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On Gas Prices, Politics & Other Bad Stuff
Never watch the news right before you go to bed. I saw an analyst on one of the cable networks say that gasoline prices will be about $6.50 a gallon by this fall. He guaranteed it would happen, saying there was absolutely nothing anyone can do to stop it as oil rises to $170 a barrel.
"Just in time for the winter heating oil season," was his final statement.
That's right, another $2 higher or more for most of us. Back in December 2007, I made the "bold" prediction that gas could rise to $4 a gallon by the spring of 2008 ... and it did.
I mentioned back then that integrators who are not instituting a surcharge for gasoline or raising their hourly labor rates are crazy.
I also pulled together a quick list of other things you can do, such as reducing your trips to the local distributor and looking for cheaper prices in neighboring states if you are near a border.
I just heard that many Americans in Southern California are now routinely crossing the Mexican border to the south to purchase cheap Pemex gas, which is running about half the price of gas in the U.S. (Hmm.. what's wrong with that picture?!)
Gas Prices and Going Green: Why They Matter
Let me add another tip to the list: Buy a Toyota Prius for your salesman. I just visited a CE Pro 100 integrator in Northern California where one of the top salespeople drives a Prius.
First of all, it's a great way to save money. (Gas was $4.69 a gallon in San Francisco last week.)
Second, it sends a great message for your customers that you are a socially responsible company. I had several companies tell me that the custom installation industry is "anti-green" because of all the power-sapping electronics.
What a bunch of "baloney, hogwash and rubbish," as one of my old teachers used to say.
New systems -- like the "Go Green with Crestron," GE's Envirodashboard, and a product from a new company called Agilewaves that allows you to offer homeowners with constant electrical usage information and the ability to shut systems down -- allow integrators to be at the forefront of the green movement.
If you don't have a good relationship with an electrician who installs solar panels -- either get one right now or get an electrical license. It is going to be huge and it's a natural fit with home electronics.
Meanwhile, it's not-so-fun to think about all the things you could have done with your gas money if prices hadn't skyrocketed.
Even CNN commentator Glenn Beck is getting into act. His latest blog equates the amount of extra money the average person has spent on gasoline since January 2007 ($2.17 a gallon vs. $4 a gallon today, equating to an extra $1690 per household), you could have bought two flat-panel TVs.
I don't know if Beck is trying the make the point about the economy or manipulating his readers into buying a set solely so they could be watching his handsomeness in HD splendor if gas prices were lower.
More importantly, it shows how much the rising oil prices are affecting the economy.
Presidential Politics and Change
Will Obama or McCain be the solution?
Who knows.
According to an article from the L.A. Times, one columnist believes that Bush's policies may look much better years from now, especially if Iraq develops into a stable democracy.
Let's think about that for a minute. So, the editorial is saying that the worst budget deficit in U.S. history, an economy that is shrinking (officially a Bear market now), and foreign perception of the U.S. at an all-time low will all be somehow modified by the successes or failures of the next president?
On the contrary, if Obama gets into in office with a substantial majority in Congress, it could make the Bush presidency look like a huge turd.
The possibilities are limitless: a changed energy policy, perhaps four new Supreme Court appointments, some sort of improved health care system, and a reduced amount of the budget committed to war. Obama could look like the second coming of FDR and JFK combined.
If McCain is the winner, I have to believe that he will be instituting change also. I keep hearing that this election is the "most consequential ever." I disagree. I believe either man will be instituting change.
Lesser men have held the job and the results are easily seen compared to greater presidents.
James Buchanan could see the crumbling of the country into Civil War and did nothing. Herbert Hoover was befuddled by the Depression and foreign unrest in Europe.
When greater men became president (Lincoln and FDR), they reacted differently. The country changed and benefited from these particular men. It was these men who made the difference.
OK. My rant is done. Your turn to puke on me if you wish.
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47 Comments (displayed in order by date/time)
While I am surprised to see politics mentioned here… (and I am a political junkie!), I have learned the hard way NOT to bring up politics with fellow CI folks!
Tuck’s comments are just another example of devout right-wing conservative Rush Limbaugh / FOX News silliness.
Bruce, I expected that typical response with no depth from someone. (Note: nothing disputed or proven wrong. Again, expected).
I am not a big fan of Rush by the way. He is a bit off the deep end. I don’t lean that far right by any means, but am on the RIGHT side, LOL.
FACT as stated by Obama: “HIGHER TAXES”. Period. He said it himself.
FACT: History has shown lower capital gains stimulate economic growth. Cant be disputed.
FACT: There is global warming.
FACT: There has been cyclical global warming throught the history of the earth.
FACT: There is no 100% proof we are not in one of those cycles.
I could go on but why? Back to CE, how bout them new Krell Papa Dock Amplifiers? LOL
I almost stopped reading when he used the word “turd”. Then I stopped when he started talking about change.
Well Tuck… Most presidential candidates say NO NEW TAXES, yet as soon as they get elected that goes out the window.
We will HAVE to pay some taxes to help fund the Iraq War.
So, are you saying McCain won’t ever raise any taxes?
Hey man, I don’t want to tick anyone off… It’s the fourth of July & we are all entitled to our own political ideals. Have a beer and just be glad you are an American.
