I just read that Exxon Mobil's second quarter net income is up 36% over '05 second quarter.

I'm just LIVID!! I'm paying $350 a month just to drive back and forth to work each month. This is friggin outrageous! All the excuses for the increase in gas prices are hogwash!

I am, in fact, so angry about this that I wrote my Congressmen. I would encourage everyone who agrees to do the same. It is time that they start paying attention to what is going on in OUR country!

Below is the letter that I wrote. Feel free to use any or all of it to write your Congressmen, if you are so inclined.

Dear Senator Talent,

I am writing to you as a plea for help. I am requesting assistance for not only for me, but for all of your working class constituents.

While Exxon Mobil announced a thirty-six percent increase in second quarter income over last year, millions of working class Americans are finding it difficult to afford to drive to work each day. The oil companies get richer and richer, at the expense of people who are trying to make an honest living.

As for myself, I drive one hundred miles each day to and from work. Now, I am spending $4000 a year, or $333 (minimum, more if I have to go to other sites) a month, for gas just to get to and from work.

I know that my case is not unique. I am fortunate in that I make more than minimum wage. I cannot imagine how difficult it is for the masses of working class Americans who barely make enough to put food on the table. And the people who drive/deliver for a living are in an even worse situation.

I do believe in “The American Dream.” I believe in right to seek that almighty dollar. However, when America is so dependant on the oil industry, the oil industry should be regulated. How is it that the telecommunications industry is regulated so heavily and the oil industry is not? I don’t believe the excuses that are given for the rising prices, especially when they are recording such a huge increase in their profits.

Senator Talent, this is a CRISIS. I believe that it is high time that the government of this country start focusing on the CITIZENS of this country. It is time for someone to have the backbone to stand up to the oil companies and force them to do the right thing. If they are unwilling to do the right thing on their own, they should be regulated.

Sincerely,

Sheila

agreed. theese oil prices are ridiculous. We learned about things like this in social studies last year. we learned about wars too. They think we can learn from history. I guess we can't. Maybe they're just giving people ideas?

I agree with you. The cost of gas is ridiculously high, and I, too, am paying over $300 a month for fuel, due to these high costs. Meanwhile, the oil companies continue to record high profits at our expense.

Your complaint letter is very good, and I think I'll take some of your ideas and send them on the my own senator.

By the way, are you from Missouri?

Yes, I'm in MO-- Near St. Louis.

It's bad over in Kansas City as well it's not as bad as it was earlier in the year but still bad nonetheless.

Almost makes me not want to learn how to drive. Because the cost is so high.