Oil companies / FEMA

[kosar]

Power is still out for millions of people in Florida, mostly on the east coast from West Palm south to Miami. The gas stations cannot put fuel without a generator. Generators that big cost around 60,000 bucks.

Is anybody watching the public argument between the oil companies and FEMA about who should pay for/provide these generators?

Are you fvcking kidding me? Exxon-Mobil etal expects the federal government to foot the bill for millions of dollars worth of generators so they can re-open?

All the people here always whining about actual people needing assistance apparently have no problem with multiple billion dollar profit oil comapnies looking for handouts?

 

[Chadman]

My guess is that Bush and Cheney will see to it that FEMA has to pay for them, to ensure that the oil companies do not lose any of their record profits coming on the heels of the energy policies they pushed through. Of course, they will have to cut more student loan, Medicare and Veterans benefit programs to make it happen. Or, they can just continue to try to undercut and underfund FEMA and do away with it all together...paying for the generators would be a step in that direction.

I'm just wondering how conservatives are feeling about maintaining tax cuts for the wealthy at a time of several national disasters and a war cost of billions of dollars (or whatever it is) a month? I won't even ask about pursuing budget cuts for programs that don't pertain to the wealthy, as the "compassionates" certainly think those should be made - and probably increased.

It's kind of the ongoing little secret this administration is continuing...not counting the cost of war towards the deficits and the budget. Wouldn't want to have to account for THAT, would we?

I could better understand cutting programs (on both sides of the fence) if tax cuts could be postponed, at the very least. It just does not make financial sense to me. And again, I renew my battle cry to have "elective" special interest projects examined by a joint panel or a public panel - or something - to gain some common sense in giving out the tax money we all pay.

This is an issue to me, when I see oil companies and executives RAKING in the money. The trickle-down theory just doesn't seem to be making it down to my gas tank. Nor to most of the products I buy these days. But aren't we glad Cheney made sure the oil companies gained all those incentives to help get a better handle on our energy future last year?

 

[Chadman]

I do not begrudge oil companies the right to make a profit, or to pay their shareholders. I get that argument. But when you look at these outrageous profits they are making at the same time the price of a barrell of oil is so high and immediately after beneficial policies and legislations were enacted on their behalf...I think it's fair to say something is wrong with the system. At least for the general public, that is.

I wonder how many new employees these companies hired in the past year? Maybe they have. This is how we are asked to believe the less tax theory works. These people make more, so they put people to work, right? Some conservative please show me that this is happening, or at least admit this industry is using all of us to grow richer. I don't need an across-the-board statement. I am focusing on this sector.

 

[dawgball]

kosar-- I think I agree with you because I look at this as a cost of doing business for the oil companies.

I do have a couple of questions, though: why would the federal government be second in line in front of the city or a group of the local business owners (who own the gas stations)? They will also be making money from the gas that is sold. The federal government would be in line behind these guys if I am thinking correctly.

Chadman-- why must you always make this a Republican/Democrat (Conservative/Liberal) argument? This discussion (which I feel is a good point brought up) could go on without it.

 

[Chadman]

dawgball, you have a valid criticism of my post(s) here, as I kind of veered off into a rant. It does kind of tie together for me, though, when looking at the oil companies looking for handouts, as Kosar mentioned. To me, this is a perfect example of it never being enough for these big corporations or CEO's - the exact people the Bush administration ALWAYS looks out for when it matters (tax cuts, incentives). I anticipated the administration to side with the oil companies, if it comes to that, for reasons I mentioned. In the current climate...I have to say that this subject can be considered a political one in many ways.

But, I did throw in some extras, granted. Good call.

 

[smurphy]

chadman - thank you for thanking dawgball for pointing that out. kosar - thank you for the initial post which led to chadman's rant, dawgball's critique, and subsequent posts of gratitude by chadman and then myself.

 

[djv]

With the record profits on going for oil. It might be nice to see them step up and help some. But I'm not sure white house will apply any pressure. And I'm not sure they should have to. Maybe nice to see some volunteering.

 

[DOGS THAT BARK]

I think oil companies should foot the bill myself.

The oil companies profits is interesting topic--Oreilly been on big spiel about their profits but I disagree with most of his reasoning.
While you can't ignore that their profits have been enormous while "the people" have suffered --prices are set by futures same as anything else--eg supply/demand.
Something I can't figure out why their profits have increased while cost of oil from opec has increased. The only thing I can come up with--is they might take oil they produce locally at cost of less than half Opec and and retail it at Opec/future prices?
Anyone know the answer? I'm just guessing.

 

[Chadman]

My father owned two gas stations when I was growing up. He was a Gulf service station owner, and the price he put up was what he was told to put up, as is the case with most gas station operators today. He, and they, made their money off of other services and products, not by gas sales. They might make a penny or two on the gallon, but that's about it. Just to give you perspective on that...at least that's the way it was back in the day for those guys. Gas station owners are not going to want to foot the bill for these generators purely for the sake of selling gas to make personal profits. The suppliers and oil companies make those profits, and it's in their interest to keep the gas flowing. People will stop at the stations now for other things, and selling gas probably helps that some, but probably not that much. I'd probably wait for the electricity to come on, too.

 

[dawgball]

Thanks for being so gracious, smurphy. It's a real mood lightener. You are much appreciated.