Cobar,+Marco

=**Visual Proposal**=

Problem:
===The issue is that gas prices is a problem that repeats itself almost every other year. People are depending on gas for transportation and heating. If this continues, our generation will have an energy crisis which can consists of voilence, protests, and to fight for the last drip of gas. ===





Solution:
===My solution to this issue is to use an //Alternate energy source.// Such as the one below, scientists should start to research for the uses of renewable energy. If we can use an alternate source, high gas prices will be a thing in the past. We would become less dependent on gas and will advanced ourselves in future energy systems. Also it will prevent any future energy crisis. Another solution is to put a bill in where it could prevent investors to raise gas prices for no apparent reason. ===



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=**Sap Essay**= =Marco Cobar=

The Impact of High Gas Prices
====An average American just woke up for work. He gets ready to go to work and gets into his car. He realizes that he needs gas and drives to the nearest gas stations. When he enters the gas station, he sees the sign the sign showing "$10.13 per gallon". Then he woke up! Saying to himself "thank goodness…it was only a dream". But when he gets into his car and went to the gas station, it wasn't a dream at all. It was reality. High gas prices has become reality in the U.S. due to United States being dependent on it to keep the house warm, keep factories going, and for the most part keep the people moving around. Gas Prices have risen drastically to an amount that's affecting the American people in a negative way($4.00 per/gallon); my solution to the problem is for America to become less dependent on petroleum oil(gas) and use an alternate energy source that will last for centuries.==== ====Our Problem is that gas is becoming expensive for the middle class. The worst is that we have no choice but to deal with it because there are no alternate energy sources to fuel our vehicles. This is affecting all nations who greatly depend on petroleum oil for fueling vehicles, heaters, factories, public transportation, and even the military. Tiffany Hsu a journalist, who covers alternative energy and green business for the LA Times, acknowledges that only 8% of U.S. energy consumption is alternative powered (4). Additionally, petroleum oil alone covers 37% U.S. energy consumption. In other words, more than one-third of America is run by petroleum oil. High gas prices are an issue that is maturing and is becoming a constant problem to the U.S.==== ====Common knowledge seems to dictate that gas prices is a repeated problem due to traders bidding the price up when they feel oil prices are going to rise for the future. Statistics shown in Dan Froomkin’s a senior Correspondent for the Huffington Post article "Your Pain, Their Gain: How High Gas Prices Impoverish The Many While Enriching The Few", shows that the last five big oil companies made $34 billion in profit for the first quarter of 2011(2). The profit has risen to 42% from last year. Oil prices are shooting up for no reason and this causes a financial problem for families. Also, an example of an average American who deals with high gas prices is Shawn O'Brien. In his interview, he stated what he thinks about high gas prices "I'm not happy about prices being high. It's unfair and it's an example of a rich person getting richer"(9). Shawn is pointing out that gas prices is a type of scam that becomes a win/lose situation. Reason is because while we pay for the same type of gas for our cars to work, traders are gaining more money for themselves which means less money in the American wallet.==== ====Many people assume that gas prices have risen because of the U.S. Air Campaign in Libya which is true. In Peter Katel's a veteran journalist who has a degree in University Studies article "Oil Jitters", he writes about how the air campaign in Libya is affecting gas prices back in the U.S. Stating that "On average, U.S. gasoline prices have increased from a 2010 price of $2.78 for regular gas to $3.83 by mid-April a 37 percent rise"(7). Basically Katel is saying that ever since the violence in North Africa towards the Middle East has risen, that gas prices have rose as the problem became more of an issue. Moreover, the war in Libya did bring a rise in gas prices because America demanded oil to be able to start the Air Campaign in Libya which became known as the "No Fly Zone". Millions and millions of gas was used to prepare carriers to ship near Libya so that bombers can destroy Libyan aircraft. Gas alone is causing major issues to America and we have no choice but to look at it as something that we have to deal with in life.==== ====You wouldn't think that supply isn't demanded to nations like Japan. Well think again because nations including Japan mostly are in need of oil. Since the catastrophe earthquake and tsunami in Japan occurred, scientists over in Japan are having a hard time maintaining their nuclear reactors. If Japan loses their nuclear reactors, then they will be in need of "a lot" of oil to continue to recover their nation (7). This is impacting everyone else because all nations are very dependent on gasoline and we don't have another alternate energy source to depend on and to find publicly. This problem would have been small if scientists started to look for alternate energy sources decades ago.==== ====Having gas prices rise within a short amount of time has drastically affected Americans. In Fawn Johnson's a journalist who covers on transportation for the National Journal article "The Impact of High Gas Prices", it states that if gas stays at $4.00 a gallon, then most likely public transit passenger trips will increase to 670 million passenger trips(6). This cause of high gas prices brings another effect on the highway trust fund. Without people using the federal highways or drive independently, no funding will be provided by the people. This could bring unprepared highways, bridges, and anything essential for a highway. Were already dealing with an issue but this issue is reproducing other issues which will never stop until we find a solution to this devastating problem.