The latest I heard about WHY they have raised prices is due to the blackout here on the east coast and the shutdown of some pipeline on the west coast. I overheard a gas station manager telling his crew that the prices should start comming down in a week or two.
While I too have a major dislike for any cop (yes even though Team17 is basically my bother) I dont discount their jobs at all. I know I would not want to face most of the crimnal element in my town for any reason. Not that I am weak or afraid but just for the fact that they typically dont play by any rules. Too many of the wannabe thugs around here will pull out a gun without ever thinking of the consequenses.
Also, having been pulled over many many times, I cannot say that it was ever for no reason. Every ticket I ever received was because I was breaking a law. Speeding, no seatbelt (yes they can pull you over for that now in NJ too), eating a light, whetever. And beleive it or not, I was let off even more time than I received tickets. Lets say out of 20 stops I only received 8 tickets.