As the national average of gasoline soars yet again, approaching new records over $3.20, the complaining also ensues to new heights. Every time you turn on the news, they are discussing the high gas prices and the murder at the pump. Some say they are being robbed, and blame can be laid on pretty much anyone.

But I am sick of hearing Democrats complain about high gas prices. In fact, I am implementing a new rule: Democrats, you are not allowed to whine and moan about high gas prices ever again, at least until you get your fuel policies in order.

There are a handful of reasons for this rule, and I am using only the things Democrats claim about themselves:

1. Democrats are the party of progress, and energy is one area that they believe needs more progress than other, less important issues (like better armor for our troops, for example). Clinton, Obama, and even McCain (he's an honorary Democrat) have pledged investing in the research for renewable resources. Don't high gas prices create an even greater incentive to do this? Won't it influence public opinion to push toward other sources of energy? They should be enjoying the high gas prices. It will simply limit the amount people drive, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It works in Europe, why not try it here? In all honesty, that is a legitimate argument if you really want to get people to stop driving. So go ahead, argue tha we're going to tax the hell out of gas just to get you on the subway. But do NOT claim that a) companies are stealing honest Americans' money and b) that gas prices are too high.

2. Representative John Dingle (D-no idea), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, has proposed a 50-cent tax on every gallon of gas in the country. This brings us to the whole tax issue. Democrats like to blame all the high gas prices on the big companies like Chevron or Exxon. They claim that they are stealing our money and must be broken up. But in reality, these companies never make more than a nickel in net profit from each gallon. (The reason their profits are so high each year is because that is a TON of nickels.) In fact, Gannett Publishing, parent company of USA Today (which, ironically, voices concerns about high gas prices), has a profit margin roughly ten times that of Exxon Mobil. Why isn't the government stepping in to lower the cost of their papers? Taxes account for 30-40 cents of each gallon, depending on which state you live in; that translates into roughly ten times the amount the oil companies make. It's the government robbing you at the pump, not the corporation. Because Democrats favor higher taxes, and most of these taxes were introduced and passed by them, they caused these high prices and should therefore not complain. Unless, of course, they want to repent.

3. Democrats have prevented the construction of a new refinery in this country for decades. The most modern one was constructed in 1972. They are inefficient and dirty. But because of their opposition to common sense, Democrats won't allow new, more efficient ones to be built due to environmental and progressive energy reasons. Per gallon of gas, over $1.25 goes to the refining process. This could be reduced drastically by building new and better refineries.

4. Democrats oppose the drilling for oil in the Alaskan Natural Wildlife Refuge (pictured). There is no logical reason for this. ANWR is not the Yosemite Park they make it out to be; it resembles the surface of the moon. There are centuries of oil supply underneath this one spot, but they'd prefer to allow a couple blades of grass live undisturbed than to facilitate lower gas prices to aid hard-working Americans. Not only do they oppose this drilling, but they also clamor for our independence from foreign oil. MAKE UP YOUR MIND!! Or just shut up and let the adults work in peace.

Several studies have conclued that there are over 5000 years of oil left on this planet, even if we account for the exponential increase in consumption we are seeing. The "years left" figure is only based on known reserves, which is constantly growing as we discover new sources. It has fluctuated between 30 and 60 years left ever since oil became such a huge commodity.

So Democrats, or any Republicans who agree with them for that matter, you are not allowed to complain about high gas prices anymore. If you agree that a) companies are stealing your money at the pump; b) global warming is being caused by our cars; or c) that higher taxes are a good thing, then you are responsible for those high taxes and therefore should be celebrating. Thank you.

The invasion of the compact fluorescent continues, along with the absolute madness of trying to remove the incandescent bulb from circulation. Liberal state governments are now proving their commitment to invading your own privacy over your health.

Several states have banned or are beginning to ban the traditional disposal of these compact fluorescent bulbs. It is now illegal in Vermont, Minnesota, California, and soon Massachusetts to throw them in the garbage, even if they are intact, due to environmental impact. These bulbs contain mercury, an element when in gaseous form is very dangerous.

Granted, the mercury levels are so small that even if one breaks in your house, you are probably not in any real danger. But I find it unbelievable that states and nations are beginning to mandate the use of these bulbs over incandescents.

These bulbs save, at the highest estimate, $30 a year on energy costs. When a woman broke one in her house last year and in fear for her children called her local EPA administration, she had to pay $4000 out of pocket to have her house decontaminated by a HAZMAT team. It would take her over 130 years to pay back that in energy savings.

Illinois and the U.K. are beginning to make it illegal to use incandescent bulbs, and the U.S. Congress are pushing a similar initiative. So let me get this straight. The government is forcing us to use a light bulb that they have deemed too dangerous to throw away? "It's fine to use in your house, as long as it doesn't make it to a garbage dump and kill some grass!"

Compact fluorescents have been proven to cause migraines and epileptic seizures, not to mention the dangers of tubes of vaporized mercury hanging throughout your house.

These bulbs will also be difficult to implement everywhere. Theaters and studios will never use fluorescent bulbs. Vanities and greenrooms won't use them either. Oh yeah, I forgot, Hollywood gets a pass as long as they say they "care."

I'll replace my bulbs with compact fluorescents the day late-night studios, Broadway theaters, and gaffers (film light designers) replace all of theirs, let alone the residences of every actor.

Will the craziness stop? It's invasive (and scientifically worthless) laws like this, the gas mileage cap, and others that will end up destroying this nation's and this world's economy. Instead of wasting money and jobs on punishing good services that may (or may not!) be contributing to environmental dangers, we should use this money far more wisely on preparing parts of the world without infrastructure for the changes (not all bad, by the way) to come.

Get real, politicians.