==== ====Another effect would be the alternate methods Americans will use to get around. People have been disliking the high gas prices to the point where they've come with ideas to get around such as biking, public transportation, walking, and a friend to give them a ride, and so forth. In the article "Cutting the Cost of that Road Trip by Michelle Higgins who is a reporter and writer for the New York Times, gives methods that are easy to use to get around the city. A few examples would be stay out of traffic, use public transportation, and the list could go on (3). This will affect the economy because in this depression, we need every penny we can get and these methods are helping the people but at the same time it's hurting the economy.==== ====Last effect is that scientist knew that high gas prices was a problem but were so surprised on the first quarter of 2011. Since oil prices are high, it's making gas prices high. Oil companies have thought of interest in alternate energy sources but fail to do anything about it. In the article "As oil prices shoot up, so does interest in green energy; The crisis is called a 'teachable moment' for solar, wind, and biofuel alternative by Tiffany Hsu, she states "This is a crisis creating a teachable moment, showing us that were going in the wrong direction." The essence of Tiffany's argument is that we need to take action against this issue instead of trying to find a way around the problem (7). Scientists are underway to research for a way to produce another source besides petroleum oil to use and that’s easy to get. Therefore, gas prices have brought drastic affects against the people of America.==== ====The definition of the problem high gas prices is " political turmoil in the oil-rich Middle East and North Africa is causing an increase in petroleum prices, which oil traders bid up in times of uncertainty". The word uncertainty is the word that explains where we are now. The issue of high gas prices is maturing day by day to the point that it's going to become a nationwide issue. High gas prices are an important issue because we the people are being affected by it. Gas prices continue to go up another dollar every 3 years. If we don't change our ways of dependability on gas, we will enter an energy crisis in the next 20 years. I care for it because my future is in this problem and I wouldn't want an energy crisis occurring during my lifetime or anyone else's. Other's who are uncertain to care for it should care RIGHT NOW! It's your future on how you mobilize from place to place. I would want to see scientists fix this problem before it's too late and we enter an energy crisis.==== ====Various solutions have been tried to deal with gas prices. But there hasn't been any progress to stop this issue completely. Gas companies are leaving their prices where they stand but do offer gas rewards which save money when you buy gas to ease the pressure off Americans. This isn't a solution but it's a slow progress start that a company has made to deal with high gas prices. As this does help people save money on gas, not many companies are doing it in which if it's not advertised around, then there's no point of saving gas. Gas rewards are good but this means that these type of gas prices are here to stay for awhile.==== ====Another solution would be for people to become dependent on cars that are fuel efficient. These type of cars are the ones where they can drive for long period of times and don't waist gas. This brings the opportunity of not buying gas every week. Chances are you can buy gas every other week. But this is also an issue because these types of cars are expensive to invest. Demand of gas will slightly go down but that brings less gas prices with it. The only issue is purchasing the car which not every American can do that. This solution may only work for a few people but it's not a solution to the major problem.==== ====My solution to the issue is to use a natural resource that is always renewable so that it'll never go away. Petroleum oil will not last forever and were using it more than it's being produced. We need to become less dependent on gasoline, and change our ways by finding or creating a new energy source to replace petroleum oil. This energy source would need to last forever and be around so that petroleum oil can only be used for the military or traders. Examples of a possible type of energy source could be solar, water, wind, biomass, e.t.c. If we could find or create an energy source, we could prevent any future energy crisis and the fear that people have for it now. This would lockdown high gas prices forever and instead of one primary source to fuel our cars, there will be two that people can choose from for themselves.==== ====In conclusion, gas prices have risen drastically to an amount that's affecting the American people in a negative way. My solution to the problem is for U.S.A. to become less dependent on petroleum oil and use an alternate energy source to fuel our machinery. This is a repeating problem and will not stop until we put an end to it! Gas prices will rise, then food will rise, then buying a car will rise, and it'll get to a point where everything will stop. We need an alternate energy source or else we are going to go through a tough energy crisis that won't show any mercy. Get ready to walk because this issue is like a ship that can't see anything because the light bulb in the lighthouse went out and then all of a sudden the ship crashed into a huge boulder.====

