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23 February 2012 Obama to Address Gas, Pitch Energy Policy With the highest ever gas price for this time, Obama finds it necessary to address the public about the current situation and pitch his new energy policy that will supposedly solve some of the financial issues in the United States. His speech will include topics covering a wide span of energy sources. Also, his speech with include him stating that the government cannot do anything major to lower the rising gas prices although they wish they could. With this current money problem, the Republican Party has taken advantage of the opportunity to point out a flaw in Obama’s leadership. It has been said that Obama’s decision to turn down a permit for a cross-country oil pipeline is evidence of a misguided policy (Kuhnhenn). There has been a kerfuffle over the gas price rise though. Some, like former PA senator Rick Santorum has projected that the gas price will rise to around $5 a gallon. But, there are others, like former House speaker Newt Gingrich, who says that the gas price will actually fall to $2.50 a gallon. Obama is worried that the rise in gas prices will cause a reverse in the country’s economic gains (Kuhnhenn). Recently discussed in class was the topic of World War I and the affects it had on the United States. During the war, the US relied on other countries for economic perks and imports. Today, in America, we still do. We rely heavily on the Middle East for our oil production. With the upset over seas, the oil prices are rising. Another factor in the slow incline of oil prices is the fact that countries such as China and India are growing. The nation is looking at different sources of energy because of the high prices of gas and oil. The economy drastically changed when America was at war. Another example of an economic change was the recession in 2008 that still is affecting the economy today. With relying on other countries, ties and relationships must be kept strong and the country remains stable in order for production to be reliable. The Middle East is experiencing upset and it is taking a toll on Americans and the American economy. Obama highlights a very important topic in today’s economy. The fact that the gas prices are rising and the government can’t do much to stop it, is frustrating Americans. Also, this is having a great affect on Obama’s political standings. Before the price jump, Americans were favoring him and his status was rising, but now 58% of people disagree with what he is doing about the gas prices (Kuhnhenn). This means he is taking a political hit. The gas price rise has given him an opportunity to find new energy sources and better ways to fuel the country. Along with the political side of the problem, the financial problem is always great. The all-time high prices are causing Americans to look at different modes of transportation and ways to cut back on gas and oil bills. 1.) What are some of the alternatives to gas that the country could use? 2.) If the price does rise to $5 a gallon, will many Americans start using public transportation more often? 3.) Will the lesser amount of travelers affect businesses? 4.) Are there many ways to harvest oil on American turf? 5.) Do many think Obama’s policy will work or fail and why? 6.) The main focus is all on the negative but what would happen if gas prices decrease? 7.) Is natural gas a valid option? 8.) How do oil prices compare to gas prices?
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Works Cited <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Kuhnhenn, Jim. "Obama to Address Gas Prices, Pitch Energy Policy - TIME." //Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews - TIME.com//. N.p., 23 Feb. 2012. Web. 23 Feb. 2012. <http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2107481,00.html>.