Newsweek: Cheap Gas is a Bad Habit
#1
Newsweek: Cheap Gas is a Bad Habit
Newsweek Story
People often believe what they want to believe - forget reality.
Originally Posted by Article
....Complacency reigned. Americans re-embraced the notion of cheap gasoline as a "right" that, if impaired, must be blamed on greedy oil companies, monopolistic OPEC or some sinister conspiracy. Thus, "gouging" was last week's acceptable explanation for the sharp run-up of gasoline prices. Forget the law of supply and demand. Forget our continuing vulnerabilities....
#2
Re: Newsweek: Cheap Gas is a Bad Habit
Not something you'll likely see blasted across the headlines, but nice to know that some corporate media is willing to touch the subject with a decent amount of thought.
#4
Re: Newsweek: Cheap Gas is a Bad Habit
Kudos to NW!
I would think that 15 years of super-cheap gasoline is the main reason why the Dinosaur-3 (Ford/GM/DC) has gotten a "pass" for their utter lack of innovation and conservation. I think $3-$4/gallon gas prices will certainly hurt most people short term, but if most of the next generation of cars get 40+MPG and ride 500+ miles/tank, the gas prices will be much less important than they are now.
I also believe an alteration in the American appreciation of cars needs to occur. Right now, most Americans believe "Bigger is Better". I'd like to see an attitude of "Less is More"; that the "coolest" cars would be the most aerodynamic, quiet, and fuel efficient.
I would think that 15 years of super-cheap gasoline is the main reason why the Dinosaur-3 (Ford/GM/DC) has gotten a "pass" for their utter lack of innovation and conservation. I think $3-$4/gallon gas prices will certainly hurt most people short term, but if most of the next generation of cars get 40+MPG and ride 500+ miles/tank, the gas prices will be much less important than they are now.
I also believe an alteration in the American appreciation of cars needs to occur. Right now, most Americans believe "Bigger is Better". I'd like to see an attitude of "Less is More"; that the "coolest" cars would be the most aerodynamic, quiet, and fuel efficient.
#5
Re: Newsweek: Cheap Gas is a Bad Habit
Problem is that gas is starting to come down, for how long I'm not sure but I think the oil companies have made a ton of $$$ and will now bring it back down for awhile so people can get back to buying the tanks! Remember people will forget about high prices just as we forgot in the 70's.IMHO Kevin
#6
Re: Newsweek: Cheap Gas is a Bad Habit
Yes, it is going to come down - according to today's paper,
ALL THE WAY DOWN TO $2.60 !!!!!! OMG !!!! Two-Sixty?!!?!?!
That's the problem. "down" is such a relative term. The days of $1.50 gas in the USA are LONG LONG gone......(long sigh)
ALL THE WAY DOWN TO $2.60 !!!!!! OMG !!!! Two-Sixty?!!?!?!
That's the problem. "down" is such a relative term. The days of $1.50 gas in the USA are LONG LONG gone......(long sigh)
#7
Re: Newsweek: Cheap Gas is a Bad Habit
Hi All:
___In terms of coming down, it is a relative price drop sure but nobody can escape Peak Oil if in fact it has arrived or will arrive soon enough. I was just reading a site setup by Chevron explaining some of the unknowns and I know both BP and Shell senior level management have made statements regarding declining production as well as today’s production not meeting demand over the long term. Long term for these guys is 5 years out!
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net
___In terms of coming down, it is a relative price drop sure but nobody can escape Peak Oil if in fact it has arrived or will arrive soon enough. I was just reading a site setup by Chevron explaining some of the unknowns and I know both BP and Shell senior level management have made statements regarding declining production as well as today’s production not meeting demand over the long term. Long term for these guys is 5 years out!
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net
#8
Re: Newsweek: Cheap Gas is a Bad Habit
Larry I know what you mean but talk to some people and it will be ok with them if it gets down in the 2.25 - 2.40 range. I think it will as the public is crying and the oil companies know what they have done and IF they can just get the public to quit complaning "everybody will be happy". NO thats not me talking I think it's alot of the general public.Kevin
#9
Re: Newsweek: Cheap Gas is a Bad Habit
Originally Posted by texashchman
Larry I know what you mean but talk to some people and it will be ok with them if it gets down in the 2.25 - 2.40 range. I think it will as the public is crying and the oil companies know what they have done and IF they can just get the public to quit complaning "everybody will be happy". NO thats not me talking I think it's alot of the general public.Kevin
Now those people will be in the crowd who "is happy" that gas will be down to $2.25
Amazing world we live in, huh?
#10
Re: Newsweek: Cheap Gas is a Bad Habit
To some degree, I really don't care if no one ever remembers. If we slowly boil the water until it gets to $4/gallon and nobody complains about the price because it seems normal, then fine. What it WILL do is alter the equasion as far as the true cost of ownership so anyone willing to run the numbers will still be swayed to purchase vehicles that get good fuel economy. May folks in Europe think $4-5/gallon is a really good deal, not expensive at all. Does that mean they buy H2's? Nope, they just automatically purchase vehicles that are fuel efficient and everybody's happy.