Date: Sat, 5 Apr 1997 09:10:38 -0600 (CST)
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Scott Chen <mac.chen@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: non-VW /EPA/Parts Place/Civic Responsibilty
Famous quote-If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the
problem. I got sick of driving to work every day, dealing with
traffic, idiots on the road (including myself sometimes). Bottom line,
I made the decision to use my bicycle and public transportation when
possible. End result-I've put 1500 miles on my vehicle in the past 9
months. I commute to work every day on the bicycle- 18 miles each way,
rain or shine, cold or hot. It CAN be done. I go toe to toe with city
traffic to and from Washington D.C. Everyone thinks I'm crazy...it's
too far to ride, what about the danger, you could get killed....well,
I'm still here, fitter and happier. I save money on fuel and wear and
tear on the old van. Granted some people cannot ride a bike to work,
but most can, they're just too lazy or unwilling to make some
sacrifices to do it. One less car on the road...
Let's complain about Parts Place using popsicle and pampers boxes
instead of complimenting them for recycling....You can complain about
their lack of service or prices, but no matter who you order from, if
the part works, I could care less if it was thrown through my window
wrapped in toilet paper!
Let's complain about MTBE dropping our gas mileage instead of
realizing that maybe it's a cleaner burning fuel and helps reduce
emissions (yet to be proven).
Let's complain about the EPA slamming Joe Citizen instead of
corporate America (which is also incorrect) and not be willing to pay
higher prices at the pump, and in the stores for pretty much everything
we buy, which is what would happen if the government was to revamp the
pollution enforcement regulations. Pollution is a by-product of the
society we live in. Environmental groups can(and have) purchased
pollution credits to keep those credits out of the hands of
corporations. Part of the solution...
Are you willing to pay more at the pump and at the store, or would you
rather go through emissions testing? Find a balance, perhaps? What
are YOU willing to sacrifice?
BTW, I work in pollution enforcement with the US Coast Guard, part
of big bad government.
My 2 cents
Scott
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