bluegoatwoods
Well-Known Member
I'm in the same boat as most anyone else; I'm not made of money. No multi-millionaire grandpas in my family tree and, though I'm hard working, I've never learned how to build a fortune from my own work. I've had good times and I've had deep, deep "recessions" when I hardly remembered what a penny looks like, let alone rub two of them together.
I have a Chevy pickup that's just a few years old with 90,000 miles on it. And since I can't afford to drive it much anymore, I expect it'll last me quite a while.
My wife's car is respectable, if not a big head turner. I don't care how long it lasts; I doubt if we'll ever need two vehicles again.
And I am aware that high fuel prices could devastate our economy. I don't want that. But does it have to be? Is it possible that we'll sacrifice our cars and let the trucks and buses have whatever fuel is available? I just saw a news story about municipalities worrying about their budgets and considering, for instance, police patrols by golf cart.
How about a world where people are getting around by foot, golf cart, scooter, bicycle and, of course, motor assisted bicycles.
The trucks could get around much more efficiently when the cars are out of the way. Our roads would not need as much maintenance and they would be cleaner out of sheer demand. We wouldn't have to ride through a shoulder full of debris anymore. People would get out and talk to not just their neighbors but their whole neighborhood. We'd get fresh air and exercise.
I don't suppose I need to go on; you see where I'm headed. But I watch crude oil going above $143.00 (and surely higher in the future) and I cheer it on. Secretly, really, because I don't think this view is popular.
I don't know if I'm right about that. But I can't help feeling more optimistic than I have in a long time. We might have a gorgeous transportation system crammed right down our throats.
Opinions?
I have a Chevy pickup that's just a few years old with 90,000 miles on it. And since I can't afford to drive it much anymore, I expect it'll last me quite a while.
My wife's car is respectable, if not a big head turner. I don't care how long it lasts; I doubt if we'll ever need two vehicles again.
And I am aware that high fuel prices could devastate our economy. I don't want that. But does it have to be? Is it possible that we'll sacrifice our cars and let the trucks and buses have whatever fuel is available? I just saw a news story about municipalities worrying about their budgets and considering, for instance, police patrols by golf cart.
How about a world where people are getting around by foot, golf cart, scooter, bicycle and, of course, motor assisted bicycles.
The trucks could get around much more efficiently when the cars are out of the way. Our roads would not need as much maintenance and they would be cleaner out of sheer demand. We wouldn't have to ride through a shoulder full of debris anymore. People would get out and talk to not just their neighbors but their whole neighborhood. We'd get fresh air and exercise.
I don't suppose I need to go on; you see where I'm headed. But I watch crude oil going above $143.00 (and surely higher in the future) and I cheer it on. Secretly, really, because I don't think this view is popular.
I don't know if I'm right about that. But I can't help feeling more optimistic than I have in a long time. We might have a gorgeous transportation system crammed right down our throats.
Opinions?