess you mean he *won’t* do anything
Speculators Drive Pain at the Gas Pump
Earl Ofari Hutchinson HuffingtonPost.com
(snipped)
In June 2008, then Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama slammed oil speculation and pledged to close the loophole that allow oil futures to be traded in unregulated markets. About one-third of all U.S. oil futures trading are unregulated.
Obama also called for legislation to give the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice full power to investigate price manipulation in the oil market, and to boost the regulatory power of the CFTC over oil futures trading. That hasn’t happened.
==========================
http://blog.yardeni.com/2012/02/gasoline.html
(snipped)
The latest Commitments of Traders report compiled by the CFTC shows that large speculators and small traders were net long a record 101,926 contracts on February 14. Each contract is for 42,000 US gallons, or 1,000 barrels, of gasoline. During the week of February 10, gasoline inventories in the US stood at 232 million barrels.
**In other words, speculators and traders, in effect, held a record 43.8% of US inventories.**
They must be betting that the confrontation with Iran will worsen, pushing gasoline prices still higher. They certainly can’t be betting on strong US demand for gasoline. Over the past 52 weeks, gasoline usage fell to 8.88 million barrels per day, the lowest since November 28, 2003. Americans are driving less and driving in more fuel efficient vehicles.
Fred ™
February 26th, 2012
11:22 pm
Soothsayer
February 26th, 2012
6:18 pm
Yesterday (the 26th) was his 85th birthday.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thanks Sooth. That was very uplifting. I really appreciate it. I saved it to favorites. I wanted to send back ‘The Old Ship Of Zion” to you, but I couldn’t find a youtube verson I thought was worth a crap. No one I have ever heard can do the Tenor like that heathen baptist ass, Glen Weaver. This dude is(was) awesome.
Brosephus™ - Browning America Since 1973
February 26th, 2012
11:33 pm
Recon
More drilling increases the supply. If the supply is higher than the demand, that increases the amount a available for export. Our exports have been on the rise since the recession caused demand here to drop. That doesn’t necessarily show an increase in domestic drilling, but that does mean we have had a surplus in oil.
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Tundra Dude
In my opinion, Obama was wrong then and you’re wrong now if you think legislation here in the US will have any effect on oil speculation. Years ago, that would be possible. Now, oil is traded worldwide in countless markets. Any legislation here would only make traders seek other markets. These things are global now. We’re not just playing the game alone anymore.
Paddy O
February 27th, 2012
12:04 am
You could simply legislate that 100% of oil drilled on federal land (off shore, Alaska) be mandated to stay in the US domestic market – that way increasing drilling should increase domestic supply and lower the price. My understanding of the spec market, much is done on margin. You increase the amount of necessary margin, it decreases the players and lowers the volatility.
Paddy O
February 27th, 2012
12:05 am
But, the question remains: Why does a vertically integrated industry need futures trading? To allow Wall Street access to the revenue?
Paddy O
February 27th, 2012
12:06 am
If so, then Wall Street is as parasitic as the unions.
stands for decibels
February 27th, 2012
5:49 am
The screaming idiot girls is what forced the Beatles to stop touring.
They weren’t forced to, they just didn’t *have* to, so they stopped.
(As did the Stones and Dylan the same year, actually).
stands for decibels
February 27th, 2012
5:51 am
They must be betting that the confrontation with Iran will worsen, pushing gasoline prices still higher.
And they’ve got their shills beating the drums of war on my TeeVee and Intertubes every frickin’ day.
And I say to myself, what a wonderful world!
Normal
February 27th, 2012
6:20 am
Good morning Stands,
Yes, a wonderful world indeed.
Normal
February 27th, 2012
6:24 am
http://news.icanhascheezburger.com/2012/02/24/political-pictures-memes-push-it-somewhere-else-santorum/
Normal
February 27th, 2012
6:26 am
Everybody….
http://icanhascheezburger.com/2012/02/27/funny-animal-captions-meditation-leumr/
Normal
February 27th, 2012
6:31 am
Too damn cute…
http://icanhascheezburger.com/2012/02/26/funny-pictures-cute-kitten-asleep-in-plant-pot/
Mick
February 27th, 2012
7:24 am
Good morning all! Today is my birthday, reminds me of a line in a neil young song, “24 and there’s so much more”, now it’s 54 and there ain’t much more….nah, I kid, am in the best shape of my life, feel great and always remember that age is just a measurement of time…that’s my excuse anyways…
Mick
February 27th, 2012
7:44 am
Damn….it’s my b-day and everybody else takes off!!
Jay,
I’d like to see a column on santorums comments about the separation of church and state. I think he failed to learn the lessons of the dark ages, what a putz…
Mick
February 27th, 2012
7:46 am
Thankfully, the founding fathers were renaissance men, they got it, and here we are hundreds of years later trying to go backwards, sad…
Jay
February 27th, 2012
7:52 am
Sheets.