Bush: We get oil from some parts of the world. They simply don't like us. [View All]

[Human Torch]

President Bush, gestures as he delivers a Labor Day speech at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., Monday, Sept. 4, 2006. (AP Photo/Chris Gardner)

PINEY POINT, Md. -- President Bush marked Labor Day on Monday by promising to help keep U.S. workers competitive in global markets and reduce U.S reliance on foreign oil so it doesn't choke U.S. economic expansion. "Dependence on foreign oil jeopardizes our capacity to grow," Bush said in a speech focused on the U.S. economy - a key issue in November elections that will determine whether the GOP retains control of the House and Senate.

Democrats contend the middle class isn't enjoying the benefits of recent U.S. economic gains. They say sluggish median earnings show paychecks have failed to keep pace with inflation, and they note rising health care and energy costs.

Average prices at the gas pump have eased over the past month from more than $3 for a gallon for unleaded regular gasoline to $2.79. That has given Americans some relief, but Bush warned against continued reliance on oil-producing countries where the United States is unpopular.

"The problem is we get oil from some parts of the world and they simply don't like us," Bush said. "And so the more dependent we are on that type of energy, the less likely it will be that we are able to compete, and so people have good, high-paying jobs."

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