Where's John Doe When You Need Him?

Just when you think the greed and arrogance can't get any more ridiculous... here come those wacky oil executives!!
Oil Company Executives Defend Profits

Oh boy, here we go...

WASHINGTON - The chiefs of five major oil companies defended the industry's huge profits Wednesday at a Senate hearing where lawmakers said they should explain prices and assure people they're not being gouged.

There is a "growing suspicion that oil companies are taking unfair advantage," Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., said as the hearing opened in a packed Senate committee room.

"The oil companies owe the country an explanation," he said.

Yes, indeed, they do. At a time when we're paying more at the pump than ever before, why in the world would gas companies be making record profits?

Are you ready? Are you ready for the big explanation?

Lee Raymond, chairman of Exxon Mobil Corp., said he recognizes that high gasoline prices "have put a strain on Americans' household budgets" but he defended his companies huge profits, saying petroleum earnings "go up and down" from year to year.

That's it??? Earnings "go up and down from year to year?" Jesus CHRIST. Look, Lee, I know your body is soft and flabby, but that doesn't give you the right to give soft and flabby answers. "Earnings go up and down, you know how it is," won't cut it in this case. Many Americans are having to choose between fueling their vehicle or putting food on the table due to gasoline prices. You are gouging, and that is obvious.

The industry argues that the run-up of gasoline prices, which began earlier in the year, stems from high global crude oil costs and growing demand for gasoline this past summer, followed by a disruption of gasoline supplies when the hurricanes shut down more than a dozen refineries on the Gulf Coast.

Then why are you posting record profits?

While the loudest calls for action against oil companies have come from Democrats, some Republicans have expressed similar frustrations.

"They are unhappy with the behavior of the oil companies," said Republican pollster David Winston, who advises GOP congressional leaders. "These are free market guys. They believe the market works. But in this case they are concerned that the consumer was clearly taken advantage of ... and they're pretty angry about it."

But, of course, nothing will be done about it. You know, I'm surprised that none of these guys, who I'm sure would classify themselves as Good Christianstm, seem to be at all worried about two of the Seven Deadly Sins, Greed and Gluttony.


These men have no trouble putting food on the table.
These men never have to worry about being able to fill their gas tank.
These men probably never pump their own gas, for chrissakes.

We deserve real fucking answers, you bastards.

EDIT: Tbogg calls bullshit on this, too.

(Please, sir... I want some more cross-posts.)