1.Amadeo, Kimberly.
===="Why Are Gas Prices Are So High - What Makes Gas Prices High." //US Economy and Business - US Economic Indicators - US Economic News//. About.com/A part of The New York Times Company, 3 Mar. 2011. Web. 10 May 2011.==== ====[|__http://useconomy.about.com/od/commoditiesmarketfaq/p/high_gas_prices.htm__]. This online article represents the main problem of high gas prices. The article is stating that the main reason for high gas prices on gas, is because of the prices on a barrel of oil. It also talks about factors of gas prices and that Americans are use to being in this type of situation. Lastly, it discusses solutions on how we can deal with the issue of high gasprices. ( tags: [|__gas__], [|__high prices__])====

2.Froomkin, Dan.
===="Your Pain, Their Gain: How High Gas Prices Impoverish The Many While Enriching The Few." //Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post//. TheHuffingtonPost.com, Inc., 29 Apr. 2011. Web. 10 May 2011. [|__http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/29/gas-prices-your-pain-their-gain_n_855673.html__]. This online article provides detailed information on the topic of high gas prices. It deeply describes about the major gas companies who are earning a major profit. Also, it provides information on how gas companies rise the price and how it makes Americans feel on the edge of a cliff. ( tags: [|__gas__], [|__high prices on gas__], [|__huffington post__])====

3.Higgins, Michelle.
===="Cutting the Cost of That Road Trip." //The New York Times// 15 May 2011: 3. //Gale Opposing Viewpoints in Context//. Web. 16 May 2011. This article provides realistic solutions for Americans to use for the issue on high gas prices. It also briefly describes how gas prices rose from $2.91 to $3.96 in a matter of 8 months. These solutions help Americans deal with the effect of high gas prices and could save Americans some money for their pocket. (tags: [|__dealing with prices__])====

4.Hsu, Tiffany.
===="Environmental; As oil prices shoot up, so does interest in green energy; The crisis is called a 'teachable moment' for solar, wind and biofuel alternatives.." //Los Angeles Times// 11 Mar. 2011: 3. Print. This magazine article is about the good effect of high gas prices. Since gas prices have rose, scientists have started to try to find an alternate fuel to use instead of using gas. ( tags: alternate sources)====

5.Incantalupo, Tom.
===="Worst Yet To Come Price of regular gas hits 33-month high of $4.10 and may even reach $4.50." //Newsday// 21 Apr. 2011: 3. //eLibrary//. Web. 16 May 2011. This source provided detailed information on high gas prices. It showed a different look on why gas prices are so high. Also, it provides tips/solutions that Americans may use to the issue of high gas prices. (tags: [|__price__], [|__gas__])====

6.Johnson, Fawn.
===="The Impact of High Gas Prices - Transportation Experts ." //transportation.nationaljournal//. National Journal Group Inc., 14 Mar. 2011. Web. 10 May 2011. [|__http://transportation.nationaljournal.com/2011/03/the-impact-of-high-gas-prices.php__]. This online article is based on the issue of high gas prices. It details with the frustration Americans have on the issue. In addition, if the prices continue, people will become less dependent on cars which will dramatically affect the economy. ( tags: [|__Impact of gas__], [|__high prices on gas__], [|__economy__])==== ====7.Katel, Peter. "Oil Jitters." //Oil and Gasoline Prices// 4 Jan. 2008: 39. //CQ Researcher//. Web. 16 May 2011. This article is mainly about the issue of high gas prices. It describes the reason why gas prices are high. Also, it explains how much of a problem it's becoming and that the war plays a role to the high gas prices. It also gives a timeline of when gas prices started to rise for 2011. (tags: [|__High gas prices__])====

