[SomeRandomGuy]

ogrekilleat makes a very good point. We are in the situation we are in with gas prices because of the private sector. A corporation's goal is to make as much money as possible. It is our responsibility as consumers to determine what we are willing to pay for goods and services. Oil companies are having record profits because consumers are willing to pay the prices being charged. Until we make lifestyle changes that reduce the amount of oil we are using (therefore decreasing demand), why would the oil companies lower the price of gas? If a larger profit can be made at $6 per gallon than $4 per gallon (meaning the overall gas usage does not decrease more than 33% then I fully expect the oil companies to do whatever is possible to get gas prices to $6 per gallon (I realize this is an over-simplistic example, not taking into account taxes, etc.). Relying on the private sector to govern prices is great in theory, as long as consumers are willing to dictate the price they are willing to pay and force their will upon those providing the goods and services.