$2.00 Gas: The Calm Before the Storm?
There is a very good chance that by Thanksgiving, gas prices could land near $2.50. If things go real well, we might even see $2.00 gas. (more)
Is this a good thing? Ironically, I say it's a better thing for oil companies, than for consumers - at least in the long run.
Over the last several decades, whenever gas prices recede, gas consumption increases. Will this time be any different? As gas prices drop, so to will interest in hybrid cars, in ethanol, in clean diesel, etc. - so to will America's interest in ending foreign oil dependency.
Let's face it, most Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck. Can we really blame them for taking the cheaper path?
Of course, is it really cheaper? Even cheap gasoline prices in America still lead to huge profits in the hands of governments that not only HATE America, but that fund terrorism against America. Then there is the cost of enforcement. How much does our military presence in the Gulf cost - even when we aren't fighting wars in Iraq? Wouldn't a foreign-oil dependency-ending technological revolution be cheaper than this enforcement?
Of course, there is nothing like the status quo!
Thus, will Detroit finally step up to the plate and, regardless of gasoline prices, strive for the end of foreign oil dependency?
Unfortunately, I doubt it. Like many Americans, Detroit is going to do whatever is most profitable - at least in the short term.
Still, $2.00 gas won't last. There will be hurricanes in the Gulf again - maybe not this year, maybe not next year, but soon. China and India will keep exponentially increasing their oil demand, and Middle East tensions will get much worse before they truly improve.
The world now believes that oil is one of America's biggest Achille's Heals. While alternative fuels such as ethanol can help, only advanced automotive technologies can save America in the long run.
Will America have the wisdom and the vision to prepare for the future, or will we fall into our fat, lazy, apathetic and complacent ways? The next surge in gasoline prices might not just destroy the American auto industry, but the American economy as well.
As consumers, as citizens, we must make sure that we keep pressure on automakers and on government officials. Inevitably, few issues in our lives will have greater impact on our lives than foreign oil dependency. We can either let this addiction turn into a bigger crisis, or we can turn it into a revolutionary opportunity.
Which side are you on?
Is this a good thing? Ironically, I say it's a better thing for oil companies, than for consumers - at least in the long run.
Over the last several decades, whenever gas prices recede, gas consumption increases. Will this time be any different? As gas prices drop, so to will interest in hybrid cars, in ethanol, in clean diesel, etc. - so to will America's interest in ending foreign oil dependency.
Let's face it, most Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck. Can we really blame them for taking the cheaper path?
Of course, is it really cheaper? Even cheap gasoline prices in America still lead to huge profits in the hands of governments that not only HATE America, but that fund terrorism against America. Then there is the cost of enforcement. How much does our military presence in the Gulf cost - even when we aren't fighting wars in Iraq? Wouldn't a foreign-oil dependency-ending technological revolution be cheaper than this enforcement?
Of course, there is nothing like the status quo!
Thus, will Detroit finally step up to the plate and, regardless of gasoline prices, strive for the end of foreign oil dependency?
Unfortunately, I doubt it. Like many Americans, Detroit is going to do whatever is most profitable - at least in the short term.
Still, $2.00 gas won't last. There will be hurricanes in the Gulf again - maybe not this year, maybe not next year, but soon. China and India will keep exponentially increasing their oil demand, and Middle East tensions will get much worse before they truly improve.
The world now believes that oil is one of America's biggest Achille's Heals. While alternative fuels such as ethanol can help, only advanced automotive technologies can save America in the long run.
Will America have the wisdom and the vision to prepare for the future, or will we fall into our fat, lazy, apathetic and complacent ways? The next surge in gasoline prices might not just destroy the American auto industry, but the American economy as well.
As consumers, as citizens, we must make sure that we keep pressure on automakers and on government officials. Inevitably, few issues in our lives will have greater impact on our lives than foreign oil dependency. We can either let this addiction turn into a bigger crisis, or we can turn it into a revolutionary opportunity.
Which side are you on?
Labels: clean diesel, Ethanol, Foreign Oil Dependency, Hybrid Vehicles, india
posted by Dahcredyns at
8:54 AM
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