truckers strike 2008

[Troubleshooter]

What is it they hope to accomplish, other than media attention?



Jim

Actually, that is precisely what they DO hope to accomplish.



Let's face it, the media has ignored the issue up until this point; they're too busy focusing on fluff stories. Biff and Buffy in suburbia don't care one whit about truckers, farmers, ranchers, or private diesel owners. But when they can't get their latte` at Starbutts or when the price of food (and everything else) increases, it might get their attention. Last night I finally saw some fairly lengthy (3-4 minute) news segments on the TV discussing not only the trucker's strike, but also the domino effects on farm goods, beef (because corn prices are up due in part to diesel costs and gasahol subsidies), and manufactured goods. This is likely the first time that this has reached the consciousness level of the average consumer (as we all know, TDR'ers are above average)! :-laf



It certainly won't hurt the oil companies; those truckers who have the option to participate will still need the fuel and will likely just top-off the day prior to the "strike" and then fill up again the day after. They still have to move shipments, and the rest of us still need to run our trucks, tractors, etc. Large corporate consumers (railroads, major trucking firms, barges) will likely not participate at all. So the oil companies will still make their sales, it just might be delayed by a day.



But it should get the attention of Congress and the various presidential contenders. In a tight race, the politicians don't want to alienate potential voters. Some (most?) of them will say and do -- or make the appearance of doing -- anything that they can to get elected. It's called pandering.



So no, it won't hurt the big oil companies nor have an immediate impact. But it MIGHT raise awareness levels and be one small part of a larger fix, somewhere down the road.

 

[amsoilman]

Actually, that is precisely what they DO hope to accomplish.



Let's face it, the media has ignored the issue up until this point; they're too busy focusing on fluff stories. Biff and Buffy in suburbia don't care one whit about truckers, farmers, ranchers, or private diesel owners. But when they can't get their latte` at Starbutts or when the price of food (and everything else) increases, it might get their attention. Last night I finally saw some fairly lengthy (3-4 minute) news segments on the TV discussing not only the trucker's strike, but also the domino effects on farm goods, beef (because corn prices are up due in part to diesel costs and gasahol subsidies), and manufactured goods. This is likely the first time that this has reached the consciousness level of the average consumer (as we all know, TDR'ers are above average)! :-laf



It certainly won't hurt the oil companies; those truckers who have the option to participate will still need the fuel and will likely just top-off the day prior to the "strike" and then fill up again the day after. They still have to move shipments, and the rest of us still need to run our trucks, tractors, etc. Large corporate consumers (railroads, major trucking firms, barges) will likely not participate at all. So the oil companies will still make their sales, it just might be delayed by a day.



But it should get the attention of Congress and the various presidential contenders. In a tight race, the politicians don't want to alienate potential voters. Some (most?) of them will say and do -- or make the appearance of doing -- anything that they can to get elected. It's called pandering.



So no, it won't hurt the big oil companies nor have an immediate impact. But it MIGHT raise awareness levels and be one small part of a larger fix, somewhere down the road.

I agree with you 100 percent!



Wayne

 

[RGardner]

I can't believe that anyone would think that if we completely do away with income taxes on any company that they would reduce their prices!

 

[KBeadle]

Lets get behind these guys! They are trying to help US and them. Aren't you tired of paying more than than gas prices for diesel???Oo. It only takes a few to make a big difference. Stand up and be counted.

Fred

My dad has been a trucker for about 26 or 27 years and is afraid of losing business with long time friends due to the diesel prices. He is a self employed owner operator and every time diesel goes up so does the freight bill he sends to people. This is the first time he has ever seriously thought about selling his rig and getting another job. At 51 years old and all he knows is trucking it's going to be tough. That and his '76 cabover peterbilt with a cummins engine is way to important to him. I am behind these truckers 100%.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Well it took place to day and also the oil Gurus meet with the congressional review. which was a coincidence. hope it works. Big oil should also give up there government substadities and return this to the consumer also.

Actually, the Congress "review" bit is a revolving dog and pony show, where every year or so, Congressmen PRETEND to mercilessly grill the oil execs, all for the media show to "prove" to the public how much they care, and what they are doing for us poor peons. .



HAH!



After the show, it's business and payoffs as usual - and you'd have to be brain dead to not realize that, as our own Hbarlow, Harvey, continually points out, the GOVERNMENT, State and federal - makes FAR more profit per gallon in TAXES than the oil company DREAMS of making - and the government never does any exploration, drilling, transport, refining or ANYTHING that dirties their hands or puts sweat on their brows.



SHEESH, what a media CIRCUS!



Hell, if you REALLY want to go after those making "obscene fuel profits", go after the government - they put the oil execs to SHAME in that regard!

 

[AMink]

What does the government make per gallon? About . 50-. 60 depending on where you are? I guarantee that the oil companies are not clearing that, and they do all the work. The government just takes. And remember, CORPORATIONS AND COMPANIES DO NOT PAY TAXES! YOU DO! So every time the gov says they want to tax the big companies to "punish" them for being successful, just remember the companies are not going to lose money, we are!

