More on oil...

*** Update ***
Libertarian Party Speaks on the $100 Gas Rebate Check

Once again, the rebate idea is such stupid scheme. A total political ploy to divert people's attention from the real issue. Quote:

"If Senate Republicans and Democrats want to provide immediate relief to consumers the first step should be the repeal of the federal excise tax on gasoline. The money saved by consumers would be more than the $100 refund.

To help increase the nation's supply of gasoline in the long-term, Congress needs to ease the environmental regulations governing oil refineries. The United States has not built a new refinery since 1976."

Hmm, that sounds like what I said...
***

Republicans target "Economic Crimes by William Anderson, care of the Mises Institute.

The article is well worth the read, and is more detailed than my post from a couple of days ago.

This leads me to another point which is probably becoming apparent, and may disturb some people who know me well. I have been steadily losing respect for the current manifestation of the Republican party, mainly due to the following:
The Patriot Act
Wiretapping
Handling of Katrina
Handling of oil
Inability to create a balanced budget, and record deficit spending
Continued interventionism across the world
Iran
Restricting free trade
Socialist health care
Social security stupidity

This does not mean I am now a Democrat. I like them probably even less. No, I think the most accurate description of my political position is Libertarian. Frankly, I have extremely little faith in government in general, but at this point I think the Republican party has failed miserably. America needs to move back to the principles of true free-market economics, international free-trade, and non-interventionism abroad. If the next Republicans up for election adhere to these (somebody like Ron Paul, who is definitely the man), or Democrat for that matter, I would vote for them. Otherwise, down with tyranny! I offer no apology for these views, and I hope none of my friends think less of me for it. Logic dictates that I must do this.

By the way, for all you Libertarians out there, Michael Badnarik is running for 10th District in Texas, which includes north Austin. Too bad I'm downtown, or else I could vote for him...