http://money.cnn.com/2007/09/12/markets/oil_eia/index.htm Not even a blip on anyone's radar. How high does it have to go before we actually care and realize "gee, we might actually be approaching a point where availablility is a major concern, regardless of price". Global warming is going to be a moot point if oil keeps going up as it has in the past few years.
http://money.cnn.com/2007/09/12/markets/oil_eia/index.htm Not even a blip on anyone's radar. How high does it have to go before we actually care and realize "gee, we might actually be approaching a point where availablility is a major concern, regardless of price". Global warming is going to be a moot point if oil keeps going up as it has in the past few years.
Same as always. People will cry and complain that something be done when gas prices get really high (relative to current as everyone sees $3/gal as 'normal' now). Meanwhile will they trade down their gas guzzler for something more efficient to reduce their monthly gas costs...not many. I say let the prices climb. Let the calls for better more FE cars grow so that the manufacturers will hear that cry loud and clear.
Same as always. People will cry and complain that something be done when gas prices get really high (relative to current as everyone sees $3/gal as 'normal' now). Meanwhile will they trade down their gas guzzler for something more efficient to reduce their monthly gas costs...not many. I say let the prices climb. Let the calls for better more FE cars grow so that the manufacturers will hear that cry loud and clear.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Sep 12 2007, 10:40 AM) [snapback]511300[/snapback]</div> The most powerful, most efficient way to provide alternatives to gasoline are to let the market forces work to drive people to other options. Nothing motivates like price, regardless of what we "should" be doing.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Sep 12 2007, 10:40 AM) [snapback]511300[/snapback]</div> The most powerful, most efficient way to provide alternatives to gasoline are to let the market forces work to drive people to other options. Nothing motivates like price, regardless of what we "should" be doing.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(05_SilverPri @ Sep 12 2007, 08:45 AM) [snapback]511305[/snapback]</div> I agree partially. The market MUST be on even footing. Which it is not... You must also assume we have an informed populace. Which we do not...
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(05_SilverPri @ Sep 12 2007, 08:45 AM) [snapback]511305[/snapback]</div> I agree partially. The market MUST be on even footing. Which it is not... You must also assume we have an informed populace. Which we do not...
I think the general public needs to know more so than than the auto manufacturers. We are a fickle bunch and tend to relax about it when when the prices take a step back. Two steps higher, we bitch, one step back, we breathe a sigh of relief. Over, and over again. A complete lack of foresight accross the board from government, to the car makers, to the end users. It's easy for you and I to cheer higher prices as means to an end, but it's not so easy for the less fortunate, or for our stressed out military we have working to secure future availability.
I think the general public needs to know more so than than the auto manufacturers. We are a fickle bunch and tend to relax about it when when the prices take a step back. Two steps higher, we bitch, one step back, we breathe a sigh of relief. Over, and over again. A complete lack of foresight accross the board from government, to the car makers, to the end users. It's easy for you and I to cheer higher prices as means to an end, but it's not so easy for the less fortunate, or for our stressed out military we have working to secure future availability.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Sep 12 2007, 11:40 AM) [snapback]511300[/snapback]</div> I agree with you, Evan. But the prices have to climb high & quickly. Otherwise it's becomes a "boiling frog" scenario. People bitched way back when gas prices hit $1. Then $2. Then $3. But we got accustomed to the prices. It's got to be drastic for people to notice.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Sep 12 2007, 11:40 AM) [snapback]511300[/snapback]</div> I agree with you, Evan. But the prices have to climb high & quickly. Otherwise it's becomes a "boiling frog" scenario. People bitched way back when gas prices hit $1. Then $2. Then $3. But we got accustomed to the prices. It's got to be drastic for people to notice.
"let the market forces work to drive people to other options" Great in theory, but the market forces are determined by the politics. We subsidize the current setup politically to a much higher degree than we subsidize finding solutions or encouraging conservation of finite resources (not just oil).
"let the market forces work to drive people to other options" Great in theory, but the market forces are determined by the politics. We subsidize the current setup politically to a much higher degree than we subsidize finding solutions or encouraging conservation of finite resources (not just oil).
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Darwood @ Sep 12 2007, 10:49 AM) [snapback]511311[/snapback]</div> Agreed, there are advantages in place for the current infrastructure, but who believes that the price of gasoline will be coming back down to pre 9/11 levels? A company like Toyota has a hit with the Prius precisely because they provide a solution to high gas prices, not because it is better for the environment (as much as many here would like to believe, it ain't true). As the prices go up, more people will want the alternative, and other companies will step in to provide it. The resistance is there until a tipping point is reached, then then the mindset will change.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Darwood @ Sep 12 2007, 10:49 AM) [snapback]511311[/snapback]</div> Agreed, there are advantages in place for the current infrastructure, but who believes that the price of gasoline will be coming back down to pre 9/11 levels? A company like Toyota has a hit with the Prius precisely because they provide a solution to high gas prices, not because it is better for the environment (as much as many here would like to believe, it ain't true). As the prices go up, more people will want the alternative, and other companies will step in to provide it. The resistance is there until a tipping point is reached, then then the mindset will change.
But the tipping point is moved higher artificially by vested big money interests that are in the pocket of politicians (BOTH SIDES). Can't compete with Toyota? Just influence politicians to prolong the status quo a little longer! (and delay the solutions, adding to the cost and pain associated with said solutions).
But the tipping point is moved higher artificially by vested big money interests that are in the pocket of politicians (BOTH SIDES). Can't compete with Toyota? Just influence politicians to prolong the status quo a little longer! (and delay the solutions, adding to the cost and pain associated with said solutions).
Is it your notion that americans are entitled to cheap oil? We don't pay anywhere near what the europeans pay. Maybe one of the reasons it's so high because we use so much of it.
Is it your notion that americans are entitled to cheap oil? We don't pay anywhere near what the europeans pay. Maybe one of the reasons it's so high because we use so much of it.
