Government Cover Up

I just read where the White House released a memo stating that the bridge in Minneapolis that collapsed was listed as having structural deficiencies two years ago. Why are they now bringing this up? What have they been doing for two years to correct the problems? The television reports last night stated there was some construction going on when the bridge collapsed, but that construction was cosmetic in nature, such as guard railings. Therefore, no corrective construction was being taken to correct the deficiencies that were reported two years ago. Why? Why was this allowed to happen? We've seen the devastation that bridge collapses can cause (Loma Prieto earthquake in 1989, Florida bridge collapse years ago) so why would government inspections showing serious, or, in this case, grave potential for destruction, be taken so lightly? Why else would the White House release this information, instead of the Minnesota state department of transportation, Minnesota governor's, Minneapolis' mayor, or Minnesota's structural engineer's? What were they doing, trying to cover up the potential for danger? The television reports last night stated the bridge was given a "clean bill of health" in 2004 and 2005, or something like that. What is their definition of "clean bill of health?" I think this bridge collapse, and the cover up of the bridge's wellfare, is just another example of government injustice that needs to be corrected in order for us to be called the greatest nation on the earth. It's deplorable to think about how much government corruption happens and nobody in Washington, or anywhere in state and local governments, seem to care about the consequences once their corruptive ways have been exposed. How can our people be expected to act in a responsible manners when our leaders act in corruptible ways without any repercussions? Something needs to change or we're in for lots of trouble!

Gas Gouging

If gas gouging is illegal, why isn't anyone being arrested for doing it? I live in a community where gas prices are 15 cents higher than communities 30 minutes away, yet nobody is being arrested or prosecuted for gas gouging.

On top of that, if gas gouging is illegal, why does it always rise in the summertime? During last fall's elections, that was a big issue that everyone spoke about and gas prices plunged almost a dollar to level out around $2.00 in our community. However, after the first of the year, it began to rise again and, within 3-4 months, was back to it's $2.75 price before the elections and now it's over $3.00 a gallon.

Gasoline/oil is not something we are going to have forever and we need to make plans for a future without gasoline and oil. As the planet continues to expand and modernize, fuel is being consumed in greater portions around the world. As a result, many oil companies continue to raise prices to line their pockets, regardless of the outcome. Think about it. When more people are on the roads (summertime), they hike the gas prices to get as much out of them as possible. Then, in the winters when less people are on the roads, they drop the prices to make it look like they are trying to help everyone out.

In my mind, here's where the problem is. Politicians should be required to give up their interests in gasoline and oil. If they have stocks in gasoline and oil, they should be required to sell all their shares before being allowed to take office. That way, they wouldn't have a bias one way or the other, because there's no possibility of financial gain to them, other than what they would save at the pump if the prices were lowered.

Do any of you have any thoughts on this issue? Please do share.

Personal Quote

For my first post, I'm going to start with a quote I created a few years ago. There's actually a story behind how this quote came about, but that will remain my story. I hope you enjoy it.

The world does not revolve around you! Instead, you revolve with the world, while being involved within the world around you! - Wayne Garner