So what do you think we should do about it?
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This is so sad
- Thread starter Reverend Rick
- Start date
So what do you think we should do about it?
That is indeed sad. It reminds me of why economics is called, "the dismal science".
I don't know the answer, but the problem is real. This young woman had a small car that looked to be good on gasoline. She was polite, looked scared, and a product of a poor education. Basically I saw a good person with a very bleak chance for self improvement. 30 years ago, a person like her would have most likely have a factory job or a husband that had a good job. She did not appear to have children, but was old enough to be out of high school.
Most of the time, I like to think, "well you need to do this and not that". This time however, I saw a person who did not appear to be a drunk or a druggie or an unwed mother on her own, but just a person who could no longer afford to drive a car because gas prices had rose to a level she could no longer afford.
This is sad because she looked like she was making it in this world and recently just found out the status quo will no longer work, because of gas prices.
How many people who have low paying jobs will have this revelation that they can no longer afford to drive back and forth to work?
How many owner operator truck drivers will figure out they lost money doing what they always have done?
My point is, this will affect everyone and we all will have this, "Oh Crap" moment very soon.
atropine
Somewhere Out There
Won't really have an "oh crap" moment if I can walk everywhere I need to go 90% of the time, or ride a bike, or carpool, or use free public transport... and then scrimp and only buy the gas I need to get to places I MUST get to by car.
It sucks, but people need to learn to conserve, and get fit enough to be able to walk or bike to places within a couple miles of their home. Some people can't do that, for some very valid reasons, but a lot of people can and just don't.
It sucks, but people need to learn to conserve, and get fit enough to be able to walk or bike to places within a couple miles of their home. Some people can't do that, for some very valid reasons, but a lot of people can and just don't.
Thief
Rogue Theologian
A few weeks ago I stopped on my way to work when I spotted someone walking away from his car.
Obviously he needed a ride.
I said he was headed to the machine shop (where I work)
to ask for a can and a gallon.
So I let him hop in, and took him to the shop, to let him do his asking.
No luck.
So I took the first fifteen minutes of my day, and told the boss I would give him a lift home.
I think we are going to see more of this.
Obviously he needed a ride.
I said he was headed to the machine shop (where I work)
to ask for a can and a gallon.
So I let him hop in, and took him to the shop, to let him do his asking.
No luck.
So I took the first fifteen minutes of my day, and told the boss I would give him a lift home.
I think we are going to see more of this.
Thief
Rogue Theologian
The job market in this area has dwindled.
On several previous employments, commuting was the only way to go.
Currently I have a lesser paying job and a shorter drive.
It's a trade off.
The better jobs are not close.
But the drive back and forth eats the overtime.
No win situation.
I could move, and if that 'other' job reopens...I will.
But then it becomes an economic divorce as my family can't follow.
Employments become anchors.
I've always thought that subsidizing home ownership was a bad idea because it limits mobility, becoming an anchor too.
Transfer costs (eg, commissions, taxes) hover around 10% of sale price, & being underwater can make sale even impossible.
Renting looks to be the best option in a faltering economy.
An observation: I know many people who purposely buy homes far from where they work. They like a long drive, finding it relaxing.
Tis an expensive & smoggy way to relax, eh?
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Kathryn
It was on fire when I laid down on it.
One reason why we sold our boat. It was simply not enough return on investment. I mean, we love getting out on the water, but damn! By the time you fill up the boat and then fill up your truck to HAUL the boat somewhere, it kinda takes the joy out of the whole experience.
CynthiaCypher
Well-Known Member
We live in a capitalistic society, people like here are going to fall through the cracks. Things are rapidly changing and people have to prepare and change with the times or they will be left behind.
Kathryn
It was on fire when I laid down on it.
We kept our boat, but bought more fuel efficient propellers.
Yeah we gots one o dem boats - dem Flintstone boats.
Thats the best two day of boat ownership. The day you buy it and the day you sell it.
Kathryn
It was on fire when I laid down on it.
You got that right.
But back to this high gas price issue. I'd like for someone to explain to me WHY gas prices are so high right now. And also, why they always spike up around holidays and during the summer. I mean, I know the stock answer - commodities traders and supply and demand, but especially the supply and demand part just seems off to me. Is there an actual gas shortage or one looming in the near future? Doesn't seem to be.
Not to be gross, but it kinda reminds me of the price of tampons. It occurred to me once that they could really charge just about whatever they wanted to for tampons - because people need them and will pay for them no matter what.
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The stock answer for this time of year is that this is when US refineries switch from winter gas blends to summer blends, so the downtime while the switchover occurs creates a temporary reduction in supply. Not sure how much I believe it, but that's what they say.
And I disagree somewhat about people paying no matter what. I think it's largely true in the case of short-term spikes, but I think that if we see sustained increases, we'll see changes in people's lifestyle and behaviour.
If gas doubles in price for a month or two, a person would probably tough it out and keep driving to work. OTOH, if we knew that gas prices had doubled permanently, the person might start looking for a home closer to work or a job that's convenient to transit.
Call me the dreaded "social engineer", but that's why I favor a high fuel tax.
It will increase desperately needed revenue & modify behavior in a useful way.
(Note: I don't want to tax krill, squid or anchovies, ie, penguin fuel.)
Kathryn
It was on fire when I laid down on it.
But that wouldn't mean the price would go down. That's my point.
And my point is that if prices stay high, people will adjust their lifestyles to live without cars... or at least with greatly reduced dependency on cars.
Kathryn
It was on fire when I laid down on it.
Well, of course. And I also believe that if the price goes too high, there will be a bigger push for alternative energy sources.
That being said, for the next few decades anyway, we're stuck with gas, and while we may adjust our lifestyles over time, in order to use less gas, we still need it, regardless of the price. So - they can charge what they want, and we'll buy it.