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

"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message
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"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.


Nope, what is an SUV? The boogey man of the 21st century. Why is it when
an SUV type vehicle is in an accident, it is always reported the SUV
crashed. But if it is a mini car that crashed into the SUV, it will read
SUV involed in accident. The first reporting seems as if the SUV is doing
the driving, not a person.