Are speculators helping keep gas prices down?

[TheFarseer]

This was a topic on Cavudo on Business this morning on Faux. One guy said they are keeping costs down. His proof? There's not nearly as much trading on Tin and Tin is up 200% where as Oil is only up 100%. This makes as much sense as saying the dollar is down because it's green. The pound is not green, so it's value is holding steady. How can someone making this stupid of an argument be allowed on TV?

[whistle]

1. Ya right, oil is up 638% since Bush/Cheney took office in January 2001

[mrreowwr_kittty]

2. Last time I checked, I don't put tin in my gas tank

I realize that tin is a very necessary element in many applications but it's not nearly as vital to lives and commerce as petroleum. Not even close.

[elifino]

3. There is a big differance in speculation and hedging.

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

4. CNN is systematically denying the role of speculation

In virtually every single one of their broadcasts, either the host is denying the role of speculation in the price of oil or their special expert is. It seems that any talk about regulating speculation such as requiring higher margins is considered to be blasphemy of the American system.

I don't think speculation alone is responsible, but it has a role. The worse the rest of the stock market does, the more money flows into commodities where the money is to be made. I think the oil and commodities markets have taken on a life of their own, like gold.

It's not surprising that one of the biggest numbskulls on TV like Cavuto is dismissing the role of speculators in oil prices. But the rest of the air heads seem to be doing the same.

[TheFarseer]

6. of course it's not the only factor

There's alot at work here, like the declining dollar, supply and demand, but to say speculation is actually helping is just blatantly false. Raising margin requirements is one good idea I've heard. There are other things we can do to slow this down. Speculation is probably the only factor that we can do anything about in the short run. I think the corporate masters that are making money off all of this are trying to stop any talk of taking away this money making scheme. They might want to come up with a better argument. Oh, the guy also had the argument that with access to information on futures prices, consumers can make informed decisions and plan their future oil usage. Yeah, another solid point - if you're a bushbot retard.

[BeFree]

5. ...

Have they no shame? Any? One little bit?

America needs an anti-fox campaign. A modern day fox hunt, where the only thing killed is what we see on made-up TV.