Oil.

Sometimes it seems like the focal point of all that is disgusting, corrupt, unfair and evil in the world.

Oil profits are a major source of financial support for terrorists. Oil is the number one contributor to our national trade deficit, draining us of money and sending that money to feed the wealth of royal families in Middle Eastern kingdoms where women are second class citizens.

And oil is one of the main driving forces for inflation in our nation today. Rising oil prices feed rising prices for every commodity we buy that isn't produced locally.

Think about how much you spend on oil: gasoline for your car, high transportation prices for almost everything you buy, heating oil...

Think about how much oil is draining from your family's finances.

Then consider this. For the second year in a row, Exxon/Mobil has made record oil proifts. In 2006 Exxon Mobil posted the all time record for the largest annual profit by ANY U.S. company: $39.5 billion. That beat the previous record of $36.13 billion...set in 2005 by, you guessed it, Exxon/Mobil. We are struggling and soldiers are dying for these profits. When we consider Bush's invasion of Iraq, threats against Iran and Venezuela, remember that Exxon/Mobil profits from this instability and fear and that Exxon/Mobil, like most oil companies, overwhelmingly supports Republicans. ALL of the top 20 oil company contribution recepients in 2006 were Republicans. Exxon/Mobil was the top oil company donor to political races in 2006 and donated 89% to the very Republicans driving the foreign policy that is keeping oil prices high on fear and instability.

And it isn't just Exxon/Mobil, of course. Shell oil has also posted a record profit of $25.36 billion.

So what will feed the next few years of record oil profits? Well, let's see, there is the massive taxpayer funded Bush/McCain "surge" that guarantees more US soldiers than ever will die to keep Iraq destabilized and the buildup to war with Iran. So far we haven't succeeded in destabilizing Venezuela, but Bush certainly would love to do that as well.

Remember these things next time you pay for gasoline, heating oil or are surprised at the rising cost of your family's groceries. You are sacrificing for the Exxon/Mobil-Republican Party alliance.