[TGB!]

[quote:a685d]The problem I have is businesses and unethical behaviour by using scarcity to drive up prices.[/quote:a685d]

Thats not unethical. They simply control the flow and access of it. "Price fixing" IS illegal, and as far as we know, this isnt the cause of the "high" price of gas. Thats like saying its illegal to charge an high dollar amount for a celebrities signature - because of the scarcity of the product. The star COULD release more of these things into the market, but why should they? This assumes - of course - the practice is even widespread.

[quote:a685d]They can set any price they want, however there are limited alternatives to consumers due to the monopoly over the market.[/quote:a685d]

No there arent. There ARE alternatives (purchasing a more fuel effecient car, purchasing a HYBRID car if they are available in the area, demanding congress and automakers invest in alterna-fuel infrastructure so that these ethanol and electric cars are more readily available, take public transportation, carpooling, etc.) - but people dont want to be "inconvenienced". Bullshit. Unless there is no public transport, unless there are no hybrid dealerships, unless you know NOONE who works in your same area - then you ARENT out of options.

[quote:a685d]Capitalism is about competition to drive down prices and give consumers viable options which is the opposite of how the industry works.[/quote:a685d]

Competition and the natural byproduct of reduced prices is a result of capatalism. Not the POINT. The point of capatalism is a FREE MARKET.

[quote:a685d]Gas is a necessity in many North American lives. They can't just not buy gas.[/quote:a685d]

Gas is neccessary if one feels it is neccessary to drive a car. Americans have precious little use or concern for gas OTHER than that.