The rising price of gasoline is crippling America. Every facet of this country has been affected by the cost of a barrel of oil. Now that prices are on the rise again, and more and more are suffering.

The value of a barrel of crude oil rose to $100 this week. This spike will lead to record highs of a gallon of gas over the coming weeks, and are expected to surpass the 85-cent increase we have experienced since this time last year. These outrageous prices make for a depressing fill-up at the gas stations.

Because we are a society dependent upon gasoline-powered transportation, the price at the pump affects everyone. Local businesses have had to raise their prices in order to compensate for shipping costs. Charities are being forced to rethink strategies to provide aid because of the skyrocketing transportation costs.

The more money going toward basic transportation costs subtracts from the funds needed to supply assistance to the needy. Donations have been decreasing recently as a result of higher gas prices. The more people spend to drive to their daily destinations, the less they have to donate. More people are in need of financial assistance because of the inflation due to the price of oil. However, charities are becoming less able to provide. And the effect on unemployed college students? I am sure you can agree that it is quite detrimental.

So in this political world conducted by a director board composed of wealthy elites, what are we supposed to do about this crisis? First, we should boycott the oil conglomerate Exxon/Mobil. This corporation is the largest oil company on the planet. Its influence upon the world of gas stations is enormous. As it is the leading corporation, whatever prices it sets are replicated by the competition. A boycott would force Exxon/Mobil to lower prices, therefore forcing other companies to follow suit.

Second, simply try to drive less. Carpooling is also a way to help cut down on gasoline spending.

Finally, we should protest the war in Iraq. The United States’ military occupation in Iraq is costing our government trillions of dollars and putting an even further demand on oil. The sooner we are no longer conducting military operations, the sooner gas prices can start to fall. With the numerous trucks and planes that perform daily missions in Iraq comes an increased demand for oil as well as an increased price to pay.

The next time you release a sigh in response to the rising price of everything from a gallon of gas to a movie ticket, think about what you can do to  help lower the cost.