One theory on the California energy crisis, is that it was a political hit job, by Republicans, who succeeded in overthrowing a sitting Democratic governor, Gray Davis, and replacing him with Arnold Schwarzeneggar, in a recall election. Before that there was talk that Davis might run for President.

The California energy market was manipulated for political purposes. It was again manipulated in 2004, and tHe MSM reported it that way during the midterm elections, but never went after the facts. This point is not wasted on them, the GOP gained nothing by driving gasoline prices lower, so it was back to fear, Getting out the fear vote was by then GOP policy, vote GOP or suffer the wrath of the Bush administration . The fear vote is something no one wants to admit too, (Impeachment is off the table, thank you) although it works quite well with terrorism. Republican operatives thought, why stop there?

Government has become the employer of first resort, supplying the greater number of jobs. Local, state, county and city employees feel the pressure. Speaking up against the war in Iraq happened in large part because speaking against the administration at your government office, or contractors place of business, became less acceptable. The man signs your check, what are you going to say??)

The Republicans, through Grover Norquist have worked to politicize every elected office in the country. The electorate assumes that when energy is manipulated for political purposes, prices always go lower, bu the truth is they almost never go lower. Raising prices puts pressure on (now Democratic) encumbents. Sure, higher energy prices are partly a consequence of their larger economic policy, but they have the added effect of formenting political unrest in Mexico. The ethanol program is part of the plan to force Mexico to adopt Bush's North American plan for a single currency, a single trade zone, and single security force. The Bush administration built detention centers for that purpose, they sit empty, and waiting for the moment.

It's also possible that oil prices are rising simply because energy isn't being manipulated lower. It's also possible that the administration wants to bomb Iran, and that high prices will mean there is less of a price shock when the bombs hit Tehran. Anyway donut soft Democrats don't get it, prices are being manipulated higher, are you more afraid? Feel less secure? Vote Republican.

Drivers angry at bicyclists? Well okay I dont'stop at stop signs, because I don't want to take my feet out of the clips. Its easier to flow with traffic when you don't come to a complete stop. Yes I use hand signals, although most drivers don't understand them.

Also when I am approaching an obstacle (like someone parked in the bicycle lane), I move over early, because I want traffic behind me to notice. (Also if I want to make a left turn I don't wait until I come to intersection before I move over. Bicycles are supposed to move with traffic.)

If a bicycle remains too far to the right side of the road, drivers don't notice. The rider then has to swerve out into the lane, when either someone opens a car door without looking, or a pedestrian steps in front of the bicycle, or a skateboarder challenges their line of travel. ( I really don't like skateboarders).

I realize that occasionally you might have to slow down, but most of the time you were speeding anyway. I don't have any fancy mirrors, I turn my neck to see who is coming up behind me, and if you are coming too fast that's a problem for both of us. If you give me a break I will acknowledge your generosity. I will try not to ride on very narrow roads with no bike lane. My biggest problems are objects in my lane, and holes in the road and other debris, which will give me a flat tire, or bend a rim.

If you see me riding on the wrong side of the road, please feel free to shout out any obscenity you like. I hate bicyclers on the wrong side more than you do. Just about every other bicycle where I come from is a homeless person, so be advised. Then there are the Mexican day laborers. So make allowances, know who you are dealing with, which is really one of the primary rules of driving a car.

What is the other guy thinking? It helps.

The biggest problem is people riding on the wrong side of the street, riding through intersections on red lights, and generally riding between traffic, and not with traffic. (Most of them would be lousy drivers, and that is probably why they are riding bicycles) I realize driving is a priapic journey, for many of you. Bicycles take a little time off your hectic schedule. Skateboarders ride in the bike lane, ride the wrong side of the road, and don't have control of their board at all times. Did I mention those little motorized scooters?

Other drivers get irritated when bicyclists come to a complete stop, and it takes a lot longer for them to clear the intersection. If I can shadow a car, or time my way through, I usually do it. I have always felt that was less annoying to automobile drivers.