Here in Central Florida, the gas price pattern has been consistent for at least two years. It will drop down to about $2.90, maybe even a bit lower, and then on Monday or Tuesday, it will go up to $3.19 in nearly every single gas station in the area. Then it starts to slide down, and when it gets to around $2.90, it jumps back up to $3.19. Every time, for a few years now. Clearly, the prices are totally fixed.

But lately, since affordability has become the most serious drain on MAGA chances in the Midterms, gas prices have been lower. I just returned from a trip over the Holidays, and has is down to $2.70, or even lower.

Obviously, DeSantis is doing his part by forcing gas prices lower somehow, but rather than give him credit for helping out, that begs the question: If they could have lowered prices, why didn't they do it before it started to get them into trouble?

Immediately after the Vemzuelan attack, gas companies said that instability in the oil market was going to cause high prices (which happens anytime a dolphin sneezes near an offshore oil rig), and usually that means the very next fucking day. I expected prices to leap to at least $3.50, but they didn't.

Obviously, they are manipulating the gas prices, to fight the affordability issue. To counter that, I'd like to remind everyone that the average price of a new car is now over $50,000, with a monthly payment over $750. They are now offering 8 year loan terms.

BTW, cars have now become a viable, and acceptable living option. I just read about a college that is building a parking garage for student living in their cars. They could have built a residence hall for them, but better to teach college students that living in your car is a good career strategy, along with taking out tens of thousands in student loans for an education that won't lead to a single job.

What were we talking about?