We need our president to act on behalf of all Americans to counter and bring to heel the massive influence, lobbying power and money of the oiligopoly. The president does not seem to understand what is happening at the gas pump.

Oil at $80 a barrel is an outrage and a reflection of this country's, as the world's largest consumer of oil, lack of leadership on matters oil pricing.

It is long past time that our government take seriously and study intensely how oil prices are determined in a world of OPEC, speculation, timid oversight and failing transparency.

Clinton, in her recent tour to Southeast Asia suggested clearly that the United States might well extend a "defense umbrella" protecting its Arab allies should Iran develop a nuclear weapons capability.