No Gas Day---- May 15th
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: GA
E350---2007
No Gas Day---- May 15th
Remember Don’t Go To The Pumps Tomorrow May 5th, 2007, Please Fill Up Today If You Can And Tell Everyone You Know As Well. We Are Trying To Get Them To Drop Gas Prices!
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Jakarta, Indonesia The Land of Milk & Honey
W211 / E280
Yeag right, they will sit in the meetings and go over the sales figures for the week or month and see no change. 1 guy wanting to score points will bring up the fact that 15th was really slow in sales for that day and the boss already looking at the data will speak up and say that is true but we did outstanding sales for that week on the 14th and 16th. Oh they will feel the pain. Look get over high gas prices or do what I do and invest in production wells and when the price of oil goes up it reflects in the quarterly payout from the oil and gas well. It is up to you, either moan or do something to make up for your loss at the pump.
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Joined: Sep 2002
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Mercedes Benz
Gas prices are set by economics (supply and demand) and taxes. Do you think not buying gas for one day will do anything? There is not some big conspiracy to rip people off when it comes to gas.
Maybe if we, Americans, built a few new refining plants we could increase capacity and reduce the number of supply shocks caused by refinery maintenance and acts of nature. Trouble is everyone is a NIMBY and tries to prevent any expansion on the supply side. And this does not even touch the idea of maybe drilling for our own oil!
Sorry I just see these don't buy gas days as a waste of time. Its a wives tale on a national scale.
Last edited by CynCarvin32; May 14, 2007 at 12:01 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
Yup. And there's this little boy named Craig Shergold who is dying of cancer who wants everyone to send him a birthday card, and if you forward this message to 10 people, Bill Gates will send you a new computer.
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Joined: May 2003
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From: Northern NJ
2014 BMW 550i
The real folly of the "gas out" days is that it even if everyone followed this suggestion, it wouldn't do a thing UNLESS we actually were to drive LESS, thus using LESS fuel. If everyone drives the same amount, the demand for fuel will stay the same, you will just move the purchase day.
Snopes comes to the rescue once again:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/gasoline/nogas.asp
Snopes comes to the rescue once again:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/gasoline/nogas.asp
Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
2007 E350 Sport Obsidian Black & 2005 Cadillac Escalade
The real folly of the "gas out" days is that it even if everyone followed this suggestion, it wouldn't do a thing UNLESS we actually were to drive LESS, thus using LESS fuel. If everyone drives the same amount, the demand for fuel will stay the same, you will just move the purchase day.
Snopes comes to the rescue once again:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/gasoline/nogas.asp
Snopes comes to the rescue once again:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/gasoline/nogas.asp
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,846
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From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
If anything it will make it go up when gas stations see the influx of people filling up on the 16th and 17th. You gotta get gas sooner or later so I really don't see what this one day thing is supposed to do. Now if everyone stayed home and didn't drive for a week it might do something, but even then people would be filling up like mad once the week is over and thus demand goes through the roof and so does prices. There is no way around this people unless you can walk or ride a bike (a real bicycle, not a motorcycle) to work on a daily basis.
Just sit back and watch as Exxon-Mobil, Texaco, BP Amoco and others post record profits for the 2nd quarter of this year, no-gas on the 15th won't make a dent in their profits. If I remember right didn't Exxon-Mobil make more money than Toyota last year?
M
Just sit back and watch as Exxon-Mobil, Texaco, BP Amoco and others post record profits for the 2nd quarter of this year, no-gas on the 15th won't make a dent in their profits. If I remember right didn't Exxon-Mobil make more money than Toyota last year?
M
Last edited by Germancar1; May 15, 2007 at 02:54 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Fernandina Beach, FL
2006 E320 CDI
It's not supply an demand, its Supply Chain (inventory) and demand
The reason for the rising gas prices is a lack of inventory required to meet increasing demand. Suppose we could instantaneously increase the inventory overnight? We all know the boycott for a day trick does not work as everyone, including those being interviewed on CNN today are saying they will "fill-up" tommorow if not today. INSTEAD oF THIS, DON'T EVER FILL UP!
I suggest you buy at most 20 dollar's worth of gas at a time. If you cut back on how much inventory you, yourself, carry around (a gas saver in itself as it is less weight), and buy "just in time", the inventory will begin to pile up at the distributors and they WILL CUT PRICES. Consider that if you were to fill up and run your tank to almost empty, then you carry an average of half a tank full (approx 10 gals). Now if you buy $20 at a time, and run to almost empty, you are carrying an average of 3 gals. That means two thirds of the total gas inventory in the nation would be back in the hands of the distributors. They would have no choice other than to cut prices (it costs them to carry inventory).
