One of my friends and I were discussing what it would take for multiple major american cities to have mass riots. Gas prices increasing to $5/gallon or food costs increased 300% higher than what they are right now.

My opinion was a cumulative effect from both of the commodities, he seems to think food cost increase. As it stands with pro ethanol production in the U.S. effecting food cost and oil instability used as a reason for future traders to escalate oil/barrel costs it is a very realistic possibility.

I don't think it matters who wins the Dem nomination. McCain will be the next President.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by sevknowsbetter:
One of my friends and I were discussing what it would take for multiple major american cities to have mass riots. Gas prices increasing to $5/gallon or food costs increased 300% higher than what they are right now.

Hard to say, Sev.
The price of gas is pretty rough to deal with.
And who knows if when or why it'll go down.

But as to riots?
I doubt that will help but mass violence is always around the corner waiting for any reason.
Human nature I think.

However:
I'm guessing an extra ten % in the form of a "carbon tax" on top of what it would be anyway would make reaction worse.
People aren't usually receptive to the "it's for your own good" explaination in practice.

But it's really hard to get a grip on it.
Maybe it's a slow cycle, a correction, and will pick up on it's own as it usually does. Might be overstated for ratings.

Maybe the doom predictors are finally right and we're gearing up for depression 2.

If so I wouldn't bet against the tried and true method of economic restructuring that we'll call WW3.

When Germany's economy was a wreck Hitler invaded Europe.
Japan wanted to take oil rich Manchuria unless I'm mistaken.
We blockade and bang.
The real riot is on.

I'm concerned about that today.
It could be especially bad for Israel and South Korea.
WSS

Mass riots? Over what? Lack of refineries?

I'm really not worried about mass riots.

no food!

if many are starving and dont see any other way out it will happen.