Topic: Fuel Costs

French President Emmanuel Macron warns the French public about the economic blowback of sanctions against Russia, including rising prices for wheat and fuel. The EU is preparing for a massive influx of over one million Ukrainian refugees, mostly women and children. The hosts argue that Europe is "hosed" by these policies, which were avoidable through earlier diplomacy.

The CLEAR Act proposes auctioning 100% of carbon permits to fossil fuel producers, with 75% of the revenue returned to citizens as monthly dividends. Analysts argue this creates a shell game where consumers pay higher energy costs at the pump and on utility bills, only to receive a portion of that money back from the government.

Pentagon officials informed the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee that the fully burdened cost of a gallon of fuel in Afghanistan is approximately $400. This high price is attributed to the extreme logistical challenges and security requirements of transporting fuel to remote locations. The hosts discuss the strategic importance of pipelines in the region.

John C. Dvorak notes that three airlines, including ATA and Skybus, have recently gone out of business, officially blamed on rising fuel costs. He also mentions a disturbing resurgence of freeway shootings in Northern California and Los Angeles.