ECHO
Gas prices more than a nuisanceFriday, November 14, 2008 By Jared Flanery, Staff Reporter
The issue permeates every facet of life on planet Earth. Iraq agrees to an oil law; Saudi Arabia increases oil production; Congress approves oil exploration off the coast; OPEC raises oil prices; factions clash in Nigeria over oil; climate change is blamed on carbon output from oil. Even the smallest disturbance and a headline is born. Oil truly is one of the most important issues of the day. Closer to home, hard-working families in Kentucky and Indiana have suffered during the past year from almost implausible gas prices. Trinity students and teachers of all ages have been affected in several ways. “I have had to make adjustments in my lifestyle,” Mr. Joe Thompson said. “I’ve cut back on golf and the movies.” Yes, it seems most everyone has made an involuntary adjustment in his or her life--especially before the major drop in prices during October. Freshman Nathan Dieudonne agrees, saying gas prices and the overall economy have “put a lot of stress on my family” and “cut down on activities.” The last thing any Trinity student or faculty member wants is to have freshmen unable to attend games and clubs. The universal nature of this crisis is apparent. But how did it begin? Complicated U.S.-OPEC relations due to the Yom Kippur War in Israel and the Iranian revolution, respectively, caused oil crises in 1973 and 1979. As early as 2003 current oil prices began to rise, due to “a hundred factors,” according to economist and columnist Daniel Gross. Among these are the Iraq War, general Middle East tension, oil speculation, worries about North Korea, and U.S.-world relations. Hurricane Ike also provided a spectacular scene a few weeks ago, as drivers rushed to get gas as far north as Indiana. One Indiana resident, senior Kyle Morlan, endured even harsher conditions. He said, “I have premium in my BMW and it costs me 20 cents more. It has really affected me because I pay for my own gas and my paycheck goes to that.” Combine this with a tanking economy and older students are struggling to deal with the demands of college and the concept of adulthood responsibility. Gas prices appear in other parts of student life. Senior Samuel Berry said gas prices have caused “more cost in a lawn care company that I have. The overhead in cost has doubled while people don’t want you to raise your prices.” Not only have gas prices affected work, but even play. Sophomore Ryan English said, “When I went on vacation…it’s been taking even more money out of my pockets and my parents, too.” |