Economy In Crisis

Gas again hit a new record price-per-barrel Thursday morning at $145. All signs point to gas reaching $160 a barrel by the end of the year, according to Forbes.com.

This is completely unacceptable … the rising price of gas is reeking havoc on Americans and the economy. The correlation among high gas prices, consumer confidence, the slowing economy and decreased spending is undeniable.

The solution to this problem is to cut our dependence of oil. Our current money goes to the unfriendly OPEC nation’s sovereign wealth funds, which they turn around and use that same money to purchase American bonds, portions of the treasury and American industry. They are slowly acquiring America through our oil addiction. This practice must stop by creating an oil free future.

In response to record prices of gasoline, 31 percent of Americans say they will alter their plans for this upcoming holiday weekend, according to CNN Money. It was forecasted earlier this week that Americans will reduce their amount of driving during the 4th of July weekend, but the percentage is growing larger in lieu of recent record prices.

This news comes as no surprise … Americans are sick and tired of witnessing the steady price increase. Any necessary steps to reduce the amount of gasoline purchased are necessary and needed at this point.

Job cuts continue to trouble Americans and the economy, May saw a 29-month-high job loss total of 103,522 people, while second quarter cuts – highest since 2005 – were 275,292, according to Reuters.

More companies are planning and implementing eliminations to weather this storm of a recession and stay afloat. Job reductions – from General Motors to Starbucks – are breaking the backs of Americans and decreasing their opportunity to spend. The economy desperately needs spending at this point and it may not arise if Americans do not have work.

The urgency of this upcoming election can be felt throughout the nation. Every person has a vested interest in our future, be it the economy – the number one issue of voters – to the war in Iraq.

We – as citizens – are on the precipice of change and something better than our current state as a nation. The electricity and excitement can be felt as the election date grows closer. With this election, we have the opportunity to make a change by electing an official who will act in the best interest of the American people, who will enact a plan to cut our oil addiction, regain economic strength and demonstrate American sovereignty – by removing us from unfair organizations such as NAFTA and the WTO. These are the necessary changes we need as a nation to regain our foothold and strive to a prosperous future.