Sharky et al:

I would not count on the US to spearhead a revival in oil consumption in the western world. The US is looking at a plethora of new taxes, including increased income taxes, likely a new VAT tax and increases in just about all other existing taxes. It seems that our political powers that be, have no interest in controlling taxes. The approach just seems to be, raise them. All here perhaps wonder how this ties into Connacher specifically and oil in general, may wish to ask themselves a question which has much broader application than may at first be apparent. Just how is a nation of peoples which is facing significantly higher taxes of all forms, supposed to maintain spending levels on higher priced oil derived products while simultaneously suffering through not the phony reported unemployment reports issued by the Federal Government of just under 10%, but the real number calculated including all unemployed people as reported by shadow stats. Or, the way unemployment used to be reported before the Fed changed the method of calculation about 15 years ago . Thereby, presenting a more respetable but less accurate and truthful figure of the true unemployment in the Nation. Which at present is 17.5% That is a lot of people not driving to work. Not taking holidays. Being oh so careful to consolidate all required shopping to one excursion in which all tasks which need to be conducted outside the home are accomplished . If any think the US with the major unemployment issues the US has, and the amazingly onerous tax increases to be demanded of a reduced in prosperity populous will continue to consume oil as before, I would suggest you may wish to reconsider!

Brian