Beating The Rush

I thoroughly disapprove of duels. I consider them unwise and I know they are dangerous. Also, sinful. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet retired spot and kill him.
- Autobiography of Mark Twain

The current price of $1.97 for gasoline notwithstanding, I would like to be among the first to get my licks in at the vicious and criminal oil companies who are planning to raise the prices of home heating oil this winter.

I don't wish to save my complaint until the last minute when every little grouch without a propane space heater will have piled on the bandwagon, moaning and cursing the loathsome Exxon-Mobil, because by then, gripe inflation will have set in and the value of my crankiness will have devalued by some amount. Dissatisfaction also has a net present value and I am a value investor.

Pop Quiz : Using what you've learned from your readings this semester, and in fifty words or less, answer this question:

Why don't the oil companies just raise the price of heating oil in the summer when it won't be so noticeable? And don't be boring and say "greed". Greed is not a factor in this equation. Actually it is a factor of course, but (speaking from experience), greed is a constant with the oil companies. They are not more greedy today than they were last year or even last summer. Greed is a net wash.

Keep your eyes on your own paper and do your own work.