pouring away gas

[SpyderLady]

More on pouring away gas


www.geektieguy.com/2007/01/26/more-on-pouring-away-gas/

[SpyderLady]

Daily Fuel Economy Tip



What The Government Might Do If We Don’t Curb Demand On Our Own



Posted by Brian Carr as Gas Saving Innovations, Drive Less

After May 15th’s failed gasoline boycott, hopefully we have all come to the realization that the only way we will ever be able to effectively reduce gasoline prices in the United States is by reducing demands.

(As a side note, it shouldn’t have taken a failed boycott for you to realize this, but that’s an economics lesson that I’ll save for another day.)

Unfortunately, since it seems that many of us don’t want to listen to or enact simple ways to reduce our demand for gasoline - i.e. not driving, using public mass transportation, driving more fuel efficient vehicles, being better drivers - it appears that more drastic measures will be required in the future to force us to limit the amount of gas and oil that we consume.

Here are some ways in which the Federal Government could step in and curb our demand for gasoline:

1. Increase the minimum driving age to 18 or 21. In most states, the minimum driving age is either 16 or 17, so raising the age people would be eligible to get their license would probably slightly decrease the number of vehicles on the road. Less cars on the road would probably mean less demand for gasoline. And if the Federal Government has the power to set a drinking age (technically it is left up to each individual state, however the Federal Government has threatened to withhold funds from states that try to drop the drinking age), I would assume that they would also have the power to set the driving age.

2. Tax penalties for owing fuel inefficient vehicles. Part of the reason why there are too many large trucks and SUVs on the road today is because of the tax loophole the Federal Government set up in the late 1990s and early 2000s where some people were actually able to purchase an SUV and write it off as a tax deduction. In order to correct this mistake, the Federal Government could just as easily make it tax prohibitive to own these gas guzzlers, as I’m sure a hefty tax penalty would be more than enough incentive to move to something a little more practical.

3. Increased gasoline taxes. Most of the reason why European nations pay so much for gasoline is because they pay incredibly high sales tax for their fuel, not because of lack of supply or higher refining costs. Increasing these taxes in the U.S. would not only be a great way to increase tax revenues for Federal, state and local governments, but it would also be a surefire way to quickly decrease demand.

4. Slow economic growth. Much of the reason why demand for gasoline hasn’t fallen in the face of rising prices is because, for the most part, we can still afford to pay. However, if the economy were to slow down and money became tight, chances are we would buy less gasoline. All that would need to happen is the Federal Reserve raising interest rates by a couple of percent, and our economy would likely come to a grinding halt.

5. Rationing. This is something that we saw back in the two energy crises during the 1970s - people were limited to buying fuel on certain days of the week and could only purchase a certain amount each time. Amazingly, people learned how to survive on a limited fuel supply, and I have a hunch that this will be one of the first things that the Federal Government revisits if they ever decide to step in.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that I’m particularly for any of the items I’ve mentioned above; all I’m saying is these are things that the Federal Government has at their disposal to force our demand for gasoline and oil to drop.

But, whether we like it or not, if we don’t reduce the demand for gasoline on our own, we may ultimately force the government’s hand.

[joyce]

I don't know. I really don't see the government stepping in and doing much of anything, especially when half of them are reaping the profits from the oil companies.

Look at what the majority of the elected officials drive. It sure ain't fuel efficient cars.

I do like the idea of raising the driving age to at least 18.

[SpyderLady]

because of the tax loophole the Federal Government set up in the late 1990s and early 2000s where some people were actually able to purchase an SUV and write it off as a tax deduction

This is something I had never heard about.

It seems the young ones around here are having too many fatal accidents. Maybe it would be good to raise the age for driving. At least a limited one. It is scary to think most teens don't have much driving experience, they get the license and just take off driving with a car full of friends!

[califgirl]

Like Joyce said, the government makes too much money, they would never step in. Raising interest rates might help, but if people want to drive they will find a way. I remember rationing in the 70's, and it was a terrible mess. People waited in line and some never did get gas. Had to come back the next day. Stations were only open certain hours. I use to walk to work back then. It wasn't worth waiting in those lines.

[mahjong]

There have been so many deaths here from young drivers.My next door neighbor was involved in a wreck that killed 3 people and hurt 2 others including her.Think that would keep her driving safe now? Nope,seems she got crazier. If this gas thing gets to bad,its horseback for me.lol

[SpyderLady]

Well lucky you have access to a horse. I sure can't walk very far with bad knees. Guess I need to do what hb said to do, get a mo-ped. I could get baskets on the sides like saddle bags for groceries...if I can afford food by then.

[joyce]

It's gonna take a crisis to wake the majority of people up here in America. Something bad and then they will say well if we only knew. It happens every time.

[queenofhearts61]

I never drive except when I have to. I know my kids and grandkids can't leave their cars sit for any thing.

I have those bad knees too spyder have to have knee replacements.

[skydaddy]

A friend of mine says that gas prices aren't high enough yet. He said just look at all the women driving around in their big SUV's every day shopping at different stores all around town to save a couple of pennies on something they don't really need anyway, or the high school kids racing around almost every minute they're out of school. Gas prices aren't too high that it curtails their driving or slows them down. He may have a point. Speaking of knees. Mine were giving me "fits" the past few months. I started taking liquid Glucosamine and Chondroitin about a week ago and my knees have improved dramatically already. Most of the time I have no pain in my knees at all, and when I do, its nowhere near as bad as it was. A Vet friend of mine that specializes in horses said that is what they give to horses with sore joints and it really does work. The brand I bought is named 1st Step for Energy and I found it at a grocery store. It cost about 1/2 the price that Walgreen's charges for the brands they carry. The web site for 1st Step is www.fullperformancefitness.com . I highly recommend it.

[SpyderLady]

skydaddy, I tried the MSM capsules but didn't do a thing for me and I took them for two months. Never tried the liquid form tho. Didn't ever notice it.
But the Celebrex I just started taking is helping a lot. First thing that has worked to help me in ages!! I am tickled to death I can work in the yard now. Still have pain but tolerable now.

[olhillbilly]

Glucosamine an MSM is not the same thing. Ya mite try it Spydie.

A lady I used to deliver blue pads to (for bedridden hubby) was the first to tell me about glucosamine. She swore by it. She said ya gotta keep takin it tho. Cause she got to feeling better an quit it (like we all do) Then the pain an swelling came back. She said she'll never not take it again.

[skydaddy]

Hey Spydie, the liquid has really helped. I am going to order some online because its about $4 or$5 cheaper than buying it in the store. As far as Walgreen's brand, it is double the price I had to pay in the grocery. I had taken the tablets for months and quit taking them because they didn't help, but the liquid had sure helped me. I hardly ever have any knee pain anymore and when I do its just a minor annoyance.

[SpyderLady]

I have tried about three different versions of the pill form and it never helped. If I can ever remember I will try the liquid. I wrote it down. I wonder if the liquid is stronger than pill form.

[skydaddy]

I don't know if its stronger Spydie, but a vet friend says it works for horses with sore joints when he gives them glucosamine with chondroitin. Yesterday, I had a good bit of pain in my knees from climbing in and out of my boat and then standing on concrete in my hangar for 5 hours last night. I finally went and took 3 Advil Liquid Gel Caps and they stopped the pain. Today, I have been mostly pain free and any I've had has been minor. If I don't stand for a super long time, I don't seem to have a problem since I've been on the liquid glucosamine. It also has that other stuff chondroitin in it. I have no idea what that is or what its supposed to do.