If we did this everytime they started raising prices, under a scenario of a constrained inventory level such as what currently exists, it would always have the same dampening effect.
Most folks have a knee jerk reaction to rising gas prices that makes them want to fill up, when this only exacerbates the problem, so DON'T DO IT!
Dollar cost average your purchases and you'll do just as well, particularly during the slow decline of prices. And you still have room in your tank if you happen to run across an even cheaper price than where you would have filled up.
One last word, Diesel never seems to spike as does gas, because the demand seems to be much more stable. Sometime we pay a little more that regular gas, but in time like these, we actually pay less in most places.
I suggest you buy at most 20 dollar's worth of gas at a time. If you cut back on how much inventory you, yourself, carry around (a gas saver in itself as it is less weight), and buy "just in time", the inventory will begin to pile up at the distributors and they WILL CUT PRICES. Consider that if you were to fill up and run your tank to almost empty, then you carry an average of half a tank full (approx 10 gals). Now if you buy $20 at a time, and run to almost empty, you are carrying an average of 3 gals. That means two thirds of the total gas inventory in the nation would be back in the hands of the distributors. They would have no choice other than to cut prices (it costs them to carry inventory).
If we did this everytime they started raising prices, under a scenario of a constrained inventory level such as what currently exists, it would always have the same dampening effect.
Most folks have a knee jerk reaction to rising gas prices that makes them want to fill up, when this only exacerbates the problem, so DON'T DO IT!
Dollar cost average your purchases and you'll do just as well, particularly during the slow decline of prices. And you still have room in your tank if you happen to run across an even cheaper price than where you would have filled up. One last word, Diesel never seems to spike as does gas, because the demand seems to be much more stable. Sometime we pay a little more that regular gas, but in time like these, we actually pay less in most places.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
If people only bought $ 20.00 at a time...
...Thats about 6 gallons. Everybody's range would be cut down, which would require more frequent pump visits. More people at the pumps and there are not enough available, not in use pumps at each station. Which will result in lines, cars idleing... and short tempers.
Gasoline is now the world's "drug of choice". When we Americans begin really begin strangling on the cost, the whackos will be stood up to, and we will drill on the front lawn of Paramount, or Universal Studios, or off shore, or in the nest of the last Hoot Owl, or wherever the next oil field is located... until the next fuel is developed. More than likely, though... the cost to get oil from shale rock will start to become more competitively priced to the "easy oil" fields, and we'll begin to get oil from those vast reserves.
Or maybe we'll get really smart & form a Food Producing Cartel. Until then, we're just oil junkies, with no choice but to quit cold turkey or pay the man.
Short term though, if you want a rebate on every gallon you buy, buy Exxon-Mobil Stock.
Gasoline is now the world's "drug of choice". When we Americans begin really begin strangling on the cost, the whackos will be stood up to, and we will drill on the front lawn of Paramount, or Universal Studios, or off shore, or in the nest of the last Hoot Owl, or wherever the next oil field is located... until the next fuel is developed. More than likely, though... the cost to get oil from shale rock will start to become more competitively priced to the "easy oil" fields, and we'll begin to get oil from those vast reserves.
Or maybe we'll get really smart & form a Food Producing Cartel. Until then, we're just oil junkies, with no choice but to quit cold turkey or pay the man.
Short term though, if you want a rebate on every gallon you buy, buy Exxon-Mobil Stock.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Fernandina Beach, FL
2006 E320 CDI
$20 A Stop
Granted the number of gas stops is increased (in my CDI this means once a week instead of once a month...) and given certain fixed transaction times which need to be accounted for (credit card transaction, printing a receipt), still, the average stopped time does go down as it doesn't take much time to pump $20's worth. The challenge is to stop on 20.00 with inflated prices! Not that it matters if you pay with a credit card...
I agree that consumption reduction is the way to go long term. those of us who lived through the energy crunch of the 70's know full well that education programs have little effect. However my personal approach is to "Drive Like Ya got No Brakes!"
I start out slower than the guy in front of me, to gain a little space for coasting (I've always loved the benz's ability to engine brake), and thus avoid hitting the brakes in a panic situation, and I always look ahead to anticipate stop lights, often coasting up to the next light in time for it to change, both of which avoid loss of momentum and loss of energy to brake heat.