Personal interview. 26 May 2011. I interviewed one of my teachers who believes that high gas prices are not a huge impact on the American people. (tags: interview)
=**My Initial Proposal**= ====  My social issue is on the high gas prices in America. As we all know, gas prices haves soared up to almost $5.00 in the past. In addition, gas prices have been over $3.00 for over half a decade. Almost all Americans complain about the prices and the problem seems endless. Moreover, gas is used for many purposes that keep the world intact with one another. Gas provides cars to work which provides transportation in which helps everybody. We need to lower gas prices because without gas, we can't perform day to day activities. This issue has been at the top of the list for every american. We are all in this issue together because we are all dealing with the high gas prices. This issue is like a wound in war. It'll always hurt the economy. If americans stop by gas less frequently, then It'll cause isssues to highways, which causes problems for overall public transportation. Therefore, this issue hasn't been adjusted for the American people and it's time for people to deal with this issue instead of dealing with the fact that gas prices are high. ==== ====  We need to lower gas prices by finding a solution in-between the brick walls of gas prices. A brief solution would be for gas companies to invest on something valuable to the average american. This will allow the owners of the gas companies to not depending on the income money on gas. Which gives the consumer to have a little bit of extra money in their pocket to use. This solution could provide economic growth because americans can consume on other goods rather than saving money on gasoline. Also, since they have extra money, they can put money in the bank or provide a poor family with food. I'm just trying to stress the fact that if this problem is solved, that it'll really get the economy and americans back up on the their feet. ==== ====  My purpose of writing is to show and explain people all around the huge issue gas has become for an average American. We need to spread the idea of investment to the gas companies. I would want them to hear me out about the idea so that everyone can be happy instead of one side being happy. Also, my purpose of writing is to show that there are solutions to a big problem. Most people believe that theres no solution to this problem. They believe that we the people just have to deal with the harsh prices and move on with life. In general, I want to prove to people that theres always a solution to a problem. ==== ====  How I will approach my research action plan is by making sure that I have a base of research that I can use. I need background information on how, when, why gas prices have rise. Then build upon that base to get more detailed information with a few solutions. I need more detailed information like if gas companies only invest in gas only. Also, I need to find realistc solutions such as investment for gas companies to use. Next I'll build up on that base and have a few solutions to the plan. At this stage, I'm prepared with enough information to start dealing with a solution. I will have to get this before the end of may. Finally when Ive found my research, know a full good solution, and able to have everything ready to present, I will revise my work. And I will have others look at my SAP to see what they think on my SAP so that I can improve on it. All of this should be done before June 5th, 2011. In my head, I'm seeing myself making a pyramid of research from seeing the base of this issue, to the top of where I have a solution to high gas prices. ====

= My Intermediate Reflection = ==== My original solution in my proposal to high gas prices, was to have senators/representatives speek for the people about the issue of high gas prices. They would speak with leaders of the most profit gas companies about what opportunities Americans can use to deal with high gas prices. Next, ask when will the people of America will say lower gas prices. Then, to enforce the opinion that most americans have on this issue. Lastly, provide them other ways to make money. For example they can invest on something valuable to the everyday american. And become less dependent on cars and start walking or riding a bike because it keeps you healthly and saves you money. ====

==== My solution is still feasible because gas companies can provide financial aid through credit cards and things such as gas rewards. Also, gas companies can invest to work with marketing companies to have gas reward cards for major markets such as Market Basket or Shaw's. This will help lower gas prices because Stop & Shop does it, but if other major markets do the same, more people will be willing to save gas if the opportunity keeps coming. My solution is specific enough because it mainly deals with the issue of high gas prices. It carves through all other general solution to the specific point that is needed for this issue. //Marco, I don't understand the solution. What do you mean by gas companies investing in something valuable? How does that help lower gas prices? Choose one best solution, and be clear--what is your goal? To lower gas prices? To get people to use less gas so they save money?// ====

