2006年VOA标准英语-Bush Calls Higher Oil Prices Wake-Up Call
时间：2018-12-08 作者：英语课 分类：2006年VOA标准英语（四月）
By Barry Wood
Washington
28 April 2006
President Bush Friday said that the tripling of the price of oil since he became president in 2001 is a wake-up call that should hasten the development of alternative sources of energy.
-------------------------------------------------------
George Bush talks about US economy in the White House Rose Garden, April 28, 2006
At a White House news conference, President Bush said he saw no evidence that oil companies are manipulating prices. But he called on U.S.-based multinationals 1 to pump their multi-billion-dollar profits back into new investment to help bring down gasoline prices.
He also said higher gasoline prices should spur the demand for new technologies that would lessen 2 America's dependence 3 on imported oil.
"The American people have got to understand that we're living in a global economy," he said. "So when China and India demand more oil, it affects the price of gasoline at the pump."
Motorists drive by Sunoco Philadelphia Refinery 4, April 28, 2006
Despite record high gasoline prices, the U.S. economy registered impressive four point eight percent growth in the first three months of this year. It's the best performance in over two years. Mr. Bush also called attention to recent data showing that consumer confidence has reached its highest level since 2002.
"This confidence is largely driven by the many jobs being created in our country, 5.1 million since August 2003," he said. "This good news cannot be taken for granted. With gas prices on the minds of Americans, we need to keep our foot on the pedal of this strong economy."
While U.S. growth rebounded 5 sharply from the more subdued 6 level of less than two percent in the fourth quarter, economists 7 expect growth to moderate to a three percent pace later this year. Higher gasoline prices depress economic activity since consumers have less disposable income to spend. The doubling of gasoline prices over the past three years has also boosted inflationary pressure, which the central bank seeks to contain through higher interest rates.
- These local companies are only small fry compared with the huge multinationals. 同那些跨国公司比，这些当地的公司不过是小鱼小虾。
- Some people believe that the multinationals have too much power. 有人认为跨国公司的权力太大了。
- Regular exercise can help to lessen the pain.经常运动有助于减轻痛感。
- They've made great effort to lessen the noise of planes.他们尽力减小飞机的噪音。
- Doctors keep trying to break her dependence of the drug.医生们尽力使她戒除毒瘾。
- He was freed from financial dependence on his parents.他在经济上摆脱了对父母的依赖。
- They built a sugar refinery.他们建起了一座榨糖厂。
- The purpose of oil refinery is to refine crude petroleum.炼油厂的主要工作是提炼原油。