Facebook Takes on High Gas Prices
Thursday, June 2nd, 2011
Protestors in Egypt enlisted the power of Facebook to topple their government. Albany Mayor Pro Tem Roger Marietta tried to use that same power to send a message to the companies and individuals responsible for today’s high gas prices. On a Public Event Facebook page, Marietta called for consumers to “minimize your use of gas for the month (of May) until the price drops below $3 per gallon.”
“It’s time for consumers to rally together and do something about high gas prices. By cutting demand for gas, we can save money or spend it on other goods or services that are better for the economy,” Marietta continued.
Marietta’s Public Event page garnered more than 175 “friends” although few actually posted on the page. Marietta backed up his call for a strike by riding his bike to work and walking to church.
“I’m a blessed individual because my job is just one mile from my house. I’ve thought about riding my bike to work before but procrastinated for years. I think now I’m over the hump and will continue to do it regardless of gas prices,” he said.
Marietta is not the only person to call for a gas strike over high prices at the pump. Nearly half a million Facebook users joined in a call for a national gas strike on March 10, 2011. Others joined in a call for a gas strike in April and another on Memorial Day. Not to be outdone, another Facebook page called “50,000 Against a Gas Strike” has attracted 19 followers.
“I think we have made a difference.” Marietta said. “When we started gas was bout $3.81 and recently it was $3.69 per gallon in Albany. I’m not claiming this is because of the gas strike but if consumption stays down then all things being equal, prices will drop. The gas and oil speculators who drove up gas prices beyond inflation will get burned and hopefully stay out of the energy markets.”
On a national basis, gas prices were $3.50 per gallon at the beginning of March and $3.96 per gallon for the week ending Monday, May 16, according to the Energy Information Administration. Forecasts call for little demand growth this summer, raising the possibility that gas prices may have peaked before Memorial Day.
“Beyond influencing gas prices, taking steps to reduce gas usage has all kinds of positive benefits for our environment, economy and health care,” Marietta said.
More information on gas strikes can be found by visiting www.facebook.com and searching for “gas strikes” or contact Roger Marietta at [email protected].
