To the Point
Oil Prices, Politics and Life in America
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, and the terrorist watch list keeps members of a friendly government from entering the US without special permission.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenGasoline 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
In this episode
3 storiesIraq 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 .
Read the story6 minOur 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.
Read the story36 minNobel 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.
Read the story7 min