It's generally easier on the car which I like to keep for 20 years or so. Not that I don't occaisionally enjoy stomping the accelerator and "Smoking an a--hole" who might be tailgating me (They get the idea). That extra gap in front comes in handy for that as well. Most folks don't appreciate seeing any gap in front of the guy in front of them ( a psychological thing), but I have no need to make them happy as long as I am going the same speed as the traffic in front of me in the long run.
Yea I know, I drive like an old fart, but I am averaging 35 MPG (overall) in my CDI. The worst (and dumbest) thing is to drive with your right foot constantly switching between accelerator and brake petal. I think most folks do this subconsciously and it takes a conscious effort to "brake" the habit...
I agree that consumption reduction is the way to go long term. those of us who lived through the energy crunch of the 70's know full well that education programs have little effect. However my personal approach is to "Drive Like Ya got No Brakes!"
I start out slower than the guy in front of me, to gain a little space for coasting (I've always loved the benz's ability to engine brake), and thus avoid hitting the brakes in a panic situation, and I always look ahead to anticipate stop lights, often coasting up to the next light in time for it to change, both of which avoid loss of momentum and loss of energy to brake heat.
It's generally easier on the car which I like to keep for 20 years or so. Not that I don't occaisionally enjoy stomping the accelerator and "Smoking an a--hole" who might be tailgating me (They get the idea). That extra gap in front comes in handy for that as well. Most folks don't appreciate seeing any gap in front of the guy in front of them ( a psychological thing), but I have no need to make them happy as long as I am going the same speed as the traffic in front of me in the long run.
Yea I know, I drive like an old fart, but I am averaging 35 MPG (overall) in my CDI. The worst (and dumbest) thing is to drive with your right foot constantly switching between accelerator and brake petal. I think most folks do this subconsciously and it takes a conscious effort to "brake" the habit...
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 14,212
Likes: 9
From: Boston, MA
00 MB ML55, 91 Toyota Supra Turbo(sold), 06 E500(gone), 03 BMW M3
Im sorry these ever so childish do not buy gas days are pointless. I think I should go fill up the 6 cars in the drive way on the 15th.
Gas prices are set by economics (supply and demand) and taxes. Do you think not buying gas for one day will do anything? There is not some big conspiracy to rip people off when it comes to gas.
Maybe if we, Americans, built a few new refining plants we could increase capacity and reduce the number of supply shocks caused by refinery maintenance and acts of nature. Trouble is everyone is a NIMBY and tries to prevent any expansion on the supply side. And this does not even touch the idea of maybe drilling for our own oil!
Sorry I just see these don't buy gas days as a waste of time. Its a wives tale on a national scale.
Gas prices are set by economics (supply and demand) and taxes. Do you think not buying gas for one day will do anything? There is not some big conspiracy to rip people off when it comes to gas.
Maybe if we, Americans, built a few new refining plants we could increase capacity and reduce the number of supply shocks caused by refinery maintenance and acts of nature. Trouble is everyone is a NIMBY and tries to prevent any expansion on the supply side. And this does not even touch the idea of maybe drilling for our own oil!
Sorry I just see these don't buy gas days as a waste of time. Its a wives tale on a national scale.
These are a joke, trust me folks my fam has a gas station... we pay for gas as it goes in to our tanks... we buy gas 10-15k gallons at a time... you think a couple pennies a gallon hurts your wallet? you dont know how bad it hurts... you filling up with only $20 does nothing but inconvenience yourself...
TomzBenz... you are right about the way people drive, that is truely what will help folks at the pump... also you should look in to the K box from kleeman... that should get your MPG into the 40s with a diesel...
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: yay area
2006 E350
... if they start charging 5 dollars a gallon,,, all of us here WILL buy it!! 
yep, i hate paying for high gas prices,, but i love driving my benz!!! ...and if I wanted to be cheap, I'd be driving one of those daewoo's!
yep, i hate paying for high gas prices,, but i love driving my benz!!! ...and if I wanted to be cheap, I'd be driving one of those daewoo's!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,846
Likes: 291
From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
The reason for the rising gas prices is a lack of inventory required to meet increasing demand. Suppose we could instantaneously increase the inventory overnight? We all know the boycott for a day trick does not work as everyone, including those being interviewed on CNN today are saying they will "fill-up" tommorow if not today. INSTEAD oF THIS, DON'T EVER FILL UP!
