Gas Prices! Problem or Not a Problem?
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Some say we have it cheap...
Gas prices are at all-time highs. And man are we suffering, right? How do you feel? For some, gas prices make them feel like they are being gouged. And, what's it all about and why is it happening? Some may decide on the next presidential election based on the candidate's view on the gas subject.
Here are some tables from an article by CNN Money. The article is entitled "U.S. Gas: So Cheap it Hurts." The article just came out today, May 1, 2008. The whole article is here: Gas Prices.
On one side of the fence, gas prices seem outrageous. Gas has nearly tripled in the last few years. We love our cars, and, for those having large vehichles like SUVs, a hugely popular segment in the U.S., the pinch is on! Filling up can cost over $100!
It is putting a hurting on us, and the economy. Car companies are holding record inventories of large vehichles. GM just announced huge (billion dollar) losses. And, to adjust, car companies are giving more and more attention to alternative fuels.
However, if we take a broader, global view, the story is even more surprising. Many other coutries are paying $8 to more than $18 per gallon. I've been to Europe several times, and (although it's litres) when you think about the price in gallons, it's really painful. (And so is the price for a Coke for that matter!) Are we headed for prices like that?
I would like to know from our European readers: do you get used to it? What adjustments do you need to make? Telecommuting, creating an online business, working from home, and carpooling will surely continue to increase!
Look at these prices...
Or, do we have it so good?
On the other side of the fence, look at the other table published in the article. Wait! We are getting ripped off! Big gas businesses are making a killing! How is it that some of these countries have such cheap prices on gas? Why can't we?
Should we press on our government representatives to get moving on the hybrid cars, open up more domestic supplies or exploration for resources we have, or maybe release supply from our reserves?
Or, is government policy the answer? Perhaps commuting, better use of public transportation, telecommuting, or just getting ourselves working at our online businesses and work from home...Go here for work from home ideas. Or here for the whole Online Business Bible . Or, go here for help creating an online business.
Are gas prices a problem for you or not? And, they are going to keep going up. Something to think about.
Where do you stand?
CommentsLoading...
here's the link to my hub, then scroll down to last comment, and see the link to yours! http://hubpages.com/hub/America-Were-Not-Spoiled
Of course! feel free to link away...
If I lived in Europe I would walk, ride a bike or would be taking trains and buses to get around. The distances, relatively speaking, are shorter than here in the U.S.
Our nation as we have it today was built for the automobile, and now we are finding that to be a liability.To get to work I have to drive 11 miles each way. My wife drives almost twenty. That's not very far compared to some commuters, but the point is, either I drive or don't work.
And even with 32 MPH in my Hyundai Sonata, I still have to put in $50.00 or more when I fill up the gas tank.
Add in going to the store (6 miles each way) and other necessary trips, and that adds up quickly.
When I lived in Spain I used my vehicle maybe twice a month, for weekend trips and the like. Otherwise we walked to the train or bus station, or we walked to the stores which were small and right at hand. Getting around Madrid meant a trip on the Metro and then some more walking. I wish it were that easy where I live now!
We visit my son In Chicago by taking a train downtown and the "El", Chicago's equivalent to the subway or metro, to his house. And, of course, we walk.
Chef Jeff already said what I was thinking-- In Europe the distances are shorter and there are public transportation alternatives. I have friends who commute 40 miles each way to work by car every day. There is no public transportation in my town, so even if you don't have a horrendous work commute you must have a car to get to stores, doctors, dentists etc. I know an 80 year old woman who would love to give up her car, but can't( she's pretty spry for 80 but 80 is 80) The price tables don't tell the whole story--there are cultural considerations too.
A friend of mine from Iceland, who worked in the USA for a year and then went home said: "Gas may be three times more expensive in Iceland, but you have to drive three times further to get anywhere in America so it works out the same." BTW he also said " Icelandic beer may cost three times as much as American beer, but it takes three American beers to do what one Icelandic beer does."<grin> Terrific hub and I'm coming back to see how the comments develop.
Great Hub you have here :) please read my new hub about getting free online car quotes...
marisuewrites 4 years ago
I really like the tables you provided. If you don't mind, I will provide a link to your hub on my America, We're Not Spoiled Hub, it's gotten a lot of traffic and I think many of the readers would love to see your tables of prices. thanks, good information! =)