Behind the volatility of global oil prices
In the first summer, a car appeared in the simple and modest village, and this dilapidated jeep bumped along the dirt road in the mountain countryside. It was the beginning of a new era, and Tom, the small owner of the Mark Paint Canning Factory, drove his beloved wrecked car to the county seat to buy raw materials.
In the beginning, Tom could cover dozens of kilometers in the mountains every week with just refueling. But within a few years, Tom found that he had to shell out a few extra bills every time he refueled, and the increase was so huge that he shuddered.
"That's outrageous, isn't it?" He thought to himself.
It turns out that this is inextricably linked to distant geopolitics. The continuous wars in the Middle East and the frequent adjustment of energy policies in various countries have led to peaks and valleys in crude oil supply.
Soon Tom understood that ordinary people like himself could only passively withstand this wave after wave of impact.
"We can't control the general environment, but the small jasper still has to be guarded. Tom sighed and decided to do it more economically
Drive his car. Maybe drive slower and make one less trip to the county town, which can save a lot of fuel costs and buy some daily necessities for your family.
In this era of rapid change, Tom can only rely on his meager income and willpower to find a balance.
The amazing words of Professor Fudan
Professor Wang explained that this can increase government revenue, which can be used to support the transition to green industries, while also encouraging the public to choose more environmentally friendly modes of transport.
However, this suggestion has been widely dissatisfied and ridiculed, with many media and netizens describing Professor Wang as a "pedant sitting in an ivory tower", detached from the actual needs of ordinary people.
"Where will they understand our suffering?" Tom muttered to himself as he wiped down his old car. For him and other ordinary people, higher oil prices mean a heavier burden of life.
Tom's monthly income is barely enough to support his family's expenses, and he simply can't afford more taxes.
The incident has sparked a widespread discussion about the disconnect between experts and ordinary people. Experts often stand in their own perspective, rather than putting themselves in the shoes of ordinary people.
Many experts make astonishing statements without any real consequences, and they do not make ends meet on their own hands like ordinary people.
Tom sighed, started the car, and headed for his remote mountain village. No matter how the price of oil changes, he will continue to produce his paint cans with dedication, which is already the greatest contribution of an ordinary person to society.
Weigh the pros and cons and develop a gradual policy
Professor Wang's remarks have sparked a heated discussion in the media circles, and many experts and scholars have come forward to express their opinions and conduct in-depth discussions on the pros and cons of this matter.
Some experts believe that an appropriate increase in oil prices can indeed achieve a certain environmental effect and encourage the public to use cleaner modes of transportation, which is in line with the overall direction of sustainable development.
However, some experts also pointed out that raising oil taxes will increase the economic burden of many ordinary people, which is contrary to the concept of "common prosperity" development, and the formulation of flexible policies needs to be carefully considered.
In the face of voices from all sides, the government has decided to adopt a gradual and flexible response. They have smoothed the shock by bringing oil price adjustments into a longer time horizon, while introducing subsidies and tax breaks to ease the burden on ordinary people.
In some regions, mileage charging has been piloted, allowing people who use more fuel to bear higher costs.
"We need to find a balance between economic development and social equity. The head of the relevant decision-making department said that this requires a gradual process and the cooperation of all sectors to reach a consensus.
During this period, the government will continue to promote green industrial policies to promote economic transformation and upgrading.
Tom listened quietly to the discussion on the radio, he did not fully understand these profound policy principles, but he believed that with the efforts of all parties, the society would eventually become a better place.
He rolled down the window and let the wind blow across his face, blowing away all the tiredness and uneasiness.
Reflect on the gap between experts and citizens
The discussion sparked by Professor Wang's remarks has increasingly focused on the topic of the "gap between experts and the public". Many commentators have argued that this reflects a structural disconnect in Chinese society today.
Some experts and scholars are embedded in ivory towers, far from the real needs of the grassroots people. Their arguments are often based on some kind of ideal abstraction, and do not fully take into account the actual feelings of ordinary people.
"They care about the macro model, but we care about tomorrow's jobs. Tom's words point to the crux of the problem. For most ordinary people, the realities of life are far more pressing than any environmental governance goal.
Some commentators suggested that there is a need for greater interaction between experts and the public to form an empathetic understanding of the living world. Experts need to step out of the academic hall and listen to the voices of the people; People should also learn to express their demands and build bridges of communication with decision-making departments.
For a while, "finding empathy" became the key word under this topic. Whether it is policy formulation or public opinion expression, it is necessary to put yourself in the other side's perspective, which is a necessary condition for promoting social progress.
Tom carefully recorded these discussions in his notebook. Maybe one day, he will be able to share his thoughts with those decision-makers in high positions – ordinary people like him have a voice worth listening to.
"Empathy", the word Tom chewed repeatedly, as if he could draw some kind of strength. Perhaps it is this power that will propel society in a better direction.
epilogue
When Tom drove back to his hometown again, light snowflakes were falling in the sky. It is a beautiful and solemn season, and the earth turns silver in silence.
He turned off the radio and let his thoughts flow. He remembered the scene when he saw snow for the first time when he was a child, the joy of earning the first pot of gold to buy a car, and the doubts and confusion brought about by the first policy message...... All this left a strong mark on his insignificant but colorful life.
Perhaps, as those experts and scholars have said, there are still many problems that need to be solved urgently in this society. But Tom believes that as long as everyone can think in each other's shoes, with more understanding and tolerance, we will be able to solve problems and usher in a better tomorrow.
The snowflakes are still drifting faintly, and the road still leads into the distance. Tom smiled and set out on his way home.