As long as people are willing to pay the ridiculous prices and drive the vehicles that drink the fuel, prices will go higher and higher.

A revolt against the prices and Americans’ refusal to pay them would get oil company officials’ attention. Price reductions would follow in a hurry.

If you don’t like fuel prices, contact elected officials, preferably your U.S. congressman and senators, and tell them what you tell me. They will pretend to listen and be concerned, but don’t expect any miracles.

Patti Dozier is senior reporter for the Times-Enterprise.