Gas Prices

[DDoug]

With all the talk lately about gas prices here is a new twist from the government side. What better way to control a population than to restrict movement around a country,any country. If you try to control people as Russia did you are condemned.OK make it to expensive for the masses to travel you have your control. I know this sounds way off the wall but in this day and age. Kind of the story How To Catch Wild Pigs. I agree we need a new mode of travel but have it in place before limiting the one you have. Make anything profitable and anything can be accomplished. Economic gain dictates technology. I hope I see some replies to this post it will be interesting.

[billethkid]

Until such time as the big oil companies, the big oil providing countries, the political you scratch my back etc and the good ol' boy oil wealthy are at the end of their reig or supply there will be no change. Why? Because contrary to your hypothesis about restricting travel, it hasn't slowed travel down by very much.
The USA public just doesn't care. And please don't try to tell me they do. If they did they would not have been driving the gas hogs they did and still do. They would have more mass transportation like they do in other countries. There would be much more car pooling, where today is almost none. The requirements on automakers to produce higher mileage cars would be a reality and not the joke it has been for the last 30 years. The people by now would have insisted that energy self sufficiency be America's number one goal...it barely gets a read in the media....the people don't care.
Where are all the energy alternatives? How can a country that has accomplished so much technologically for the last 300 year be so incapable on an objective to be solved so simply?
The leading nuclear nation in the world and the only thing we use it for is a BOMB!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If the USA would have had an objective to have substantial increases in nuclear power generation as an objective we would have a very reliable, clean and safe system today with endless potential.
Wind farms?.....NIMBY!!!!!!

The people don't care!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just wait until Iran interupts the flow of oil one of these days coming through the Straights of Hormuz.....

We are the best at knee jerk reactions with no planning driven by crisis flailing (not management).

Don't mean to be so negative...but I am only presenting the status, so compared to what could have been done VS what has been done can only be a negative report.

Until the people care and en force demand something be done about energy dependance....tighten your seat belt because a quick look at history will show the trend....and don't think the trend will not continue....because IT IS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[samhass]

Interesting idea, Doug. And BTK, we have tremendous amounts of oil underground in the USA. I would be all about using our own resources with the proviso that we build more nuclear power plants and set a time line for being free of oil dependence. There should be huge tax credits here in Florida for solar energy and similar credits in places that could take advantage of hydro or wind power. As a nation, we should be financing energy innovation. You would think domestic automakers would be busting butt to build highly efficient and/or alternative engines. America was traditionally the premier land of innovation. I'm not sure we still hold that top spot. Are American auto makers in bed with big oil? If so, why? Why do they not understand that they hold a huge key to America's economic health?
I wish we never had to buy another drop of oil from the Muslim/Arab countries. The oil currency is the blood of our American soldiers and the well being of our country at large. It has to stop.

[redwitch]

Sam said it all and said it well.

[Peggy D]

Very interesting and very good points all of you have made.

Bottom line is the oil tycoons have bought up all the patents (sp) on all alternative combustion engines to keep us using gas for our autos over the years. The government could certainly step in and do something but don't. In fact, the said companies told Bush and Congress to go :edit: themselves just a few years ago when gas and heating oil prices were then through the roof.

A wind farm has been planned off the Delaware coast in the Atlantic. Just the other day it was shot down. Why? Too expensive to build Delmarva Power said. The reason, I'm sure, is it would cut into their profits. But it's OK for us to pay outrageous electric bills every month.

People will pay whatever to be on the move. This is coming into the busy season here
(it gets like your winters at TV--the snowbird thing)
We are a resort community. We'll see if the crowds are less this year--I doubt it.

[mcelheny]

We had an electric car -30 years ago and wind farms-solar power cars.
Who is making record profits now???The companies that shut down any forms of alternative fuel or transportation.The same companies that have the most lobbyists and spend the most money in Washington. Why did we really go into Iraq???
Americans believe all the PR put out by these companies and Washington. The oil companies in Texas have never done better!

[ejp52]

Gas at station in Colony had regular at $3.719 a gal,station at Fruitland Park was $3.619,$50 to fill up. :o :edit:
Why the hell we aren't drilling in the Gulf and off shore in Fla. is beyond me,let alone not building a new refinery in 35 years. :dontknow:

[billethkid]

But what is it going to take to inspire the USA public to action. Gas shortages? Long lines at the station? $5 per gallon gas?
We can blame all the who did whats from now till hell freezes over.

It will only change when the lethargic....permissive...pacifist....NIMBY...poli tically correct....folks get inconvenienced.

The constitution is the governing law for the people....to be enforced by their so called REPRESENTATIVE lawmakers in Washington.
When they get no direction....no DEMANDS from the people....they follow the same old course called.....DO NOT ROCK THE BOAT!!!!!

