Message text written by Barry Schwartz
>Gas here in the states isn't taxed NEARLY as heavily, nor is the foreign
exchange rate taken into account. Sure if we tacked on an additional 50
percent tax our gas would be in the $3 plus range. Does that make it
better, or more equal?? I think not. <<< Snip>>>
Barry,
With due respect, I am encouraging those who have been expressing dismay
about the price of gasoline here in the US to stop and think for a moment.
When our friends across the seas see us complain about paying half as much
as they have been for years we come across as whiny little prats. I think
it reflects badly our image as the most prosperous economy in the world.
And we do little to evoke sympathy from them.
Furthermore, I believe that the historically low price that we have been
paying for gasoline in this country has had detrimental effects on our
economy, society and ecology. The sorry state of mass transit in San Diego
(and St. Louis and most other american cities for that matter) is a direct
result of the very low price we have been paying for motor fuel. The urban
sprawl is too. And living in Southern California you are well aware of the
pollution that results from the mega-use of automobiles. Cities grow
around their transportation systems. 200 years ago they grew around the
river systems. 100 years ago they grew around the trolley lines and
railways. For the past 30 years thay have been growing around the
interstates and other main motor vehicle thorouhfares. This is why we have
urban sprawl. This is why we have individual retail outlets surounded by a
sea of asphalt creating a situation that is pedestrian unfriendly.
As you say, defering gasoline purchases to another day (which has no long
term effect on net monthly sales) will do nothing. Relying on a lackluster
mass transit is not an option for most folks in this country. There is
little or nothing an individual can do to affect change. There has to be a
society wide change to remedy this situation.
An increase in fuel prices will create political pressure to create a more
adequate mass transit system. Higher fuel prices will cause the general
population to reconsider moving to the hinterlands and the associated
commutes. Higher petroleum prices will encourage developement of
alternative energy sources. I feel that higher prices at the pump will, in
the long term do us some good. Hey, it hits me in the pocket, too. I
drive about 300 miles a week for business. Minimum. But then I go to the
dentist, too. It hurts but I know in the long run I will be better off.
And I think the country will be better off, too.
Dave Massey
Soap box mode off.
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