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Gas Prices: I get it already
Posted July 9, 2008
If there's one thing that annoys me, it's repetitive headlines. So here's a newsflash for you all: Gas prices stink. (Echo: Gas prices stink...gas prices stink...gas prices stink...gas prices stink.......)
Every morning, my husband and I watch Morning Express with Robin Meade on Headline News. For one thing, Robin is like a short glass of strawberry lemonade (with the faint aftertaste of hairspray) in a desert of bad news and gloomy headlines. For another thing, the entire staff of the newscast seems to share common sense - which I'm learning is not actually common at all.
Finally, I just like being able to watch newscasters who don't practically jot across their foreheads "LOOKIE! CONSERVATIVE SLANT RIGHT HERE!" or "HEY, GET YOUR LIBERAL BIAS OVER HERE!"
What can I say? There's just something about reporting the news straight up and spin-free (and NO, I am not talking about Bill O'Reilly) that appeals to my unusual tastes. Call me weird, but I actually prefer to formulate my own opinions about things w/out some arrogant CNN talking head explaining to me what I should be thinking. It's a reporters job to determine what viewers/readers should think about as much as it's the Supreme Court's job to pass legislation...DOH! (Looks like somebody dropped the ball on that one)
But anyways, there is one thing - one shred of "news" - that has lost all its novelty and has become a bane on my existence. Yeah, you heard me. Gas.
Gas prices are sky high! It's a bazilliontrillioneleventeenthousandseven dollars per barrel! I can't even afford to drive my DUNE BUGGY to Spartanburg at this rate! The sky is falling! It's all Bush's fault! Blame Canada! Blame Venezuela! Blame Alaska! Gas prices! Argh!
Let's get one thing straight, America: This is OUR fault.
OUR FAULT. Not Bush, Rove, not Clinton or Obama, not Ruth Bader Ginsberg, not "Big Oil," and not Hurricane Katrina.
In fact, about the only one of us who isn't in some way responsible for the pickle we are in right now is Santa Clause - because, you know, BMW may have a hydrogen-run vehicle, but they still haven't harnessed the power of Reindeer. Now that, my friends, is innovation at work.
I'm at fault - I drive a Ford Explorer, in case you were wondering, and guess what? I LIKE IT!
You're at fault. We. Are. All. To. Blame. Which is why I can't stand hearing people whine like a pack of preschoolers fighting over a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe (which is basically the same size as a Prius, if you ask me) when they get to the pump and - SURPRISE - it hurts a little. We all knew that oil was a limited resource. Everything is a limited resource, if you really want to think about it in strict, basic, black-and-white terms. Everything has an end.
When it comes down it, I had to make a decision earlier this year: would I stomp my feet and blow snot bubbles as I threw a tantrum about the rising gas prices? Or would I set a budget, minimize my driving, and get on with life? Umm...guess which one I picked?
Put it this way: When I first bought my Explorer two years ago, it cost $45-50 to fill up once per week. TO THIS DAY, I still only spend $50 a week - I just stretch it further and drive a little less. We take hubby's sedan on long trips to save a little extra dough, and we get on with life.
I would suggest you all do the same. Then we can start hearing less headlines about how the gas prices - shocker of all shockers - are still going up...and start hearing more about the upcoming elections.
Oh, good God.
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Posted by RickSpruill (Rick Spruill) on July 9, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks. I wrote about this a couple of weeks ago. Glad there's a kindred spirit out there.
Posted by MikeMcMillan (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 11:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A small suggestion, but I'd bet you can get just as much utility out of a Honda Fit as you would an Explorer — at least for Fido-carrying duties.
My PT Cruiser took $40 to fill up the other day — and that was with the low-fuel light on. I'd like a car that accommodated my 6'4" frame a bit better, but I've found the PT adequate.
The problem is finding someone to take that Explorer off your hands without taking a huge financial hit. Looks like it'll be spending more time in the driveway.
Posted by Becky.Wilhoit (Becky Wilhoit) on July 10, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mike - I think I had to use something like a PT Cruiser (maybe the Chevy thing that looks just like it??) a few years back for a rental while my old car was in the shop. It wasn't too bad, as I recall. I've always tried to buy American w/ autos, but now I'm not sure. My next may be a Toyota...they have something similar to a Honda Fit, I think. Thanks for the suggestion!
Posted by MikeMcMillan (anonymous) on July 10, 2008 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I believe you're referring to the Toyota Yaris. It wouldn't be a bad car, but I think the Fit is a lot better car. It's certainly a lot more versatile, and that seems like something that would suit you better. Either that or a Scion xB — if you can get past the styling (personally, I liked the older xB better).