Gas Prices, America!

In the face of ever-record-breaking gasoline price increases, one thing (among the endless hours of discussion any 2 people could have on the subject), is the American media's treatment of the topic (also, the fact the price rises barely register in European news outlets). I have to say TV and radio anchors (I hesitate to call them 'journalists', knowing that what Bonnie does is real journalism) are quite smug about reporting this 'news'. I saw an exchange on the morning TV news broadcast that solidified my opinion. A DC correspondent was criticizing Bush's energy appeasement plan, comparing it to a 'junkie' saying he was making it easier for the American people to get their fix, not working to change their habits or 'addiction'. He threw it back to the desk, and the clowny anchors had a laugh over it, "Hahaha, that's a colorful analogy.", and joked about moving in together to make it easier to carpool. The correspondent further explained that people need to drive less, get smaller cars, and take public transportation. The female anchor replied, in a rather bitter tone, "well, BART doesn't run at 3 AM when I need it." The newscandy program followed up with a report on where to find the best prices (oooo... 3.04 vs. the average 3.17).