Amy does something! Or says something! Or something. At least it's something!

[Mister Ed]

From a DU post by babylonsister:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=433x631383

Democrats say they learned their lesson from the summer of 2008 and have resolved to go on the offensive to avoid another pummeling over high gas prices.

snip//

One idea comes from Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), who wants the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to act immediately to limit excessive price speculation in the oil markets.

Anyway, good on Amy. It's a good idea, and I hope she can get some traction on it.

[dflprincess]

1. Yes and no

Glad she said something, but she's not risking alienating any voters by attacking oil speculators.

[loveable liberal]

2. I hope she didnt hurt herself... n/t

[mascarax]

3. "50 cents" email from Amy

Email from Amy:
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This week I was at Bobby & Steve’s Auto World to highlight the economic impact of rising gas prices on Minnesota families and businesses and to call on the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission to respond to these high prices by acting immediately to limit excessive price speculation in the oil markets.

Gas prices have jumped an average of 50 cents since the beginning of this year and every penny per gallon increase means an extra $1 billion in costs for American consumers each year.

Last year Congress passed Wall Street reform legislation that authorized the Commission to curb excessive speculation in energy markets by investment banks, hedge funds, and other financial traders. Unfortunately the implementation of these important rules has been delayed and speculation in oil markets has continued unchecked, driving up prices even though supply and demand haven't changed much.

As you know, I have long advocated for a comprehensive energy bill, including a renewable electricity standard like we have in Minnesota. But while we work to get that done, we must simultaneously push to reduce pure financial speculation in the oil markets.

We need a cop on the beat with the authority to enforce fair rules in the marketplace and to protect families and businesses from artificially high gas prices. At the same time we need to protect companies who use this market to responsibly manage risk but are harmed by reckless speculation. So I will continue to push the Commission to implement these rules without further delay.

With peak summer driving season approaching, the time to act is now.

Sincerely,
Amy Klobuchar

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p.s. Don't text while driving! (OK, Amy didn't write that...but she wanted to.)