oil is the only utility not controlled by any governmental oversight. yes,the oil companies should be considered as dealers in a public utility. their product permeates every facet of our lives and at present we have no choice but to use it. even if we leave out the many petroleum based products on the market, any product that is shipped uses these fuels. almost all personal and public transportation relies on gasoline or diesel fuel and it is used to generate electricity (a controlled utility). though it can't be considered a true monopoly, that sort of power in the hands of a very few is the perfect environment for greed to run wild. take a good look and you'll see that it has.

since its beginning, the petroleum industry has held incredible political power. wielding their massive war chests like clubs they purchase politicians, shield themselves from justice and create political dynasties (look to our good buddy w). they have helped to create a world where they are necessary and they are wringing every last dime out of the situation. we would never allow our other utilities to gouge such massive profits from our pocketbooks, yet somehow these giants have escaped regulation and created an empire.

though i'm loathe to suggest that government stick its greedy paws into our lives any more than it already does, but the matter of public utilities is one of the few areas where they do belong. as usual, they are failing the public to line their own pockets.
delusionsofNORMALity Reviewed by delusionsofNORMALity on . Hillary: Authoritarian Socialist The New York senator told the Democratic National Committee's winter meeting: "The oil companies reported the highest profits in the history of the world. I want to take those profits and I want to put them in an alternative energy fund." Take? Isn't that confiscation of private property? Author P.J. O'Rourke framed it perfectly on a recent CNBC's "Kudlow & Co.": She's "Hugo Chavez in a pants suit." Taxing profits taxes people - Commentary - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper Rating: 5