A rally that took place on Capitol Hill Tuesday to protest the high cost of fuel experienced a low turnout due to…the high cost of fuel. Over 200 truckers were expected to attend the event but fewer than 20 actually made it.
Those truck drivers that did make it gathered at FedEx Field in suburban Maryland and drove their rigs into the capital, horns honking, to protest against the rising cost of fuel and to urge Congress to approve measures to bring down the high gas prices. They also want Congress to promote offshore drilling to deal with the problem.
The rally was organized by Truckers and Citizens United, a group that represents thousands of truck drivers across the country. The organizers said that the expense of travel and soaring gas prices were to blame for the low turnout. As angry as the drivers were about the problem, many felt that they just could not afford to attend the event. Spokesman Ted Kresse said he received several calls Tuesday morning from drivers saying it was "more important to put food on the table," according to the Associated Press.
Some of the drivers who did attend came from as far away as Arizona and Texas. Some said their companies donated the money for fuel while others claimed that they skipped bill payments this month to pay for the trip.
The Truckers and Citizens United held a similar protest in April, which was attended by about 100 drivers. To accompany that protest, truck drivers across the country pulled off the road or slowed to a crawl to make a statement that they supported to protest in Washington D.C.
Despite the low turnout this week, truckers felt confident that they made a statement. Aside from blaring their horns, they taped signs to the sides of their trucks that read "America is going broke because of oil!" Tourists and other passers-by gave the protesters the thumbs-up sign and waved in support.
The truckers claim that they are not the only ones affected by the rising prices. Ultimately, the consumers are paying more for the products they deliver to cover the cost of the fuel. They believe that the government has the responsibility to deal with the situation and take steps to lower oil prices.
There is a bill in the Senate now that would curb speculation in oil and other commodities markets. The bill was passed by the House last week. The Senate is also considering broader legislation on energy, including offshore drilling. The Bush administration has threatened to veto the anti-speculation bill of it comes to the White House, claiming that there is no evidence to connect oil speculations with the high gas prices.
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