 

[RGardner]

Where do you think the money to work on our fine highway system comes from? A big part of it is from road taxes. And at least here it is a cents per gallon tax so it is a smaller percent of fuel than ever.

 

[AMink]

I know that taxes pay for the roads. My point is that if the companies are taxed for income at a higher rate, we end up paying that too. Guess I got before and after taxes combined. Penalty taxes vs pump tax.

 

[HBarlow]

Actually, the Congress "review" bit is a revolving dog and pony show, where every year or so, Congressmen PRETEND to mercilessly grill the oil execs, all for the media show to "prove" to the public how much they care, and what they are doing for us poor peons. .



HAH!



After the show, it's business and payoffs as usual - and you'd have to be brain dead to not realize that... ... . the GOVERNMENT, State and federal - makes FAR more profit per gallon in TAXES than the oil company DREAMS of making - and the government never does any exploration, drilling, transport, refining or ANYTHING that dirties their hands or puts sweat on their brows.



SHEESH, what a media CIRCUS!



Hell, if you REALLY want to go after those making "obscene fuel profits", go after the government - they put the oil execs to SHAME in that regard!

Gary's right. It is just a show for anyone foolish enough to believe it. Before the hearings the big oil companies sent in their political donations (bribes) for the majority party chairmen and after the hearings the big oil company execs put on the big parties in DC with catered food fit for kings, female "entertainers" to order from the menu, and adult beverages of their choice for the good blow-dried, empty suit congressmen.

 

[MMcLeran]

Past the point of diminishing returns.

Most Americans have passed the point of diminishing returns, they are tapped out financially, they have no more to give. The added fuel costs can no longer be passed on to the end user. Consumers are deciding to do without those insanely priced items. Recreational travel is way down, stores are closing, diesel trucks are being driven less or being put in mothballs. When the end user quits purchasing goods, all the political razzel dazzel and snappy patter will be useless windbagging. When the consumer stops buying, the trucks stop rolling. That's the bottom line. The end user working stiff will support the truckers, we will do without, we will cut back, we will do whatever it takes. Truckers and end users united have the power to force change and create a positive outcome.

When diesel hit $4. 19 p/gal in my area I parked my CTD, threw a tarp over it and shed a tear every time I walk past it. I've decided not to play this insane fuel game and instead advocate for change and do whatever I can to end this madness. The paradox is the problem will quite likely heal its self. When consumer spending stops and the economy grinds to a screaching halt, fuel prices will come down. Some fat cat will say to his cronies " they stopped buying, guess we pushed them as far as we can. "

Thanks for listening.

 

[HBarlow]

Most Americans have passed the point of diminishing returns, they are tapped out financially, they have no more to give. The added fuel costs can no longer be passed on to the end user. Consumers are deciding to do without those insanely priced items. Recreational travel is way down, stores are closing, diesel trucks are being driven less or being put in mothballs. When the end user quits purchasing goods, all the political razzel dazzel and snappy patter will be useless windbagging. When the consumer stops buying, the trucks stop rolling. That's the bottom line. The end user working stiff will support the truckers, we will do without, we will cut back, we will do whatever it takes. Truckers and end users united have the power to force change and create a positive outcome.

When diesel hit $4. 19 p/gal in my area I parked my CTD, threw a tarp over it and shed a tear every time I walk past it. I've decided not to play this insane fuel game and instead advocate for change and do whatever I can to end this madness. The paradox is the problem will quite likely heal its self. When consumer spending stops and the economy grinds to a screaching halt, fuel prices will come down. ********THIS POINT********Some fat cat will say to his cronies " they stopped buying, guess we pushed them as far as we can. "

Thanks for listening.

MMcLeran:



You are correct and I agree with you up to "this point. " If the economy does slow significantly, which is not certain but is being driven down by the media, demand for fuel will be significantly reduced and, as a natural result, prices will follow. "Fat cats" have little control over the prices we pay for fuel.



Fuel prices are controlled by market forces. Oil companies don't set the price of crude oil at the well, they are forced to pay the going price just as we, the consumer, are forced to pay the going price at the pump. If one of the oil producing countries suddenly decided to double production the price of crude at the well would decline and so would the price we pay at the pump.

 

[catoiler]

Funny after the big meeting the other day gas in our town went up 6 cents, how's that for change!!! greedy bast'rds.

 

[MMcLeran]

Yes, I agree Harvey. Thanks for the input.
Mike

 

[RGardner]

I have to totally disagree with HBarlow, the oil companies pay what they want at the well head, they may be charging you you more for the product but they do not pay what the future or what the market shows! I know of many instances where the paying price is way below the "market" price! Anyone that thinks the oil companies are not involved in this game are foolish!

 

[HBarlow]

I have to totally disagree with HBarlow, the oil companies pay what they want at the well head, they may be charging you you more for the product but they do not pay what the future or what the market shows! I know of many instances where the paying price is way below the "market" price! Anyone that thinks the oil companies are not involved in this game are foolish!

