MAY 14, 2006 --

Just see the accompanying photos -- Citgo in New Milford and, a bit cheaper, Citgo on Winsted Road, in Torrington, Connecticut with Mobil, further up that road.

In New York City, prices are even higher.

These prices make sense only if there is a plot to wreck our economy. If not, they just indicate how short-sighted oil executives can be.

My father, Sol Zukerman, had several insightful expressions. One of them is, I
think, appropriate to the gas matter: "No good is going to come of this."

Sad that the Bush Administration doesn't realize this, and will likely get Congress under the control of politicians who consider the fulfillment of their private ambition to rule what public service is all
about.

It ain't, however -- and if the Republicans remained benighted, we shall have to have a new party if the spirit of liberty honored by our Founders is to remain kindled by our officials -- the folks who once were public servants.

The Mobil Station on Winsted Road in Torrington, CT, May 10th.