I received two emails this week about gasoline; a sign things are getting serious. One asked me to stop buying from Exxon- Mobil, and the other requested I purchase only American gas. Both hoped I would forward the email to ten people so the whole country will eventually read the message and stop this madness.

Each message came from a person who normally wouldn't forward such things even if pictures of Britney going commando were involved. Neither suggestion takes into consideration the way the oil industry works.

All oil companies produce and sell gas to many outlets, so we can't do damage by boycotting one particular company.

Congress held hearings last week to get to the bottom of the situation. Talk about high comedy. Our elected officials were acting indignant about the increasing price, something they should have been doing two years ago. Oil execs were trying to look concerned and innocent at the same time. It reminded me of the scene in

The Blues Brothers where Jake begs for understanding from Carrie Fisher, then throws her into the sewer muck when she believes him.

The two guys who have been calling the shots for the country over the last two terms are tied directly to Big Oil. Coincidentally, or not, the price of gas has skyrocketed in that time period. More importantly, the profit margin for American oil companies has climbed more impressively than the price itself.

Exxon- Mobil, along with their cronies, put ads in newspapers telling us how much they have to pay for research and exploration and how other industries are more profitable than they are. The ads never mention the giant tax subsidy they all get and that exploration and research is part of every company's expense; it has no bearing on profit.

Every corporation these days is intent on making as much money as can be imagined. To say greed is the overriding emotion in American business is a gross understatement. The idea is to make maximum money in any manner possible, with no regard to how it affects the economy or regular people.

The sticking point is that gasoline, much like electricity and phone service, has become a necessity. It should be regulated in some manner like other utilities. Maybe a cap on profits. The price might still be high, but most of us would be less irritated if the oil companies weren't raking in record breaking profits every quarter.

Most elected officials know who gets them elected and who will give them a cushy, high paying consulting job when they leave politics. What happens to you and me is of little concern unless it will affect the outcome of the next election. The only threat they understand is the fear of having to get a real job.

I have a better suggestion for an email. Every registered voter sends a message to each elected official who represents you. Tell him you will not vote for any incumbent if the price of gas is above two dollars a gallon on election day. No exceptions.

If enough of them believe us, that email might get results.