Gas Prices

US gasoline prices have hit an all time record high this week. Ave of $2.13 a gallon, and expected to rise higher. Luckily we have Republicans who think a hundred thousand lives is worth saving a few pennies at the pump (the true reason behind the conquoring of Iraq.)

The part of the entire situation, that gets me, is some peoples mentality. I can guarentee that many people, will go out and buy an SUV this summer. This SUV will have a 6 or 8 cylander engine, and get between 11 and 17 miles per gallon. They don't drive offroad. They don't haul anything. They need a vehicle to get from point A to point B.

These same people, will complain about gas prices being high, and it costs them $50 to fill up their tank. It wasn't anyones decision but your own to buy a gas guzzler. That is when they tell you a long list of reasons why they needed it.

• "I need the space for my family" - most SUVs are less comfortable to sit in, and have less space for people than Sedans and minivans. Bad reason, you have less room in the SUV than in a better gas mileage vehicle.
• "It can go offroad" - when are you planning on taking on the rubicon trail? If you just need something for wet surfaces or snow, check out a passanger car or wagon with all wheel drive. Its actually better for the conditions that you will probably drive in.
• "I need the cargo space." - Minivans have as much, if not more space for things in back. Wagon's aren't as spacious, but have a lot of cargo room too.
• "I feel safer in one." - You also stop slower, and are more likely to roll over than a passanger car, wagon, or minivan. So, you have a greater chance of hitting someone. Its a trade off-avoid accident or crush other car.
  
• "They look cool." - If you say so. Tastes are individual, so I won't argue that. Although I think you have bad taste.

So, that is my attack on the SUV craze. Hopefully gas prices cause more people to buy normal cars, to reduce our dependance on foreign oil, save the environment, and save themselves some money. I doubt it will happen, and soon the Canyonero will dominate us all, complete with a tax break from Uncle Sam.