In Europe, the price of gasoline per regular gallon is already substantial. For example, in Belgium, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Germany, it is, respectively, $5.91, $5.80, $5.79, and $5.57. In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, European nations are planning to deny future imports of gasoline from Russia, a decision that will raise these prices even more. This is considered in Europe the price of defending global democracy.
Meanwhile, in the U.S., where the price averages only $4.747 per gallon, some segments of society are going berserk. Apparently, many Americans are unwilling to make any sacrifice to defend democracy. This is hardly surprising since the Republican party has based its 2022 national campaign on undermining democracy, leaving only Democrats to defend it.
In the meantime, we can choose to travel less, carpool, bicycle, walk, and use public transportation. Ukrainians don’t have these options! Let’s acknowledge the price of gasoline is determined by availability and the price of crude, refining costs, company profits and price gouging, distribution and marketing costs, and taxes.
Do we care about democracy or not? Let’s be willing, like Europe, to make a little sacrifice to defend it.
Alan Journet
Jacksonville
