I think that we could be much further along on this matter. The value of the US dollar is largely supported by the petroleum trade, thus there is an incentive to keep alternative technologies at bay. This has been a primary dynamic in the economy since early 1970's when the dollar was decoupled from gold and we went into a floating exchange system. Essentially, we came to an agreement with the OPEC countries to price oil in dollars to support the value of the dollar, and the rest is history.

It might take the collapse of the dollar to begin real substantive changes with regards to alternative fuels. Not that I want this outcome, but OPEC accepting other alternative currencies for oil would likely break this dynamic, thus steeply devaluing the dollar and sending the world economy down with it. They call this the "nuclear option"; countries talk about using it but never do, for the consequences would be grave for everyone. That's why, despite their constant railing against the dollar and our prolific spending (which is devaluing the dollar), they still stick with it. The alternative might be the development of alternate fuels, and that will definitely put a dent in these government's cash flow. I'm talking about countries like Malaysia, Nigeria, the Middle Eastern countries and Venezuela. They might bluff and banter about accepting the Euro or some other alternative currency for petroleum trade, but they only do it on a limited basis, largely to diversify their currency holdings. They know that there really isn't another game in town.

Although Bush could have taken the lead on this issue, it would have been very surprising if he had done so given his strong background and political connections with the oil industry. I do believe that we should start working intently on alt. fuels, as eventually we will have to wean off of oil, and dollar hegemony is no sure bet. It is best to be ahead of the curve in my view.

Oil shortage, my a**.

We've needed to get off of the oil for a while. The problem finally got so bad that its downright crippling to the finances of poor people in this country, but as long as the oil assholes are making bank nobody will say squat on either side.

Yeah, ANWR drilling will solve all our problems. Anybody remember similar claims about the North Slope pipeline in the 1970s?

Bush recently said, at OK State's graduation commencement, that gas-powered automobiles will soon be as antiquated as black-and-white TVs. I think and hope he's right, but thought it was an interesting observation for him, of all people, to make as he's done nothing to wean us off of oil in his 6 years in office.

To say the hike in gasoline prices is a 'Democrat' problem because of stifled attempts at oil exploration programs is near-sighted. While increased domestic supply surely would have a short-term dampening effect on the cost of gas, the bottom line is that oil is a scarce commodity. There are many alternative, more plentiful fuel sources that, thanks to current technology, can serve our purposes just as well as oil/gas.

To do permanent environmental damage through more exploration programs to simply delay the inevitable seems like an illogical, short-sighted non-solution to our oil dependence problem.

Why do you think Cheney had SECRET Energy Meetings? I'm willing to wager it was because all hell would break loose if the citizens knew how badly they are being Gouged! It is no secret that Energy/Oil companies were huge contributors to the Bush Campaign.Sure,they gave money to Deocrats,too.They butter their bread on BOTH sides.Research into alternative energy sources has long been blocked and/or co-opted and effectively monopolized and disabled by Big Oil Companies.

Not that gas prices are directly related to Bush (although his family ties with the Saudis is very strong)...but I am extremely disappointed with the way Bush is driving the nation to even greater oil addiction (oh yes, he finally realized we have an oil addiction)...the problem is his lack of initiative in the alternate fuel. Think HYDROGEN, it's the best thing our cars could run on (producing water as byproduct)! Yes, it's expensive to make, but what will be more expensive in the long run...oil or creation of hydrogen (as tech improves process will be cheaper). There has been a research which concluded that if we spent the $ in Iraq on hydrogen research, we would be driving hydrogen powered cars in less than 10 years (and that was a year ago)!

But then again, Bush is in the oil business and has no interest in future...of our children...

When a democrat makes any mention of alternate fuels, the hippy-dippy charges rain from heaven. . .now that this administration wants to 'look' into gas prices, where is the cry of hypocrisy? This has been the friendliest administration to the oil companies in recent years. . .Bush could have presented a real energy plan with ideas, he didn't. . .and please stop with 'err, dems won't let us drill offshore'. . .this is taking asprin for a disease that needs a new remedy. . .

I wish the rest of you idiots would get the message and stop driving so gas prices will go down for me. Seriously, though, I'm sick and tired of paying $3+/gallon. Mr. President, make it stop.

This is a Democrat problem! Their refusal to allow us to explore and drill in ANWR and many other places around our country has greatly contributed to our dependence on foreign oil. By the way, Exxon mobile receives 9 cents per gallon profit per gallon of gas, while the Feds get 18.4 cents and the average state tax is 20 cents per gallon. who is making the huge profits????

Blaming a president, any president (but of all things, a republican president) for the relative price of gas (or any commodity) is about as stupid as blaming the janitor for the kid's puke in the hall. Do you elect a president to keep gas prices down? Grow up.

This item was obviously originated by someone who has no idea what to expect from a president, but sees a number of emotionally-driven critics of Bush making hay with other haters of Bush. If a majority of the American people wanted their president to give a hoot about alternative fuels or micro-managing America's dependence on foreign oil, Al Gore or Howard Dean would have been elected by landslides. There's a lot more to it, keep thinking.

I never get involved with political discussions, and I am not going to argue with anybody's personal view. Gas prices are rediculous, though. I would still be happy if people decided to say "screw driving!" and we all go back to using horses to get us around. They are cheaper, they need no gas. They are easier to steer, and all they require is some food and love. Plus....maybe I am wrong, but you don't hear about a 7-horse pile up on the freeway. And if you drive a horse drunk.....you'll look stupid, but There is a less chance you'll hurt someone.So, that is my opinion. I'm just glad I don't own a minivan right now.

Up there with reckless spending as my biggest beef with President Bush.

There are not to0 many people who don't realize that our dependence on Middle Eastern Oil is not in our national interest. President Bush has had 6 years to start building a plan to wean us from oil - yet there's been no progress.

It was probably unrealistic to expect someone who comes from big oil, whose backers are from big oil, and who is from Texas to put aside his roots for the best interest of the country. However, as President, those are the sorts of things it seems to me that you should have to do.

Bush couldn't do it.