Oil Prices, Politics and Life in America
Host:
Produced by:
Subscribe to this Podcast:
Listen to/Watch entire show:
Legacy Player:
Gasoline prices have jumped almost 14 cents in the past week. The profits of Exxon Mobil rose 17% in the past year—to $10.9 billion. President Bush says the government’s hands are tied, but McCain, Obama and Clinton are debating what Washington might do. Is it time for a summer vacation from the gasoline tax? Should it be even higher, so people will drive less? What about a windfall tax on oil companies as prices continue to rise? Also, Iraq asks Iran to stop supporting violence. On Reporter's Notebook, the US has "excellent relations" with South Africa, so why can't members of the government get into this country without special permission?
Banner image: Protest Convoy of Truckers and Citizens United
Making News
Iraq Asks Iran to Stop Supporting Violence ()
US tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles have moved into Sadr City, the part of Baghdad controlled by Shiite militant Muqtada al Sadr. Meantime, the Iraq government, also run by Shiites, has sent a delegation to Iran asking it to stop aiding militias. Tina Susman is Baghdad Bureau Chief for the Los Angeles Times.
Guests:
- Tina Susman: Baghdad Bureau Chief, Los Angeles Times
Main Topic
Our Ever Rising Gas Prices ()
Oil prices are very much on the rise, but gasoline has not yet caught up. When it does, $4 a gallon may sound like the good old days. President Bush says there's no "magic wand" for the government, but the candidates to replace him have other ideas. John McCain and Hillary Clinton want a summer holiday on the federal gasoline tax. Barack Obama calls that a "gimmick" that could make matters worse. We look at their different proposals. Should gasoline taxes actually be higher to encourage conservation, something they all support? Is this the just beginning of "painful adjustments" to new, global realities?
Guests:
- Mark Kirsch: organizer, Truckers and Citizens United
- Tom Curry: National Affairs Writer, MSNBC.com
- Philip Verleger: Publisher, Petroleum Economics Monthly
- Christian Weller: Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress
Links:
Reporter's Notebook
Nobel Peace Prize Winner on US Terrorist Watch List ()
On five occasions in 2005, Edward Kennedy was not allowed to board planes going home to Massachusetts because the Senator's name resembled an alias of a suspected terrorist. Nelson Mandela, who was released from prison in 1990 and went on to lead South Africa's democratic government, has also been flagged as a potential terrorist. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says she's "embarrassed" that members of that country's ruling party still get the same kind of treatment. Democratic Congressman Howard Berman chairs the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Guests:
- Howard Berman: Congressman (D-CA)
Links:
Engage & Discuss
Further the conversation with your thoughts and comments. Agree, disagree, present a different perspective -- engage.
For information and guidelines click: Terms of Service | Privacy Policy
Please note, comments are moderated. KCRW reserves the right to edit and or remove posts deemed off-topic, abusive or not in accordance with KCRW's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
KCRW.com thanks our sponsor:
