Opinion: Gas-price complaints fall on deaf ears

Like everyone else, I wish gas prices weren’t so high; however, I am tired of politicians trying to make political hay out of high gas prices.

Recently, a poll produced some amazing results. The poll found that eight out of 10 respondents believed President Bush did not have a plan to lower gas prices.

That’s not the amazing part.

What’s amazing is that two in 10 actually believed he, or anyone, had a plan. Apparently, all the political posturing has convinced Americans that politicians have the wherewithal to force those responsible for high prices to lower them.

I have no particular economic expertise; however, I have heard and understood reports by economists describing the complex world market variables responsible for setting the worldwide price of oil. It seems clear that no political capital ought to be gained from blaming oil companies or politicians for the market price of oil. It’s something like the ways in which the U.S. stock market fluctuates daily, based on all sorts of variables. The world petroleum market also fluctuates due to international variables.

The entire world has developed an insatiable appetite for oil; the price is set in that world. Neither congressional hearings nor presidential proclamations can change them.

In truth, the political action that would for sure cut the prices we pay at the pump would be to eliminate all federal, state and local taxes imposed on gas. Dear reader, don’t expect that to happen in your lifetime.

Go ahead and gripe about gas prices, but don’t vote for any candidate who claims to have a magic potion for price reduction.

Tired as I may be of the search for villains to hiss about gas prices, I am even more tired of the Da Vinci Code hype. It seems like the book by Dan Brown has been on one best-seller list or another since Jimmy Carter was president. As the world knows, the plot revolves around decoding the secret that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married and had a child. The movie version is out. With the endless hype, it probably already is a box-office bonanza.

The hype includes all manner of Da Vinci Code-related books, games and who knows what else. About the only things missing so far is a Da Vinci Code coloring book or a restaurant offering “Last Supper” specials.

I have heard that a few religious groups will protest the movie. Some don’t understand why. Is it possible they may be upset about the plot? A married Jesus with a child negates the divinity of Jesus. The New Testament for some unknown reason omitted this tiny event. I am no theological scholar, but the plot strikes at the very heart of Christianity.

I have on occasion stated my disgust at this hatchet job on the Christian faith. The response: “What’s the big deal? It’s only a book.”

I have reminded them about the violent Muslim worldwide response when they believed the Islamic deity was vilified by two cartoons printed in a Danish newspaper. Although the Da Vinci Code is a lot more insulting than those cartoons, Christians aren’t likely to riot and kill anyone. However, I might go berserk if some fast-food chain begins giving away figurines of Jesus, his wife and kids. That’s for sure.

One more rant. I mean no offense to hometown movie star Brad Pitt. I’m proud that he is one of us.

However, I am tired, nay sick and tired, of reading about Brad and Angelina Jolie. I have to add Jennifer Aniston to my rant. I don’t want to hear how she is coping with her broken heart. All three are probably nice people; I wish them happiness. I hope they return to what they do best: making movies and lots of money. My message to the pop culture media: Knock it off! Find something worthwhile to print or broadcast!

After further thought, I am a grouch – and proud of it!

Joe McAdoo is former chairman of the communication department at Drury University.[[In-content Ad]]