Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2006 09:13:13 -0400
Reply-To: Milo's Kitchen <sagmoore@ZOOMINTERNET.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Milo's Kitchen <sagmoore@ZOOMINTERNET.NET>
Subject: Re: Local gas prices (sorry long)
In-Reply-To: <4tf3li$6v73fe@smtp02a.lnh.mail.rcn.net>
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Even though it's no longer Friday, I have to chime in:
"live in a place where you don't have to drive. Yup, that means you have to
live NEAR OTHER PEOPLE! Horrors! Most Americans don't want to."
We tried that. Lived in the city of Pittsburgh for 4 years before we cut
our substantial losses and fled back to our small town. Our house was
broken into and robbed. BTW, they stayed the day eating our food and going
through everything in the house, watching TV and abusing our dog, until I
came home from work then they fled out another door. The justice system
kept the two teens about 3 hours and then, after we pressed charges, they
harassed us RELENTLESSLY for months until we caved (parole officers were a
joke). Lost tens of thousands of dollars on the sale of the house, which
took two years. Recently the city closed that neighborhood's police station
to save money. Yeah, I'm going to move back to the city, sure.
"don't drive a vehicle that gets less than 50 mpg. Get a Prius."
I can't afford $20 for a Prius. Our last brand new car was a 1981 Rabbit
GTI. Currently our newest vehicle is the 1991 Carat (suby pwrd). I haven't
seen a Prius up close, but can I get my 17 yr old son, his tuba or
sousaphone (wind ensemble/marching band/lessons), and my 6 yr old daughter
and her legally required car seat into one at the same time? Don't think so.
Last Christmas, in Betsy the 91 Carat, I transported 5 teens, 2 tubas, 3
trombones, folding chairs, music stands, and my 6 yr old with her car seat
to perform in free concert for the folks at the local retirement center.
That was much more efficient than taking 5 different small cars and was
socially beneficial.
"Reducing energy consumption is, IMO, an ethical choice. It is not always
the most economical option, especially if you have already got sunk costs in
housing out in a place where you have to drive everywhere"
When we purchased our current home in 1999, its location took priority over
square footage and condition (lacking in both). We did not want to have to
drive constantly. I can easily walk my daughter to school, to the library,
to the pool/park, and the post office, et. I can walk to the grocery store
but not purchase more than I can carry home (not practical for a family of
4). BUT, housing in an area with this level of convenience costs money. We
bought the cheapest house on the block and were lucky that one was even
available for sale when we needed to move. I'm the director of the local
food pantry, and believe me, a family of 4 with both parents making minimum
wage has few options for living in town. They get pushed father out where
it is cheaper, but less convenient, or into the city with its failed, crime
ridden public school system.
Not directly related, but another relevant point. Our health insurance
provider requires us to use a specific pharmacy. The closest one is 9 miles
away. The drive is still cheaper than the full price of the medication
purchased at the pharmacy within walking distance. No choice here. (you
can't wait for a mail order of Amoxicillin when your child has a sinus
infection)
"and apparently there aren't any school buses"
My son is a sound and light technician for the high schools' auditoriums.
When programming a light board for an event or play, the techs are sometimes
there until 8 p.m. or later. There are no busses to bring them home. Nor
are there busses when they come home after an away football game at 11 p.m.
To participate, you drive. I don't think canceling the Mancini award
winning all school musical, or disbanding the marching band to save gas is a
wise choice.
I'm not disrespecting anyone else's opinion, and I have a great deal of
admiration for Joy in particular. There are just no easy answers. We are a
big, diverse country.
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Stepping off my soapbox....and walking to school.
Sandy
Disclaimer....The opinions expressed are mine alone, Dave has no knowledge
of this email until after work.
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