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Much Ado About Gas Prices
markmcb writes "It seems that a week cannot pass without finding big news about gas prices. They're up, they're down ... but why do we care so much? OmniNerd posted an article that aims to put gas prices in perspective. The author takes a look at other commodities and their price variances and applies some simple math in order to make the claim that best-gas-price-hunting is an effort that could be better used on other products. From the article, 'Why the disproportionate emphasis on gas prices in our culture, then? Although some cite a failure of politicians or media populists to account for inflation and purchasing power changes, I think it is simply because gas prices are in your face.'" IMO, the other side to the price of gas is that, especially in developed countries, it has a pervasive effect throughout all layers of the economy — food prices (because of the trucking), schools (busing), etc., etc.
By the way, if european cars get better mileage, why not buy a european car??
Believe it or not, the most fuel efficient European vehicles are not legal to drive in the United States. Car manufacturers won't/don't sell them here, nor do they pay for the emmisions testing on those vehicles so that average joe could not get that car imported. Why? Because they can sell studid fat americans stupid fat cars that have a higher markup. And/or presumably there's a tie in with the oil industry.
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If you ever needed proof that the average American is an idiot, you've got it now. Carpooling (and generally conserving energy in general) is considered to be too "environmentalist" for most people, despite the clear savings in money. Environmentalists have been largely slandered and FUDed into marginalization by big business interests who don't want their profits threatened by anti-pollution legislation and the associated fines for breaking said legislation.
Even the simplest step is too much for most people. As an example, let's look at compact flourescent lightbulbs. They're a drop-in replacement for conventional incandescent bulbs, and are priced competitively now (comparably to a "long life" incandescent bulb), last longer and use less energy, yet because of the FUD people won't use them.
(If you're curious, IKEA sells compact flouros for $5 a pair.)
Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.
We should all be in favor of using significantly higher gas and road toll taxes to discourage people from driving. It would save fuel, reduce traffic, cut pollution and global warming, and reduce the wear and tear on the roads. As a side benefit reducing the number of poor people on the roads will make driving much more enjoyable for those us who can afford it. It's a win/win all around!
You think Bush doesn't control gas prices, especially the recent increase that has led to such high profits for, ahem, oil companies? Well, does he control which companies get the tax breaks/subsidies? No? Oh yeah, you're right - it's Cheney that controls that. And guess which company he used to be CEO at? Yup, an American oil company. In 1998 when I was driving an '86 Honda Prelude, gas in Golden, Colorado was at $.78/gallon and less than a dollar average all over the USA. Now it's $2.80 average. And you are trying to tell me that gas prices have gone down during the W. Bush administration? You watch too much Fox News, my naive Republican friend. It's people like you who are ruining this country with your unwillingness to accept truth and reason. Keep voting those fuckers into office and ignoring them tear down this country's future with ever increasing debt due to illegal wars and corporate tax breaks and you won't suffer, but your kids/grandkids sure will!