"Calif Bill" wrote in message
ink.net...

"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message
...
"Eisboch" wrote in message
. ..

Do you know what cracks me up about some of the various views expressed
about fuel prices?

It wasn't too many years ago that those with more left leaning political
views were concerned about the high consumption rate of gasoline in the
USA, it's continued supply and it's artificially low price per gallon
compared to the rest of the world. Conservation was preached,
encouraged and some even advocated raising the price of gas to force
further conservation and the use of smaller, fuel efficient autos in
order to reduce demand.


Fast forward to today and it seems that the same people are now blaming
big business greed and politicians lining their pockets for the natural
increase in prices.

Can't win.

Eisboch


The problem with preaching conservation is that the suggested methods
usually involve long term solutions. I wonder what would happen if a real
president with some balls said the following during one of his TV
appearances:

"I can fund research until the cows come home, but we might never find
solutions which make every type of vehicle more efficient. And, at some
point, you have to stop looking for others to find solutions, and
volunteer to do the one thing that's inarguably effective. Next time
you're ready to buy a car, be honest, and buy based on your real needs.
Stop thinking that the only alternative to an SUV is a Ford Focus. Ignore
the crap you're being told in the commercials. Is the only reason you
bought an SUV that you have a family of 5 and a week's worth of
groceries? Wouldn't a van fit your needs equally well? Did you justify
the SUV by convincing yourself they were safer, or that you wanted to be
able to see over all the other trucks? Did you buy a pickup to haul 3
sheets of plywood just once in the entire time you owned the vehicle?
Those aren't reasons. I'm not saying you have to go out and buy a Prius
or a Mini-Cooper. But, how about reducing your gas usage by 30%, just by
looking at the difference between an SUV and a mini-van? (points to chart
with 5 car models shown below) We can't create laws to change your buying
habits, and there's nothing I can do about what oil companies charge for
fuel. But, you are capable of having a significant impact on how much oil
this country uses.

If you're not buying a car this year, write to your favorite car
manufacturer and tell them what you want to buy when you're ready. If
they continue to pile up SUVs at their dealerships, that's their problem,
not yours.

During WWII, our grandparents planted victory gardens. You can't pick a
better car, in order to help this country? Grow up already."


Toyota Sequoia SUV: 15/18 mpg
Toyota Sienna van: 19/26 mpg
Chrysler Town & Country van: 19/26 mpg
Ford Crown Victoria: 17/26 mpg
Buick Lucerne: 17/28 mpg


What is an SUV? My wife drives a 1996 S-10 Blazer. It is smaller than
the Sienna van.


You know exactly what I mean. Stick with the example shown, since it is 100%
valid in this context.