I suggest you buy at most 20 dollar's worth of gas at a time. If you cut back on how much inventory you, yourself, carry around (a gas saver in itself as it is less weight), and buy "just in time", the inventory will begin to pile up at the distributors and they WILL CUT PRICES. Consider that if you were to fill up and run your tank to almost empty, then you carry an average of half a tank full (approx 10 gals). Now if you buy $20 at a time, and run to almost empty, you are carrying an average of 3 gals. That means two thirds of the total gas inventory in the nation would be back in the hands of the distributors. They would have no choice other than to cut prices (it costs them to carry inventory).
If we did this everytime they started raising prices, under a scenario of a constrained inventory level such as what currently exists, it would always have the same dampening effect.
Most folks have a knee jerk reaction to rising gas prices that makes them want to fill up, when this only exacerbates the problem, so DON'T DO IT! Dollar cost average your purchases and you'll do just as well, particularly during the slow decline of prices. And you still have room in your tank if you happen to run across an even cheaper price than where you would have filled up.
One last word, Diesel never seems to spike as does gas, because the demand seems to be much more stable. Sometime we pay a little more that regular gas, but in time like these, we actually pay less in most places.
I suggest you buy at most 20 dollar's worth of gas at a time. If you cut back on how much inventory you, yourself, carry around (a gas saver in itself as it is less weight), and buy "just in time", the inventory will begin to pile up at the distributors and they WILL CUT PRICES. Consider that if you were to fill up and run your tank to almost empty, then you carry an average of half a tank full (approx 10 gals). Now if you buy $20 at a time, and run to almost empty, you are carrying an average of 3 gals. That means two thirds of the total gas inventory in the nation would be back in the hands of the distributors. They would have no choice other than to cut prices (it costs them to carry inventory).
If we did this everytime they started raising prices, under a scenario of a constrained inventory level such as what currently exists, it would always have the same dampening effect.
Most folks have a knee jerk reaction to rising gas prices that makes them want to fill up, when this only exacerbates the problem, so DON'T DO IT!
Dollar cost average your purchases and you'll do just as well, particularly during the slow decline of prices. And you still have room in your tank if you happen to run across an even cheaper price than where you would have filled up. One last word, Diesel never seems to spike as does gas, because the demand seems to be much more stable. Sometime we pay a little more that regular gas, but in time like these, we actually pay less in most places.
Ultimately though they've got everyone who has a car by the *****. There simply is no way around it, when the light comes on time to get gas or quit driving, the latter of which isn't an option.
M
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,846
Likes: 291
From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
I wonder how many people didn't fill up today on purpose? I didn't because I didn't need too, but if I had needed too I would have. It can't be helped.
Its almost as if gas stations knew about this little action because gas in the Chicagoland area went up 20 cents in the last 2 days! Utterly ridiculous.
M
Its almost as if gas stations knew about this little action because gas in the Chicagoland area went up 20 cents in the last 2 days! Utterly ridiculous.
M
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: Palm Beach Gardens, Fl
‘08 E-350 Sport, C6 Vette & Harley Davidson
If we “REALLY” want gas prices to drop we should flood Politicians
with demands to drill in Alaska .. just for a beginning!
And remember, one party WANTS gas prices to be high because -
in someway - “that will save trees!” It’s those politicians who are
trying to kill off guys like us who love driving great cars!
jimm
==========
On Order: 08 E350 Sport, P2, Black/black,
Parktronic, Voice, Bluetooth, Burl Walnut,
Split rear seat, Rear mud flaps
with demands to drill in Alaska .. just for a beginning!
And remember, one party WANTS gas prices to be high because -
in someway - “that will save trees!” It’s those politicians who are
trying to kill off guys like us who love driving great cars!
jimm
==========
On Order: 08 E350 Sport, P2, Black/black,
Parktronic, Voice, Bluetooth, Burl Walnut,
Split rear seat, Rear mud flaps
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,285
Likes: 395
A tax shift (not increase) to consumer gasoline would have great benefits. People in this country would be more responsible when making a vehicle purchase (read: fewer SUVs) and using fuel, which would in turn reduce traffic congestion and our demand on foreign oil, while also avoiding destruction of our coastlines, Alaska, etc. to find oil here. It would not have a negative effect on those of us who love cars and driving them; there are plenty of economical, fun cars for those without the means...and I for one don't mind paying more for fuel if it reduces the risk of oil spills in the oceans where I spend my free time.
Of course, such a plan would put [what was] the Big 3 out of business, so it will never happen.
Of course, such a plan would put [what was] the Big 3 out of business, so it will never happen.
Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City, OK
2007 E550
We can drill in Alaska, make more refineries, and do all of that crap, but the simple fact is that at around $4 a gallon, demand for gas has not dropped. If we all believe in the law of Supply and Demand, this means that "equilibrium" has not been met. If you were an oil company, would you build more refineries, or just keep raising the price? Which one makes more money? I'm still driving a V8, and my wife drives a AWD Navigator. We will keep filling up until the price of gas gets to a point where we change our habits. Everyone is complaining, but no one (generalized) is doing anything to change their habits, myself included.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 588
Likes: 1
'98 E320 4Matic, '85 380SL
A tax shift (not increase) to consumer gasoline would have great benefits. People in this country would be more responsible when making a vehicle purchase (read: fewer SUVs) and using fuel, which would in turn reduce traffic congestion and our demand on foreign oil, while also avoiding destruction of our coastlines, Alaska, etc. to find oil here. It would not have a negative effect on those of us who love cars and driving them; there are plenty of economical, fun cars for those without the means...and I for one don't mind paying more for fuel if it reduces the risk of oil spills in the oceans where I spend my free time.
Of course, such a plan would put [what was] the Big 3 out of business, so it will never happen.
Of course, such a plan would put [what was] the Big 3 out of business, so it will never happen.
I seriously hope this was a joke. If not, please dust off your thinking cap and consider the following:
1. You are right that an increased gasoline tax would decrease road congestion, but only in the long run, after everyone sells their houses in the suburbs and moves closer to the cities.
In the short term, gasoline demand is inelastic. You can't cut your commute in half overnight. Gas consumption for driving to/from work would be unaffected, but vacations would be curtailed. No more spending your free time at the oceans, unless you already live on the ocean. (I suspect this is your prime motivation for a gas tax -- to clear out the beach so you don't have to share.)
2. Low income people disproportionately live in the suburbs and rural areas, where housing is less expensive but commutes are longer. A hike in the gas tax would quadruply whack the poor: (1) they must consume more gas for their longer commutes; (2) they already spend a greater percentage of their income on fuel at present prices; (3) they would not be able to afford to move closer to the city as urban housing prices skyrocketed; and (4) they would least be able to afford basic necessities as the costs of transporting goods increased. Each additional dollar spent on gasoline tax means one less dollar somewhere else in the budget. (A gasoline tax would be a tax hike, not a tax substitution, because the bottom 50% of income earners in this country pay no federal income tax at all.)
3. Fact: Not everyone has the same transportation needs and preferences as you.
The SUV owner that needs the capacity to carry three kids and cargo is hardly "irresponsible," whatever that means. Would you prefer that the family park the SUV and drive two or three compact cars to their destinations? Buses get worse mileage than SUVs. Are buses irresponsible? Mileage must be measured in terms of MPG per person or per pound of cargo. In that measurement, loaded SUVs, just like buses, spank cars.
If you're referring to single-occupant SUVs, let me ask you, how often do you drive solo in your car? Why aren't you riding a moped instead? You own a car instead of a single-seater because there are times when you must travel with more than just yourself. A modular car that shrinks & expands as needed would be really cool, but as far as I know, does not exist.
You conveniently forget that SUV owners already pay more for gas. Gas stations do not operate under the Old Country Buffet model. SUV owners are not pumping extra fuel at your expense. They pay for every last drop of it. Perhaps you are upset that because both of you demand gasoline, the price must necessarily increase. It's perfectly understandable that you would want everyone else to have less gasoline so that you could have more of it for yourself to use "responsibly." We all want that; you can admit it. That's why we have a market price system -- to ensure a fair distribution of goods & services.
As an aside, I'd like to point out that the Ford Excursion (diesel) gets better fuel economy than many cars.
4. The proposed area in Alaska is the size of a postage stamp. Drilling oil in the ANWR would "destroy" the state no more than you urinating in the ocean destroys the seas. It would of course reduce our dependence on foreign oil and bolster market pricing, which is currently hindered by OPEC. Which do you think is a greater risk for polluting the oceans: oil carried in a pipeline from Alaska, or oil carried on a supertanker from the Middle East? Explain to me how continental oil reserves pose any threat to the oceans.
5. A gas tax increase would not undermine the Big 3. If anything, a gas tax increase would solidify the Big 3 as the Big 3. Regulation inevitably preserves the status quo. Regulation is mildly harmful to companies already in power; it disastrous for small upstarts. Why else would Altria (formerly named Phillip Morris) be so excited about the FDA regulating tobacco? (There are already so many regulatory barriers to competition in the oil industry that I doubt additional regulation would make much of a practical difference.)
6. New energy technology, not taxes, could undermine the Big 3. High gas prices, whether caused by natural supply-and-demand or artificial distortionary taxes, will spur technological development. I suspect the Big 3 will be heavily involved in the development of these technologies.
7. While increased gas taxes would spur alternative energy research, keep in mind that the tax would siphon progress away from more important technological innovation. This is a deadweight loss to the economy. For all you know, someone might have instead figured out a cure for cancer. You'd never know what those unrealized breakthroughs would have been.
The severity of these effects would, of course, depend on the severity of the tax. However, as much as I dislike gas taxes, I think cap-and-trade schemes would be even worse.
In the short term, gasoline demand is inelastic. You can't cut your commute in half overnight. Gas consumption for driving to/from work would be unaffected, but vacations would be curtailed. No more spending your free time at the oceans, unless you already live on the ocean. (I suspect this is your prime motivation for a gas tax -- to clear out the beach so you don't have to share.)
2. Low income people disproportionately live in the suburbs and rural areas, where housing is less expensive but commutes are longer. A hike in the gas tax would quadruply whack the poor: (1) they must consume more gas for their longer commutes; (2) they already spend a greater percentage of their income on fuel at present prices; (3) they would not be able to afford to move closer to the city as urban housing prices skyrocketed; and (4) they would least be able to afford basic necessities as the costs of transporting goods increased. Each additional dollar spent on gasoline tax means one less dollar somewhere else in the budget. (A gasoline tax would be a tax hike, not a tax substitution, because the bottom 50% of income earners in this country pay no federal income tax at all.)
3. Fact: Not everyone has the same transportation needs and preferences as you.
The SUV owner that needs the capacity to carry three kids and cargo is hardly "irresponsible," whatever that means. Would you prefer that the family park the SUV and drive two or three compact cars to their destinations? Buses get worse mileage than SUVs. Are buses irresponsible? Mileage must be measured in terms of MPG per person or per pound of cargo. In that measurement, loaded SUVs, just like buses, spank cars.
If you're referring to single-occupant SUVs, let me ask you, how often do you drive solo in your car? Why aren't you riding a moped instead? You own a car instead of a single-seater because there are times when you must travel with more than just yourself. A modular car that shrinks & expands as needed would be really cool, but as far as I know, does not exist.
You conveniently forget that SUV owners already pay more for gas. Gas stations do not operate under the Old Country Buffet model. SUV owners are not pumping extra fuel at your expense. They pay for every last drop of it. Perhaps you are upset that because both of you demand gasoline, the price must necessarily increase. It's perfectly understandable that you would want everyone else to have less gasoline so that you could have more of it for yourself to use "responsibly." We all want that; you can admit it. That's why we have a market price system -- to ensure a fair distribution of goods & services.
As an aside, I'd like to point out that the Ford Excursion (diesel) gets better fuel economy than many cars.
4. The proposed area in Alaska is the size of a postage stamp. Drilling oil in the ANWR would "destroy" the state no more than you urinating in the ocean destroys the seas. It would of course reduce our dependence on foreign oil and bolster market pricing, which is currently hindered by OPEC. Which do you think is a greater risk for polluting the oceans: oil carried in a pipeline from Alaska, or oil carried on a supertanker from the Middle East? Explain to me how continental oil reserves pose any threat to the oceans.
5. A gas tax increase would not undermine the Big 3. If anything, a gas tax increase would solidify the Big 3 as the Big 3. Regulation inevitably preserves the status quo. Regulation is mildly harmful to companies already in power; it disastrous for small upstarts. Why else would Altria (formerly named Phillip Morris) be so excited about the FDA regulating tobacco? (There are already so many regulatory barriers to competition in the oil industry that I doubt additional regulation would make much of a practical difference.)
6. New energy technology, not taxes, could undermine the Big 3. High gas prices, whether caused by natural supply-and-demand or artificial distortionary taxes, will spur technological development. I suspect the Big 3 will be heavily involved in the development of these technologies.
7. While increased gas taxes would spur alternative energy research, keep in mind that the tax would siphon progress away from more important technological innovation. This is a deadweight loss to the economy. For all you know, someone might have instead figured out a cure for cancer. You'd never know what those unrealized breakthroughs would have been.
Last edited by lexrex; May 17, 2007 at 01:42 PM.