Energy independance.....NO....NONE....foreign oil dependence....is the only acceptable alternative.

Why is it so hard to get a ground swell underway??? Nobody wants to be bothered.
Nobody will stand up to be counted.

As a result, get ready to pay more.....and more.....AND MORE!!!!!
It is so damned simple to see....just look at history....nothing....NOTHING....gets done to achieve energy independance....and we go merrily along for the rise.

If anybody really cares about their children and grand children they would be inspired to do something. They are the ones who will inherit an abismal future tied to crude oil...how barbaric....how irresponsible....how stupid can we be?

When they visit it is just good times....no problems...kiss em goodbye...act like we love them. If we really did.....we would be inspired to not accept what has been going on for the last 30+++ years.

Until then....same-o...same-o.

When the oil supply from the mid east is interrupted and we all have even higher prices for everything...including the basics to survive....when that happens it will be too late.

What does it take to say we are tired of the current situation and we are not going to take it anymore?

Think about your grand children not being able to get to school. Not being able to get the basic needs of life to live....maybe that will inspire some.....

If you don't like what's going on in this arena today....just remember....today is the best it will be in the foreseeable future....things WILL only get worse as we do nothing and sit back and watch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If our forefathers did what we do (nothing) you would not be enjoying what you do today.

THINK ABOUT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

BTK

[samhass]

BTK, gas shortages are not new. Remember the 70's and 80's shortages? Our gov't told us back then that they would develop alternative energy sources. Long time no see any.

[renielarson]

As for cars, I have never understood why the U.S. is so slow to develop alternatives.

My husband, who is a retired upper management Ford employee out of Dearborn, Mi (Ford's home), agrees that his company never seemed interested with being a front runner with new innovations nor did they seem interested with designing automobiles that were competitive with the foreign market.

What is the matter with our U.S. auto manufacturers?

Check out this link regarding India's Tata's new car...compressed air-powered....no fuel needed.

http://green.yahoo.com/blog/ecogeek/66/air-car-ready-for-mass-production.html

[handieman]

As if this subject wasn't heated enough read on:
Gas prices worldwide
Oslo , Norway
6.82

Hong Kong
6.25

Belgium
6.16

London
5.96

Rome
5.80

Japan
5.25

Brazil
4.42

India
3.71

Australia
3.42

South Africa
3.39

Mexico City
2.22

Argentina
2.09

:edit: :cus: :realmad:

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
.91

Kuwait
.78

Venezuela
.12

Arkansas and Kentucky
They don't drive 1rnfl

Handie :joke:

[Peggy D]

BTK

I think people do care and are concerned. They elect officials who promas to "do something about it" and when they take office, any concerns fall of deaf ears.

This is not something new. As Sam said, remember the gas lines--even/odd days for gas fill ups? Has much changed since then in the auto industry?

The bottom line is greed. And I do agree, they need to get rid of the lobbyists.

Today gas price is $3.49/gal. A friend paid $3.14/gal in Jersey (just over the bridge from DE

[renielarson]

India is close to our current U.S. gas prices. Why are they smarter and more innovative than we are when it comes to developing alternative means of transportation?

Why do so many people knock the Smart Car when it's the car of the future. Currently it does have issues regarding safety...but only because of all the gas guzzling, monstrous other vehicles still on the road...thanks to our U.S. automotive manufacturers.

People care but not the American auto industry. Why do you think Toyota is now the #1 leading auto manufacturer? American auto manufacturing companies need to develop cars that are competitive with the European market. We, in America, need to realize that SUV's, trucks, and other large vehicles are becoming a thing of the past (or should be).

I'm not talking without some knowledge...my husband was involved in very high management meetings including Ford's Vice Presidents. Ford Motor Company does what it wants....regardless of new CEO's who promise change...yeah...hahaha....and doesn't take into consideration the state of the economy, fuel prices, environment, or innovations of the future...unless forced to by the government.

They are so DUH!

[KathieI]

The USA public just doesn't care. And please don't try to tell me they do. If they did they would not have been driving the gas hogs they did and still do. They would have more mass transportation like they do in other countries.

The people don't care!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BTK: Can't agree more (on certain aspects of your posts) :agree: :agree:

In L.A., the SUV's are getting larger and have only 1 person in them. On top of that, they are on their cell phones the whole time while driving on major streets. We're in a social environment of "I don't care! I'm very important!" Gas prices out here are ridiculous, yesterday, filled up my little car for $60.00 (???) I think it was $3.99 for the low test (if that's what its called.)

Outrageous! But BTK, I don't agree that people do care, cause they don't. If they did, they wouldn't be spending the money on gas guzzlers, giving the heads of oil industry the largest golden parachutes anyone could ever imagine..

