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Speculators push up the price of fuel 23/2/12
Sirs,
Given the historical disparity between mainland and Western Isles fuel prices, its extremely unlikely that the entire blame for this situation can justifiably be heaped on one person or organisation. So it's rather disappointing that some easily offended, petulantly PC islanders view the fuel price issue as just another opportunity to publicly thrash the reputations of individual councillors of opposing political views to their own
And although I have little sympathy for the malicious undertones of the councillor thrashers, I think it my duty as a good citizen to warn them that they are in imminent danger of receiving a knock on the door from shady representatives of the Italian Mafia......sent to seek their expert advice on how to conduct a personal vendetta !
We're all focused on our islands' fuel price disparity, but ask anyone what factors
influence the price of oil before fuel duty and an island surcharge is applied, and
most people would likely reply -
Anyone who doubts those figures should ponder why the price of another natural resource,
silver,recently fell 20% in 3 days as numerous speculators (gamblers) were forced
out of the market when the minimum up-
So why do governments not legislate to prevent this speculating ,when oil products are an absolute necessity for many of us as individuals or businesses?
In truth, a relatively high market price suits the government. The higher the price we pay, the better for tax revenues and taxable oil company profits. Major banks, various financial concerns and wealthy individuals also have a vested interest through their parasitical speculating in the commodity markets,.
It's no coincidence that some of the main speculator profiteers whose activities
increase our daily living costs are also major donors of the Tory party. As David
Cameron says; 'We're all in this together'. He could also have added ....' and the
moon is made of cheddar cheese' . Both statements have an equal ring of truth about
them coming from the mouth of a multi-
Though the Tory party accepts money in return for turning a blind eye to the sharp practices which greatly increase our fuel costs, Labour are by no means blameless.They had the opportunity when in government to rein in the speculators activities,but willingly swam along with the financial sharks,sucking up to their fellow swimmers with platitudes and issuing fake knighthoods.
Being presently unattached to any party,I'm not trying to score political 'brownie' points, but simply stating some awkward truths for all parties. .
And what of the SNP; pure as the virgin snow,unsullied by the grubby,parasitical hands of the speculators? Please don't make me laugh ! The SNP are even more entwined with the speculators than the UK parties, having made it abundantly clear their entire political and economic philosophy is dependent on revenues generated from an artificially high oil price, inflated by their willing speculator helpers.
Meanwhile, it's ordinary citizens who pay for the participation of the speculators in the oil market; the next time you pay to fill your domestic or vehicle fuel tank,it could have undesirable effects on your mental equilibrium ( and blood pressure ) to be reminded that a hefty proportion of your money will be pocketed by wealthy parasites to fund their extravagant ' champagne' lifestyles .
Such is my disgust, that I'm seriously considering investing in a top of the range tarasgeir ( peat iron ) and trading in my trusty silver Astra for a frisky chestnut mare.
Iain M Macdonald
Miavaig
Uig
Isle of Lewis