As gas prices soar, Americans are in an uproar

I live in California.
That means nice beaches, expensive houses, too many highways to count and really high gas prices. The only thing that is more disgusting than seeing $4.39 per gallon for cheap gas, is realizing how the oil companies are thriving and reveling in Americans' economic distress.
There have been multiple hearings and investigations regarding oil price manipulation. I'm no professional economist, so I don't want to go over my head and try to explain all the specifics.
"Though some analysts say market fundamentals are playing a large role in the doubling of oil prices in a one-year span ... others believe that commodities investors have boosted the price of crude with speculative trading," according to CNN Money.
Also, in court hearings, the top oil executives claimed "they are doing all they can to bring new oil supplies to market, but that the fundamental reasons for the surge in oil prices are largely out of their control," according to CNN Money.
'We cannot change the world market,' said Robert Malone, chairman and president of BP America Inc. 'Today's high prices are linked to the failure both here and abroad to increase supplies, renewables and conservation.'"
In my own speculations, I'm not going to wait for the government to do something. I know that they will try and they are trying, but we can't wait for gas to get to $7 a gallon before there's a change.
Months ago, I remember hearing some economic specialist explain how gas prices would be the highest in April and May, because they are every year. Well gas is more than $130 a barrel and it seems as though every day there's a new record-high average gas price in this country. It's just getting ridiculous.
If you don't plan on using public transportation for your needs or trading your vehicle in for a bike, then getting a green car is the smart decision. I'm seriously considering it.
General Motors plans to stop making as many SUVs and trucks, and focus on making a new, small, green car. The down side is that in order to do that, they've decided to close four factories in North America, ridding 8,350 workers of their jobs.
Sure pain at the pump will put America in a recession, but the more people who lose jobs, the more trouble the economy is in.
For the record, having a "national-don't-buy-gas day" won't do anything.
But writing your local congressman to continue speculation against the oil companies will.
Voting for Obama in November will.
Buying a hybrid or electric car will.
Nothing says "ouch" to your wallet more than paying $50 at the pump when it used to be $18.
So stop protesting the gas stations for one day at a time. Make a lifestyle change and stop buying gas-guzzlers.


Some green cars to check out
Get it now:
Saturn has hybrids
The Civic Hybrid
Toyota Prius

For the future:
Saturn's Flextreme
Chevy Volt
Mitsubishi is looking to sell electric cars in 2010

There's help on the way. But the only relief you can get is by buying relief for yourself.