There are some who will look at the clock and disagree with what time it is but that doesn't make them right. You are free to believe whatever you choose to believe, I guess.

 

[RGardner]

This isn't a belief, it is a fact. I see hundreds of royalty pay stubs and I know of which I speak.

 

[BILLYGEE]

And as long as we let our "big government" and "big oil" (THEY SLEEP TOGETHER, by the way... ) keep us foreign oil dependent (who benefits by that ?" we are sol. Who also do you think is behind environmentalists that keep us from drilling our own oil, increasing refinery capacity, promotion of cheap alternative fuels and energy, more efficient engines,etc. ? I hate to tell you folks but if you haven't figured it out you are gonna keep letting 'em stick it to ya!



Since big money calls the shots there is only one thing that we the people can do; VOTE OUT EVERY INCUMBENT elected government representative no matter how good you think they are. Then when we have their attention, maybe they will work for the people as was originally intended.

GOD HELP AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

There will continue to be widely - and wildly - varying theories and viewpoints over where we are today in regards to fossil based fuels - but to me, it boils down to these:



1. Fossil fuels ARE a vanishing, and largely UNrenewable resource.



2. It's foolish to continue reliance upon a NONrenewable energy source - foreign OR domestic - when we know in our hearts that source WILL end.



3. Many of us ARE wasteful of energy, and will continue to be relatively indifferent to cost, until that cost DOES eventually become high enough to start affecting OUR lifestyles and budgets.



THAT said,



4. Current pricing IS vastly manipulated by producers, refiners, and SCORES of middlemen, to a dollar amount that IS artificial, and enriches insiders to a degree that would be MIND BOGGLING if we knew the whole story!



5. There is absolutely NO WAY that the exploration, production, or refining expenses can EVER be shown to have doubled or tripled as the pump prices have, and that EXCESS cost/profit is going DIRECTLY into the pockets of individuals and groups who are getting rich at the expense of the rest of us, to the ultimate damage to our society as a whole.



Capitalism and free enterprise as a base component of a nation is a good thing ONLY to the point it becomes a TOOL or WEAPON that unfairly and without feeling, exploits that society, and becomes a punishing tool that enslaves one level of society while unfairly enriching another.



6. We can gripe about conditions, quote facts and theories that support our claims and feelings, we can sign petitions and get involved in campaigns - but NOTHING of a restrained or benign activity will EVER motivate a change! THAT will only occur as the result of force, either physical, legal, or scientific - that makes it to the advantage, one way or another, for those producing current fuel supplies, to bring costs nearer to reality and reason.



They will NEVER do that because of mere WORDS, feeble boycotts, or public opinion!

 

[amsoilman]

There will continue to be widely - and wildly - varying theories and viewpoints over where we are today in regards to fossil based fuels - but to me, it boils down to these:



1. Fossil fuels ARE a vanishing, and largely UNrenewable resource.



2. It's foolish to continue reliance upon a NONrenewable energy source - foreign OR domestic - when we know in our hearts that source WILL end.



3. Many of us ARE wasteful of energy, and will continue to be relatively indifferent to cost, until that cost DOES eventually become high enough to start affecting OUR lifestyles and budgets.



THAT said,



4. Current pricing IS vastly manipulated by producers, refiners, and SCORES of middlemen, to a dollar amount that IS artificial, and enriches insiders to a degree that would be MIND BOGGLING if we knew the whole story!



5. There is absolutely NO WAY that the exploration, production, or refining expenses can EVER be shown to have doubled or tripled as the pump prices have, and that EXCESS cost/profit is going DIRECTLY into the pockets of individuals and groups who are getting rich at the expense of the rest of us, to the ultimate damage to our society as a whole.



Capitalism and free enterprise as a base component of a nation is a good thing ONLY to the point it becomes a TOOL or WEAPON that unfairly and without feeling, exploits that society, and becomes a punishing tool that enslaves one level of society while unfairly enriching another.



6. We can gripe about conditions, quote facts and theories that support our claims and feelings, we can sign petitions and get involved in campaigns - but NOTHING of a restrained or benign activity will EVER motivate a change! THAT will only occur as the result of force, either physical, legal, or scientific - that makes it to the advantage, one way or another, for those producing current fuel supplies, to bring costs nearer to reality and reason.



They will NEVER do that because of mere WORDS, feeble boycotts, or public opinion!

I AGREE with YOU Gary! You said it much better than I.



Wayne

amsoilman

 

[FATCAT]

Better idea - tell them to eliminate the splash and dash loophole, where they get a $1/gallon tax credit for creating B99 and then exporting it to Europe, having the net effect of exporting much of the diesel we do refine in this country.



Also, tell them to eliminate the "Enron loophole" that allows speculators to trade oil futures on unregulated exchanges with no oversight by the FTC, allowing them to manipulate crude prices to their heart's content. I'd even go so far as to add the requirement that the only people allowed to trade oil futures would be those that actually use the physical oil - oil companies, refiners, etc - keep out the hedge fund managers and speculators that only want to trade paper.

DING DING DING ... we have a winner. These are the main reasons for the outragous increases in prices.