==== Because of the war in Libya and nations asking for more oil, gas prices have rose drastically in America. My solution to the issue of high gas prices, is to have our representatives to discuss financial aid matters with the gas companies. //Discussion is not a solution.// For gas companies to connect with other companies to provide a type of financial aid for americans. //What would motivate the gas/oil companies to do this? Right now they are making record profits but don't seem to be lowering prices.// ====

==== The audience that I'm trying to reach are the everyday americans that pump gas weekly. My solution provides helpful tips/strategies to use daily. These tips provide the audience a realistc solution to deal with high gas prices. //If this is your target audience, and you want to help them save money, focus your solution on what they can do to save money.// ====

Research

 * 1) ==== Results that show how much profit the fast leading gas companies made in the first quarter of 2011. ====
 * 2) ==== Americans complain daily about the price of gas.====
 * 3) ==== Politicans talk about the war in Lybia and how it's causing high gas prices in America.====
 * 4) ==== Tips/Strategies for your car or ways to not waste gas====
 * 5) ==== What,When,Where,Why,How of High Gas Prices.====

==== The type of sources that gave me the best information were the websites because they provided recent news on the impact of high gas prices.====

I still need to know:

 * ==== the civilians point of view on gas prices====
 * ==== the gas owners point of view on gas prices====

Strategies:
==== Causes/Effects: This will help provide causes of high gas prices, and the effects that occur because of high gas prices.====

==== Statistics: This will help me provide detailed facts on the impact of high gas prices. And how much profit leading gas companies have obtained.====

==== Defenition: I will define the reason for high gas prices. It'll help me provide a when, where, why, how for high gas prices. **//This is not definition, it's a cause. You might want to define the rewards points clearly, and other terms. Maybe even high gas prices. What number actually makes the price high?//**====

==== Anecdote: I'll use one that shows/provides information that shows how much the impact of gas prices is on the american people.====

= Thesis Statement & Outline= ==== Gas Prices have rose up to $4.00 due to the war in Libya and the necessisty for oil  //**(how**//     **//is the necessity for oil different now from the past?)//**   Because of this issue becoming a national problem in the U.S., Leading gas companies should provide financial aid to the working class americans. By doing that, they can use other companies such as Markets to help make financial aid. For example Walmart would have a rewards card where the more they buy at Walmart, the more you lose (  **//save)//**   on gas.(Ex.20 cents per gallon).====

==== This issue is important because gas prices have rose over the average limit it should be at. It's causing people to take drastic measures on how to save money on gas. Causes of the problem are because of the Air Campaign in Libya and the necessity of oil in other nations. The effects deal with high gas prices worldwide and people finding ways to save money on gas. Or even become less dependent on using a car. We should care for this issue because gas is one essential profit for the economy to raise and if they don't lower prices, then citizens won't buy gas as much. I would like to bring two positive changes. One where people start buying gas to help the economy. And two, to lower the prices of gas so the everyday american doesn't have to complain about the issue.====

==== My solution is for the leading gas companies to connect with other marketing companies so that if a consumer buys at those places such as Market Basket, Shaws, and e.t.c, then that they will earn points to lose a few cents per gallon. Also to raise awareness at gas stations providing tips/strategies to save on gasoline and money. Other attempts such as Stop & Shop gas rewards does work but there's too many people at the gas station trying to save a few cents. I believe the major marketing companies should all invest for their loyal customers. Another Attempt is a gas app which tells you the lowest gas locally around. My solution will bring a positive change because gas companies will obtain more income by connecting with other companies to have gas stations near the markets. It's useful and a consumer can count on it which will help the economy more. Gas prices could lower and people can save money. It's a win/win situation.====

==== **Marco, is your solution now narrowed to having rewards cards at more stores? And putting the gas stations at the stores or near them? That is good, and specific enough. It won't solve the problem completely, but it could help. Stop and Shop has rewards points, but the program is not really that good because the gas station is not near the store and not all the Shell stations take the points. If they could do more of what you propose, it would definitely help customers save money. Your thesis should be clearer and shorter. Save specific examples for the body of the paper and state your solution clearly.**====

