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RE: Where I really disagree.

Hmmm, well first let me say that I am glad I could provide some assistance with your choice of Linux! Now to answer your other questions...

I suppose my vindictiveness comes from the fact that in my travels in the the world and this nation, I have run into more Americans that want it the easy way. Would rather drive 4 blocks than walk it to drop off or pick up a movie. Or that every day I see people driving huge SUV's... and they are the only people in the vehicle!

San Francisco has it right, parking is expensive, gas is expensive owning a car is expensive. They have an extensive transit system in place that works. But still people insist on driving 5 or 6 blocks to run an errand and spend at least half of their time trying to find a parking space.

Some people I understand have physical disabilities that limit's their options. But generally those people have a nice red or [color blue]blue[/color] placard or disabled plates. Anyhow I am talking about the average American in cities. I live in Monterey CA, a beautiful part of the state (over priced though!). So this will give you a point of geologic reference. Now as I stated in another post I used to work for a large corporation until last week. And while I was there, the attitude I gained from the majority of my co-workers was one of sedentary life styles and no motivation to better themselves or the environment.

When I would exercise during lunch, they were sitting eating and drinking unhealthy things. But I still was able to out produce them in both quality and quantity of work. When a company function came up that was 8 blocks away, all but 3 of us drove their cars, they didn't car pool for the most part either. 3 of us walked and still were able to arrive and be seated before the majority that drove.

I guess I see this and maybe I am making a blanket statement, but I hear it and see it elsewhere as well, San Diego, Los Angles, Seattle, Portland, Memphis... it's all over. Then take in the fact that the US has a huge obesity problem. I could go into the source of that, but suffice to say that lacking any desire to walk a few blocks has a lot to do with it.

As for the alternative energy sources, that is an easy one. Take a look at how far we have come with technology. Look real hard. We have the shuttle program (okay a bit out fo date... but you see the point) we have aircraft that can do phenomenal speeds, we have precision weapons that can hit a ***-mouse's balls on a moonless night. Engines have managed to squeeze more power out of smaller capacities... but the fuel economy for the most part has been static for at least 15 years. It makes you wonder.

If we can build these little power plants to run so efficient, why is it such a stretch to make them capable of producing the same power with lower fuel needs? It's possible to tune these systems so you can get 40-50 even 60MPG out of a truck! But we don't have it, it's not out there for us to access. Why? Easy, with vehicles getting that kind of mileage, the need for fossile fuels would would diminish and the oil companies would start making less money. Can't have that now can we? Next the political power a country wields with oil is very powerful to a nation that needs large quantities to sustain itself. Bottom line is the oil corps would stand to lose out on a lot of money, money that they really don't need. When is enough, enough?

As for China, they are a growing nation. By growing I mean they are becoming more industrialized, there is a greater need for petroleum products. Right now the US controls a lot of oil in the middle east with us occupying Iraq. What you think the Arabs own those oil wells? Think again, there are American contractors over there right now building sub-stations, transfer stations and pipe lines to feed the hungry American SUV's. And our troops which are supposed to protect the homeland from invasion... are the security guards on duty. The American people are starting to wake up to what the rest of the world already knew. The war in Iraq is wrong... but I digress back to China. The Chinese will be needing more oil to sustain their growth and a recent stoppage of a purchase of an American oil company put a damper on their plans to acquire more oil. As they find it more difficult to obtain oil via normal purchasing and political venues they will eventually be forced to concede and find other methods (not likely... but I hope I am wrong.) or they will take the fight to someplace they can get what they want and need.

Okay I am done for now...

Posted by: Linux User 147560   Posted on: 08/19/05 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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