Nothing personal, so I hope we’re O.K.
Bruce, no problem my friend. All is good.
No, I am not saying McCain wont raise taxes. However, he has stated he will not increase the capital gains like Obama has promised. He has,as well, been clear he will extend the Bush tax cuts, which affect me and likely you, in 2010. Obama has promised to NOT extend them even though they touch the majority of Americans.
Of course, all politicians lie, LOL. So know one really knows. There is no pefect candidate and likely never will be. To bad twe dont have a better choice this election huh? LOL
Be proud, be strong. No harm done. Live HAPPY. 
Yep they are all a bunch of liars. We will be facing some really huge challenges in the next few years unlike we have faced in a long time, thanks to skyrocketing fuel costs. I guess I’ll just pray, and fasten my seatbelt!
First, gas will definitely hit $6.50 a gallon. There will be a respite to get the general population in-line with new pricing and then more growth. One of the only things that both sides of the aisle can agree upon is higher gas. The Democrats love it because they can further push their “we are all victims and the Earth is dying” platform and it is no secret who is paying for the Republican ticket.
92%+ of all energy consumed in the US is still made by coal plants. A fact not overlooked by Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Bush again. So this rules out “the Earth is dying” platform for Dems. (Did I mention that the tax credit for purchasing energy efficient appliances just lapsed and was not renewed) At least the Republicans are upfront about their position.
At $4.00+ per gallon the US saw only a 2% decline in consumption. Compared with 150% growth in price, the math does not suggest a decrease in price will be coming. Thank you, Mr Smith.
However, I would like to digress from political discussions on this forum. I do however, like the concept of discussing how political issues impact our industry.
So, in so far as CI/CE firms not being green, it is absolutely true. This is the nature of the beast. We do not profit from selling and integrating less equipment. As a result we are reliant on CE device companies to produce more efficient devices. A typical install with a few TV and a rack can result in anywhere from 1000 to 6000 constant watts. Even at 1000W, we are looking at leaving 20+ lights on at a time.
As a result, calling CI firms the “un-green group” isn’t really fair. However, a more disconcerting affair, are the all-in-one devices that are making headway. The LinuxMCE and Microsoft Media Center’s are not going away. If anything, the concept of home automation and advanced media management will only get easier for the average Joe to execute or worse, for the Geek Squad to install.
- B
Letter to the editor - Try to keep your political views to yourself. While we respect your opnions on the industry, your political views can only serve to alientate readers and skew the value of your opinions.
For the record… I am a lifelong registered Republican.
Btab, very well spoken.
I did not know coal was 92%. Interesting. Where did that data come from as I would like to learn more about it.
While we may not be able to CLAIM our industry is green, we certainly can state that our installations can make OTHER proceses in the household more green, i.e. HVAC, lighting, irrigation, etc. Controlling those and other items can and does reduce our carbon footprint, regardless of whether I believe our footprint is making that big of an impact on anything other than propaganda or not.
We tend to promote the aspects of our industry that best fit the shoe we need it to fit. As long as we don’t intentionaly mislead, I have no problem with that.
Good words btat.
Wow, Jason. Injecting politics into CEPro will really help you lose readers fast. Like this one…
It’s time for CEPro to “instituting change”
Jason,
While I will continue to read CEPro for industry information, my opinion of you as well as the level of respect I had for you has diminished.
-Bill
Jason,
Congratulations on being a Republican. You could be a lifetime member of the Communist Party. The point is that your personal politics have no place on this board. How different adminsitrations may effect our industry would be worthwhile. Conversely, who you will vote for in November is not of general interest.
Perhaps you can do some research on how various legislation will effect CI firms in MDU installations. Or maybe, a piece on how to capitalize on tax benefits currently available for adding energy efficiency.
Stick to your expertise. Should you not be able to contain your need to wax philosophically about politics, try http://groups.google.com.
What is the net result of puking on puke?
It will be hard to respect any further articles from you after reading your comments on the unqualified Barrack Hussein Obama (Oh my god I am now predjudice because I stated his middle name OH MY! Give me a break for those going down that wrong road). The second coming of FDR and JFK combined? Are you not aware of the policies he plans on instituting? If you are for higher taxes, go for it. That idiot has total disregard to the PROVEN fact that LOWER capital gains STIMULATES the economy. He and his cronies will say whatever they think it takes to gain office. Sure if you offer a hand out to those that don’t undertand you have to work hard, live smart and do the right thing, you will absolutely get their vote. Keep mankind thinking you’re a god here to give them everything for doing NOTHING and you CAN be president!
The far lefts agenda is to keep you brainwashed, controlled and tied down to thinging you must rely on the government and not work for yourself to gain ground. Your destiny is up to YOU not the government as their roll needs to be as uninfiltrating as possible. You MUST be a liberal. Rarely does one admit it as its a most embarrassing self proclamation.
Is this really a forum/magazine for this type of article? Please, keep your inate ranting on the proper blogs. I will follow suit.
PS. A Prius? We have enough of our dollars going to Asia without you promoting the economy of other countries. Let me guess, you think its Bush’s fault? LOL