Oppenheimer: Hooray for pricey petrol!

Miami Herald columnist Andres Oppenheimer was thrilled with the high prices of gasoline, according to his latest article. But before you think that he’s finally gone off his rocker Oppenheimer justifies his supposed joy by arguing that:

“Unless gasoline prices rise above $4 a gallon, there won't be a nationwide uproar strong enough to force Washington to get serious about reducing the U.S. suicidal dependence on foreign oil.”

This includes the obvious segue into critiquing “oil-rich tropical autocrats” like Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez whom Oppenheimer categorized as “a perfect example of U.S. oil-funded radicalism”. However, Oppenheimer also goes after U.S. politicians including president George W. Bush by criticizing their strong ties to special interests that benefit directly from U.S.’ foreign oil dependence.

Yet Oppenheimer saves his conclusion to blast the commoners, not the politicos:

“My opinion: This is insane! I have nothing against you buying a light truck or an SUV if you are a soccer mom with quintuplets, a concert bass player, or a rancher in Montana.

But when I see these ever-growing vehicles driving through Miami -- where I have yet to find a hill, let alone a mountain -- with just one person inside, carrying nothing, I can only conclude that America deserves the foreign oil-rich despots that are causing so much trouble.”

Links- Orlando Sentinel

Image- SideSalad.net