I’ve been somewhat anxious about what “we” are going to do about energy and oil with the price of the slippery stuff back down to a reasonable level. People with memories spanning more than 30 years know that this has happened before. In the seventies, the price of oil, and consequently gasoline, went through the roof prompting a push toward fuel efficiency. As the high price waned, so did America’s impetus toward saving fuel. The high-low price cycle has again occurred, with the price of oil peaking earlier this year above $140 per barrel and now being below $60 per barrel. Our nation is at a crossroads. Do we repeat the psychological/economic cycle and forget about our summer time desire to quit the addiction, or do we put the needle back in the arm — maybe a bigger syringe this time, Hummer H2000 anyone?
I’m starting to like President-Elect Obama more and more these days because he wants to take us to rehab. In Sunday night’s 60 minutes interview, he explained that we need to continue the political progress toward alternative energy and getting off oil. I’m really glad to hear that at least one politician is still focused on this looming problem.
The answers cannot just come from the political realm though. This will also have to be born out on Main Street (in the popular vernacular). We all must reject our oil consuming ways — ride your bike, take the bus, carpool, and if you have the resources, get a fuel efficient car. Now, I’m not suggesting that everyone go out and get a Prius (there are a lot of excellent reasons not to buy a new car when you consider your carbon costs), but there are a lot of nice used cars that get really good gas mileage relative to your Hummer H2.
With this in mind, I’ve made some transportation decisions in my life. For the past couple of years, I’ve been riding my motorcycle to campus every day. My bike is old and only gets about 35 per gallon, but the commute time via motorcycle is very favorable to any other way. Instead of riding my bike, I’m now riding the bus to campus. It takes a little longer, but I think the time’s worth it for the cause.
I’d like to hear what you’re doing to save fuel. Tell us in the comments.
). Further, the last video game Obama played was… wait for it… PONG! No way!