As America’s 250th birthday rolls around, the nation finds itself in the midst of an electrifying celebration of freedom—and, let’s be honest, the increasingly exhilarating rollercoaster of gas prices. While families across the country eagerly map out their routes for a long weekend of festivities, California drivers are finding themselves in a bit of a pickle. In a classic move that would leave even the most enthusiastic electric scooter rider cringing, the state has ramped up its highest-in-the-country gas tax by an extra 2.2 cents per gallon. It’s no wonder then that road-tripping Californians might feel like they’re digging into their wallets with a shovel.
Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum offers a practical tidbit for those planning their Great American Road Trip: Fill up in a red state. It turns out, in what might just be the best-kept secret since grandma’s apple pie recipe, red states boast gas prices around 53 cents cheaper on average than their blue counterparts. Burgum attributes this fuel phenomenon to the red states’ penchant for energy policies that resemble adding to America’s energy buffet, while blue states seem to prefer a more sparse salad bar approach.
President Donald Trump set a lofty goal of getting gas prices down to $2.50 a gallon—a patriotic vision akin to the Minutemen aiming straight and true. Some experts believe this could be attainable soon, as crude oil prices have been on a slippery slope downward after peaking at $121. Though nobody wants to bet against an oil price resurgence like a bad sequel, it’s encouraging to see prices already creeping down. Let’s cross our fingers and hope that the economy balances out, without any spills or flares in the Straits of Hormuz.
The excitement doesn’t end with gas; the stock market also seems to be throwing its bicentennial bash. With the Nasdaq up 21% and the S&P rising 16%, it appears Mr. Market has decided to dance like it’s 1776. American companies are enjoying a remarkable renaissance, demonstrating the kind of ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that would have made the Founding Fathers proud. This is most evident with firms like Micron, whose journey from near-oblivion to tech titan stands as a testament to the can-do spirit of American business.
Yet, amid the revelry of financial prosperity, a cautionary tale echoes from across the pond. A glance at Europe’s beleaguered stock markets serves as a stark reminder of the perils of punitive fiscal policies. As Charles Payne wisely observes, prosperity and creativity shouldn’t be shackled by the heavy hand of “success tax.” Instead, America should cherish the tide of prosperity now sweeping across the nation, as everyone benefits from the fertile ground of opportunity laid by our economic libertarianism. So here’s to 250 years of American exceptionalism—and another few decades more of focusing on lifting all boats rather than sinking a few for the sake of perceived justice.
