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Off-topic TalkWhere overpaid, underworked S2000 owners waste the worst part of their days before the drive home. This forum is for general chit chat and discussions not covered by the other off-topic forums.
Constitutionally, our currency should be exchangeable, at a fixed rate, for gold and/or silver. In which case, oil would not have been as volatile in price as it has been since 2000.
in review of the linky:
see how the price of gas at the pump has been effected by political events, not supply demand. from original 1977 oil embargo, shah iran overthrow ($3.31), to the current demise ($3.22)
thoughts:
-the us government should attempt to keep interest in alternative transportation design active by funding research and or keeping fuel prices high. yes this could be additional taxes but if the US kept up the heat in the middle east and destabilize the region this would also have the same effect. either way when gas prices fall, and indeed they will, the US will have no interest in fuel efficient cars and SUV's will have a come back.
-from a political standpoint the US attempting to install a friendly IRAQ government is before its time. 4sure there is an ample supply of oil now and for another 10-15years. the current confrontation only serves to up oil prices. any new IRAQ government will crumble long before its needed.
-did the $3.31 gas in 1981 spell the end of the US echonomy no. so why should it now? the SUV will return.
the economy would best run with consistent high oil prices.
As VAD alluded to, the value of our dollar is continuously dropping due to inflation (as per the true definition.. an increase in money supply) thanks to the unelected guys over at the federal reserve. USD has lost almost 50% of its value against the Euro since 2000.
Hmm. I just did a quick text search of the Constitution (including amendments) and the only time the word "gold" shows up is in Article 1, Section 10, talking about the States being able to use gold and silver coins for payment of debt.
This seems to apply: Article 1, Section 8 - Powers of Congress
"To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;"
Note that there's nothing Constitutional about how money is regulated in terms of gold, silver, tree leaves, or whatever.
Hmm. I just did a quick text search of the Constitution (including amendments) and the only time the word "gold" shows up is in Article 1, Section 10, talking about the States being able to use gold and silver coins for payment of debt.
This seems to apply: Article 1, Section 8 - Powers of Congress
"To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;"
Note that there's nothing Constitutional about how money is regulated in terms of gold, silver, tree leaves, or whatever.
The Constitution grants Congress the power to coin money and regulate its value. The Constitution does not grant Congress the power to delegate this power to a central bank run by unelected and unregulated officials. The Constitution tells us what the federal government is allowed to do. Anything not explicitly authorized or delegated to the federal government by the Constitution is therefore unconstitutional..
Geez!