That's my piece, glad this isn't under "political"

Kath :redface:

[handieman]

All good comments here. Remember back in the 70's when all of a sudden foreign imports hit the market such as Toyota and Honda etc?? Why oh why do the American Manufacturers just bury their head in the sand. Take a look at that link that Brightspot posted it makes you say "why didn't I think of that"
handie :joke:

[renielarson]

This topic heading is driving me nuts...the anal retentive type that I am....

Please DDoug or administrators...correct the spelling...please ??? ??? ???

[F16 1UB]

Had a meeting last Friday with KY Congressman Geoff Davis. He said he drives a 97 F-250 diesel Ford. Cost him $127 to fill it. He said we have the equivalent of Arab oil in our coal mines. There are ways to produce liquid fuel out of coal if we want and environmentally correct too. The tree huggers and the current congress are against it. He also said that we need to drill for oil off the continental shelf. During all the hurricanes in 2005 not one oil platform leaked from underground/water. Yes there was one fire but....

Military.com recently showed a car powered by water. Used an electrical charge with water to create energy. No pollution only water drops coming out exhaust.

And it gripes me to fill my toy paying 3.89 a gal to go chase fish. Price you pay to have fun.

F16

[Peggy D]

All good comments here. Remember back in the 70's when all of a sudden foreign imports hit the market such as Toyota and Honda etc?? Why oh why do the American Manufacturers just bury their head in the sand. Take a look at that link that Brightspot posted it makes you say "why didn't I think of that"
handie :joke:


I'm tellin' ya, Hubby is so disgusted. Always been a Chrysler guy (he has a Dodge Dakota, me a Chrysler Sebring) He says our next--Toyota!! Just because American auto makes "just don't get it"

Kathie, I agree with you. I have never seen so many SUV's as I do now.


Peggy

[chelsea24]

Did anyone see the scenario that Nightline or CNN did about what would happen to America if the price reaches $10 a gallon. It was one of those "what if" scenarios and let me tell you, it was frightening. Nothing moved. Trains, planes, stores weren't stocked. People couldn't go to work, people started fighting for food, because nothing was being delivered to the stores. And this was on when gas has just bumped up to a little over $2 I think. I would think they should show it again. I'm so sorry I don't remember what channel this special was on. But, it's extremely frightening to think we're headed in that direction. It literally brought America to a screeching halt. If any one saw or remembers it, please post.

[renielarson]

F16

Here is a site about the water/gasoline technology. The inventor is working with the military to develop Hummers using this technology. Very interesting.
http://www.runyourcarwithwater.com/?hop=opmind&OVRAW=alternative%20automobiles&OVKEY=alternative%20car&OVMTC=advanced&OVADID=18470730522&OVKWID=92017291522

The Honda FCX Clarity will be powered by a fuel cell and will be released to qualifying Californians this summer. http://automobiles.honda.com/fcx-clarity/owning/

[784caroline]

Chelsea
Fortunately that would not be a problem in TV....I would drive my electric GC to Sweetbay or where-ever..assuming they could get food goods delivered

[billethkid]

At what price would you be willing to not buy gasoline for a week....two weeks?

And being able to use your golf cart in TV isn't an answer.

At some point....I would think....I would hope the American public would be willing to make a sacrifice of some sort to show unity.

If you don't like my suggestion how about an alternative. A real genuine action the American public COULD take to show unity on the gas prices. And what do you think it would take to inspire such a sacrifice.

I know it is hypothetical, but certainly as realistic as saying ....what if gas was $10 per gallon.

We do have the ability to make a difference. Tis only a matter of how far we will let it go.
I am afraid to the point where significant damage occurs first.....unfortunately.

BTK

[Peggy D]

Daughter just sent me an e-mail about Gas Pumping Tips. Thought I'd share.

Fill up early in the morning. Since storage tanks are below ground, ground temp is important. The cooler the ground temp, the densier the gas. When it gets warmer, gas expands. Your "gallon" isn't exactly a gallon.

When filling up, don't squeeze pump trigger to fast mode. Slower pumping minimizes vapors that are created while you are pumping. More vapors means less gas.

Fill up when tank in half full (or half empty) The more gas in your tank, the less air occupying its empty space results in a better fillup.

If a gasoline trunk is delivering gas, DON"T FILL UP. Gas is most likely being stirred up. You might pick up some dirt that has settled in the storage tank.

Don't buy gas from companies that import from Saudi Arabis

Shell
Chevron/texaco
Exxon/Mobil
Marathon/Speedway
Amaco

Cito is from South America Dictator hates Americans

Large gas companies that don't buy Middle Eastren oil

Sunoco
Conoco
Sinclair
BP/Phillips
Hess
Arco

[mcelheny]

Big headline today is how another oil company (Shell) set even a new profit margin for this past qtr. Darn I wish I had some stock in an oil company.

[chelsea24]

Peggy, that's a very interesting post. Thanks. :bigthumbsup: