Bring Petrol Prices down!(UK) The Public stands firm. After the strong show of support for the action against the government and the petrol suppliers, Mr blair fails to take note that the very TANKERS which are needed to transport the fuel for necessary services, are in themselves RUN ON FUEL!! It shows, until someone else can come up with an alternative, ALL FUEL is absolutely necessary. Without it, the country comes to a standstill !! So get the tax in line with other goods classified as necessary like cloths, food, electricty, gas and so on. Mr Blair keeps talking about the price per barrel, when the issue concerning the British people relates to the massive taxes raised. $30 per barrel! That's about £24. So, how many litres in a barrel ? and why such a high tax? If any government placed such a tax on food, cloths or white goods like fridges, freezers, they would expect the same reaction from the British public, maybe worse. Petrol prices have been an issue for 'many years'. Various governments have proved that they do not listen to public opinion! With the abolishment of upper tax brackets, the rich get richer and invest abroad. Latest figures show The UK as the biggest overseas investor in the world, while the 'Back bone' of this country, are continuously being expected to pay even more tax in various forms. Even those who manage to purchase items that are more efficient, find themselves in a worse cash-flow position. Give something in 'one hand' and taking MORE from the 'other' seems to be a built-in policy in every government. The British public have clearly shown their views. After all, governments are voted in by the public and are expected to listen to and act upon their concerns. That is what democrocy is all about ! or is it? The UK, unlike the USA, do not have a document like the 'Constitution', 'Bill of Rights' and so on. Makes one think. Waiting years to vote via a 'ballot box' on issues that need dealing with, today, is NOT how things get done in any industry or government! That is rubbish! Taking concerns to your MP would end up having him/her sitting in their constituent's offices forever and never being able to attend parliament. That's if they were allowed to do that in the first place! Since when do we have a say when 'voting' should take place on important issues which concerns us. To publicly voice an opinion and demonstrate when all other avenues fail is a last resort, which most public sectors have sought, like the miners, dock workers, postal services, buses, trains, nurses and electricty, to name a few! All of which, by the by, have managed to achieve something. So what makes this any different? With the announcement of further fuel rises, this shows the absolute contempt that multi-national companies have for the very people who make them what they are today - RICH. They are the ones who have the government's ear. They should be putting pressure to reduce taxes and prices. As Mr Blair was having dialogues with them, it raises a further question. Did he know about the price rise? There are many other avenues to raise taxes, Why not Tobacco and Alcohol? Everyone knows what problems these costs to the tax payer in health care and civil disorders. Bring back control limits on 'Capital' leaving the UK and Tax it. The list goes on and on. Time to get our house in order before anyone else. Parliament should be recalled. Mr Blair and his government should resign. Take it to the country. Only one small point. Who do you vote for? when policies end up the same! Have a greater impact and 'Do a bit more'. To have a greater effect by reducing the quantity for pertol demand, stop using your vehicles to pop round the corner shop, picking up your kids from your local school. If you have two vehicles, use one where needs must. Do a weekly 'shop' or 'fortnightly' and cut down on those needless short trips that walking would solve. It is no hardship and walking does give you more exercise and is good for you and your family and friends. If you have a bicycle, use that for those short trips, including trips 'To' and 'From' work. If you find that you can do this regularly, then why not stop using your vehicles altogether and help the environment. ©Copyright All Rights Reserved 1999. Webmaster Charles P. White.