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"Tim" wrote in message
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JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"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


Very valid and convincing thought, but *grow up, already* would shoot
it down.


Maybe. But let's face it: It's true. The only way to deny it is to give
many consumers a pass by saying they were brainwashed by advertising,
which is pretty powerful stuff.


Here you go again trying to dictate what consumers can purchase.


Once again, I said nothing of the sort. But, as I wrote the original
message, I wondered if you or someone like you would come along and claim
something was being "dictated".


Nice spin. No cigar though.


No spin. I remembered that you or one of your clones had the same reaction
in the past. It went even further - some bull**** about "too much government
from the left". During WWII, do you think FDR talked to the nation about
having to make certain sacrifices? Was it viewed as dictating, or asking for
participation?