Gas is expensive. No shit. We all see it driving down the highway; we all feel it paying at the pump; we all complain incessantly about it whenever we damn well please. It sucks, and it sucks worse that high gas prices are likely here to stay.
But... what are we doing about it? Complaining? Yes, we've already established that. Berate ExxonMobil and the other large petroleum companies? Oh, yes... damn their profits. Damn them. Never mind that they are companies and they exist solely to turn a profit. Fuck it. They're easy targets. Still, what the hell are we doing about it?
Have any of us started new carpools to get to work and back? Have any of us started planning shopping trips with our friends and neighbors in order to save that precious gas and cut down on congestion? Have any of us jumped into the world that is public transportation?
Short answer: no, no we have not.
Oh, we'll complain. Oh, we'll adjust our spending to buy fewer DVDs and more generic groceries in order to accomodate our growing fuel costs. But, no... we'll be damned if we give up our personal rides in order to look like the dork riding in his friend's passenger seat. Appearances and status are everything, and, fuck me, it's worth $4 per gallon.
And besides, the growing clamor of so-called "worldy" people pointing out the fact that Europe and Asia spend WAY more on gasoline than we do is somehow causing us to justify putting up with expensive fuel. Call it the frog in the pan trick.
We're idiots. All we do is complain and do nothing to alleviate the problem. Buy a Prius? For what? About 45 to 50 miles per gallon? Shit, a Geo Metro did better than that, and that was 15 years ago.
No, we have at our fingertips a multitude of ways to help ourselves, but we won't do it. Hell, we could force high school kids to take the school bus. How much gas would that save? Probably not an insignificant amount.
Anyway, before I start to ramble too badly, I need to wrap it up. Basically, change your driving/riding habits or shut the fuck up and pay the $4.
We're all just whiny-ass hypocrites.
1 comment:
i'll still drive when it's $12.
I wish it would go to 8 to cut down on congestion. it would be worth it from the peace of mind of having fewer drivers on the road. Of course it is heading that way as an article today mentioned $12 gas within the next 10 years. Flying will definately only be for rich people, and driving probably will too.
The only thing i disagree is that you say that we just wine and bitch. Well, the auto, tire, and petroleum industries destroyed our very efficient rail systems so it was a consipiracy. Besides, i was born into this stupid world so you can blame me from 1993 on forward.
If gas is $12, what will it do to the prices of all our shipped goods? Uh, oh....we're fucked.
Posted by Johnny O™ on May 22, 2008 - Thursday - 2:08 AM
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