Yawwwn,
Putting ones head in the sand isn't wise. To not pay attention to facts is just flat out stupid.
Oil was at 16. or so in 2001. It touched 123 today.
Oil in the next decade alone should blow past 150 easy.
The simple facts, SPECULATORS do not controll enough % compared to the "GROWTH" of CHINA and INDIA, SUPPLY AND DEMAND, and the US CONSUMERS love for the SUV to run oil this high. The hedging of the US is in OIL as the dollar sinks, but that is not speculation. That is 'Flight to Quality", which will not stop as the FED brings rates to 1%.
The consumer is FUCKED if he/she does not make well over 100k a year. Good bye middle class.
The Stock Market seems to be setting up for a serious move down, as the weight of the weak dollar, Higher Energy Prices, Weak Consumer, Housing and Financial Lending that has been tightened.
We are well into a recession but the US GOV wants you to belive growth is .6% GDP. From 3% to .6....? Hummmm. The numbers will be revised long after the Recession ends, im sure. Nice little trick the "GAO", Feds, Etc use.
Even if the US heads to a long deflationary presents or Long and drawn out Recession, OIL is going higher. Emerging markets have taken lead on US oil consumption.
MICROSOFT just announced a huge Plant in China. Think about how many US companies are going "GLOBAL" and moving out of the United States.
There is going to be a huge shift in "Players" and "Wealth". Those that are in OIL will continue to top the Forbes list, those that own companies which tap into the Global Market Place will continue to make a shit load of money. The rest, will be left behind. It is that simple.