May 15th

[shoe1985]

So on May 15th there is a campaign to not purchase gasoline. I laughed when I heard about this because you know people will load up on either the 14th or the 16th. So what is the point?

You know how you hurt the oil companies? Drive less. Go out and ride a bike. It is a perfect time to get into shape without driving to a friend's house. Buy some books and relax in the sun.

Now I know people have to work and you need to drive their, but this is when you are out of work. Do you really need to go to the store 5 times a week for nonsense? Make a list before you leave the house, and when in the store cross off each item to make sure you have everything. If you are low on something buy it. At least you won't have to worry about wasting more gas in the long run.

[unspoken]

I agree, it's a dumb idea. Just like the farce of "Buy Nothing Day" which is supposedly done to show that the consumers have the power...and results in people just buying a bunch of stuff the day before or after.

[jolanar]

My plan is to use up as much gas as I can to force the oil companies to realize their impending doom when the oil supply runs out.

Yes, I have the power!


But really though I walk when I can but living in the country you pretty much have to drive if you want to get anywhere anytime soon.

[shoe1985]

Originally posted by jolanar
My plan is to use up as much gas as I can to force the oil companies to realize their impending doom when the oil supply runs out.

Yes, I have the power!


But really though I walk when I can but living in the country you pretty much have to drive if you want to get anywhere anytime soon.

I live in the country too and know your situation well. These people who make these ideas up need to put more time in them. I knew what was wrong with the idea when I read it.

[The Postmaster General]

This is one of those great ideas like National Wag Your Finger At A Sex Predator Day, and Let's Not Kick Cats Month.

[Vong]

It's a really stupid idea, but at least it's a step in the right direction. It's better than no action at all...

[jeo4]

The best action here would be to aggressively develop vehicles that don't rely on fossil fuels. This would reduce pollution and it would make "alternative" fuel sources such as electricity, hydrogen, and even farm fuels like ethanol the norm. And it would reduce the dependency on OPEC oil significantly.

[jolanar]

Originally posted by jeo4
The best action here would be to aggressively develop vehicles that don't rely on fossil fuels. This would reduce pollution and it would make "alternative" fuel sources such as electricity, hydrogen, and even farm fuels like ethanol the norm. And it would reduce the dependency on OPEC oil significantly.

They can develop all the energy efficient vehicles they want, but if nobody is buying them or even able to afford them then it really doesn't do much good.

[jeo4]

Originally posted by jolanar
They can develop all the energy efficient vehicles they want, but if nobody is buying them or even able to afford them then it really doesn't do much good.

True, but most of them aren't that expensive. If the technology completely changes the type of automobile we buy, then prices will adjust accordingly. Especially in a market that's already fickle because of prices. (I'm thinking anything starting from around $18-25,000 when prices are adjusted.) Mass production makes the vehicles more widely available, creating less demand. Auto makers will adjust the price to sell more of them. With tax breaks for these automobiles already in place, the cost won't make such a large impact in the long run.

Costs are already impacting consumers. The car I drive now costs $18,000 and gets up to 32 MPG on my commute to work. Not too bad for an American/European vehicle, but not great either. Still this is better than many/most domestic vehicles on the market now. But considering the rate at which Japanese automakers are pumping out cars with better fuel economy, I'd say this market is still very competitive.

Then there's this. (http://money.cnn.com/2007/05/07/news/economy/gas_prices/index.htm?cnn=yes) Gas prices are going so high, people won't be able to drive.

The technology and the fuel supplies just have to be readily available and affordable. When those two conditions are met, we'll see a tremendous change in the market.

[shoe1985]

I like your posts jeo4, but remember this is America. People want powerful vehicles. Suvs need to be getting 40 mpg and soon without losing power.

I have a 99 Hyundai Accent and get around 30-32 mpg. I pay roughly $20 a week at $2.95 for a gallon of gas. I go to college and work. I am willing to be the average American pays anywhere from $40-50 at this price or more. I am on a budget and have no problem paying for things. If I need something I wait till I am in town to get it. I do without until then.

[shoe1985]

So, the average price went to $3.10 today. You would think that might people would be driving less, but not so the case. It seems that people are driving more now than before.

Am I missing something, but does it seem people drive more when prices go up high than they do when they are lower?

What will it take to make these people make cutbacks? Yet, these are are ones who will complain the most about the prices than the average Joe who is on the road to go to work everyday, while they are just taking a short drive to drive.

[Thrizzle]

An oil executive recently commented that the American people would tolerate prices up to 5 dollars a gallon....hes probably right.

There needs to be more funding of public transportation. Right now pub transport isn't worth the cheaper prices. Half the time i use it i get hassled by crazy people.

[The Postmaster General]

Originally posted by Thrizzle
Half the time i use it i get hassled by crazy people.


I'd leave you alone, but I just need to tell you this one thing.