The line did not start with you

One month ago I used to complain every time I filled up my SUV because it was so expensive. Now, I am praying that the government would stop micro-managing gas stations and allow them to raise their prices.

Some may call this gouging while others refer to it as capitalism. I say it is capitalism. Why does the government have the right to determine how much money a gas station owner can make? Clothing stores like Versace sell its clothes at significantly higher prices than Target, and the government doesn’t tell them they have to lower its prices.

Georgia is still feeling the effects of Hurricane Ike and it didn’t even hit us. There is NO gasoline to be found. Most gas stations do not have fuel to sell its customers and the one’s that do are limiting the amount that someone can purchase.

While driving down the road yesterday, from Clarkesville to Buford, I passed 27 local gas stations without fuel; this is ridiculous. I did, however, find one gas station in Buford that had gas. Too no surprise, I had to wait 45 minutes just to get to the pump. When I did finally get to the pump there was a note that read “30 dollar limit. Please Pay inside.” After driving an hour for gas I was not happy. I noticed other drivers around me slamming things, being rude to others, and some even cursing at other drivers to hurry. I guess those people were so ignorant that they did not realize that we too waited 45 minutes for gasoline.

Gas stations that actually have gasoline are choosing to limit the amount of fuel a driver can purchase. The owner at the BP in Buford said he doesn’t like telling people what to do but his gas station is running out of gas and he wants as many people to benefit from his gas as possible. I respect him looking out for the greater good, I just don’t like it.

If the gas stations were allowed to raise the price of gasoline significantly it would decrease the long lines at the pump; consumers would have to cut down on unnecessary driving, topping off just because they have the time to sit in long lines, and find ways to car pool to reserve fuel. Raising gas prices is not gouging it is capitalism.

The United States consumes over 20 million barrels of oil a day (CIA World Fact book) because of this not all gas stations would choose to raise its prices. All gas station owners are in business to make money. No matter what the prices are they will still make money. Drivers would have the ability to choose to sit in long lines because the gas is cheaper or drive right up to the pump because gas is more expensive. Just like the clothing stores, you get what you pay for. At Versace you pay for name brand quality clothing and at a higher priced gas station you would finally get to buy TIME.