Gouging OR Capitalism?

Has the time come when Americans living in the southeast have to plan their lives around conserving as much gas as possible. Today Americans living in the southeast half of the United States could drive for miles searching for gas and see nothing but Wal-Mart plastic bags covering every nozzle or prices reaching $4.50 a gallon. With the sky rocketing gas prices and the unbelievable gas shortage its easy to ponder the thought of gouging or capitalism. Ken Medlock, an energy specialist at Rice University in Houston says "the closing of refineries prior to the two hurricanes created a shortage in the gasoline distribution system for many areas. We had sort of a double whammy [hit]. Gustav resulted in about 15 percent of our nation's refining capacity being shut down, and Ike added another 19 percent. So, the fact that those storms were back to back means that for about three weeks, you had very limited refining capacity in this country." With very limited refining capacity some believe that gas station owners are gouging the prices of gas, charging exorbitant or excessive prices for gas following a disaster is not only unethical, it's illegal in some states. In certain states individuals or businesses found guilty of price gouging could face fines up to $1,000 per violation. Or are the high gas prices just a prime example of capitalism? Personally its clear that the gas crisis is capitalism being taken advantage of. The private business owners in the free market are playing their customers and making huge profit off of it. Small regional gas stations such as Race Trac charging $4.50 a gallon is insane, and making the owner of Race Trac a ton of money. Medlock also says "the Department of Energy is reporting the lowest gasoline inventories in the United States since 1967. But he says the problem will not last more than another couple of weeks, as crews get refineries back up and running at full capacity. " When the problem is dissolved will the gas prices recede to a more considerable price? So many of us Americans hope so, and fear that the day may come when the cost of our commutes to work will outweight our salaries. Its a scary thought but is scary possible. Here's an idea how about President Bush's 700 billion dollar bailout plan for the economy recues our pitiful oil industry and our dependence on foreign oil.