Bridge: Gas Prices have rose drastically from $2.91 last summer to $3.97 today.
==== Thesis:Gas Prices have rose up to $4.00 due to the war in Libya and the necessisty for oil. Because of this issue becoming a national problem in the U.S., Leading gas companies should provide financial aid to the working class americans. By doing that, they can use other companies such as Markets to help make financial aid. For example Walmart would have a rewards card where the more they buy at Walmart, the more you lose on gas(Ex.20 cents per gallon).====

A. **//(put a heading here--what is the subject of this section?)//**

 * 1) ==== The problem is the high gas prices are effecting the middle class of Americans which we are akready dealing with the economy being down.====
 * 2) ==== This is a worldwide problem that is effecting nations that need oil the most.====
 * 3) ==== It affects almost every other american in the nation. And affects other countries as well.====
 * 4) ==== It is common problem found in each oil needed nation.====
 * 5) ==== Key terms such as alternative energy sources, high gas prices, and the reason why prices are high.====

B. //**(put a heading here--what is the subject of this section?)**//

 * 1) ==== First cause is the air campaign in Libya. The military needs gas for the helicopters which raised gas prices because oil companies are afraid that they will not make profit in the future. So they raise prices gradually for the sake of the future prices ahead.====
 * 2) ==== Second cause is the necessity of oil. Nations are starting to need oil more than usual and more needed, the more the value goes up. This causes gas prices to rise and now is becoming a problem.====

C. **//(see above)//**

 * 1) ==== The effect it will have is that americans will figure ot ways to not waste money on gasoline. For example, people will use bikes, buy electric cars or walk if they have to save money. This can affect the economy by them losing customers.====
 * 2) ==== Another effect will be that oil companies can't reach the required need for each nation. Which means that nations will have to look into other oil nations which means more peace settlement or a chaotic issue even if the nations don't get along with each other.====

D.

 * 1) ==== I care about this problem because nearly every adult around me complains about high gas prices. Even people make jokes about it these prices and how we depend on gas. Also I care because gas is a repeating problem that happens constantly which needs to be solved permantley.====
 * 2) ==== Others should care because it deals with our present and future of what we'll have to pay. If no makes a difference now, then we'll just be dealing with a roller coaster of gas prices and we have no say in it.====
 * 3) ==== The positive change I would like to see about, is that people actually not complaing about high gas prices. Instead I want people to be glad that gas companies have acknowledged the issue and make a difference on it.====

A.
====  //**(this is a good place to summarize other solutions you came across but are not proposing as the best one)**//====
 * 1) ==== My solution to this problem is to have the leading gas companies connect with marketing companies to provide financial aid to the working class of americans. So they should provide gas stations at the markets to provide consumers a close pump on gas and save money.====
 * 2) ==== My other solution is to provide a steel poster near each gas station that shows tips/strategies that could help people save gas and money. This would let americans reconsider the idea of being less dependent on gas/cars.====

B.

 * 1) ==== Oil Companies need to be the people responsible on accomplishinf this problem.====
 * 2) ==== They should be the ones to connect with marketing companies on how they can both raise money for each other, and save money for the people.====
 * 3) ==== They should do this slowly and try to process it before major cities look for alternative energy sources.====
 * 4) ==== They should provide this to the U.S. but It'll be a bit more difficult for other nations.  //Focus on the U.S. Don't worry about other countries for the scope of this paper.//====
 * 5) ==== How they can do this is by connecting with marketing companies to make sure the people save money.====
 * 6) ==== This solution is better than the others because it advertises Markets so that people can go and buy consumer products,cleaning products, and e.t.c for the house. This will profit the oil companies because they get income from gas stations near a market which helps them. And this will let the people save money on gas so that it's not a huge issue..====

Conclusion IV:
==== Therefore, gas prices have rose up to $4.00 due to the war in Libya and the necessisty for oil. Because of this issue becoming a national problem in the U.S., Leading gas companies should provide financial aid to the working class americans. By doing that, they can use other companies such as Markets to help make financial aid. For example Walmart would have a rewards card where the more they buy at Walmart, the more you lose on gas. People should step up and deal with this issue. People complain and complain about the issue but never get anything done about it. Instead we need to make a difference and start talking to congress about this issue.====