Well, the gas prices went up again. The excuses I heard this time is anything from the missile launch in Korea, to another raise in crude oil prices (In some cases as a result of the missile launch). The companies and people that control gas prices can say anything that they want, but we all know the real reason for the rise is the laws of supplies and demand. We choose to drive the big SUVs (Stupid Useless Vehicles), and such. As a result we have to pay to consume more gas, and when we do, we complain that we are getting raped at the gas pump. (I drive a pick-up, and have done some of the same bitching) The fact is we brought it on ourselves. We choose to drive the gas guzzling vehicles, and we are now taking our lumps. In Economy 101 this is called the “Law of supply and demand” Because we drive the larger vehicles that consume more gas, the demand for gas is more, and thus, the price is higher. The simple solution is to drive cars with better gas mileage, but face it that is easier said and done. As Americans we typical drive what we want to drive for a reason. Big family, feels safer, tow a trailer, or want the performance of a bigger car. It doesn’t matter. That’s what you wanted, and that’s what you bought. You bought the car. You can’t complain that the Gas companies are charging too much, you can’t complain that the car manufactures need to make cars with better mileage. They sell what the consumer wants. Instead of buying the Suburban, you could’ve got a Cobalt, or a Civic. It was your choice what you bought. When it comes time to trade in that SUV, it’s still your choice. If gas prices are still high, then chances are people are going to the smaller cars. When this happens, the demand for gas will lesson (hopefully) and gas prices will start to drop. In a way, demand appears to have started to fall. People are driving less now, or planning trips better, which is causing a fall of gas usage, but at this point it hasn’t been enough to affect the law of supple and demand. Something that people are saying is that we are getting to the end of crude oil supply, and that we will run out. In time this will happen, but it’s not going to be a sudden thing. We are not going to wake up the next day and realize “Oh crap we have no gas”. This is going to be a slow process. When this happens, once again, the free market forces are going to a factor in this change. We have seen evidence of it, with the emergence of Bio-diesel, E-85, and hybrid and electric cars already. Today, GM and Kroger announced an agreement to start selling E-85 fuel at Kroger gas stations. Slow progress at first, but has higher fuel prices keep going, the demand for the alternates have increased and at this rate, they will keep increasing. Manufactures will now compete with each other, and come out with faster, better and cheaper alternatives. This is a nature progression of a free market, and no government rule, regulation or mandate will change this. Sure, in this case demand will be higher, but in this case it’s going to be a good thing. More Manufactures will get into the market, and as a result, prices will drop because of competition.