Mark Gajewski wrote:

> Chris - I agree!  Automobile fuel is cheaper in the United States than
> it has ever been during our history of driving automobiles.  Our
> European friends have to pay more because their governments enjoy their
> ability of taxing the crap out of fuel.
>
> Makes me want to go out and find a mint '72 Cadillac 500ci Elderado
> red/red/red Convertible to tool around in!
>

This is such an irresponsible view that it's scary...unfortunately shared
by most of the US (including myself at times, I must admit).  Regardless of
the current oil glut, oil is a limited resource for one, but for two this
country has such a major pollution problem it's freightening.  Think Ford
Explorer/Expedition, GM Suburban and all these other vehicles burning way
more fuel than makes sense or is necessary.  Want to go fast, buy a
motorcycle.  Why buy a jacked up truck with 4WD when you don't drive off
road?  I love cars as much, if not more, than anybody...I just think blind
mass consumption is so rampant in our society that hardly anyone stops to
question whether or not they are doing the right thing.  Yes, America is a
land of individual freedom but like it or not this is not the 1800's in
Nevada Territory.  People and pollution are all over this country.  It is
simply sickening to have pollution health alerts in the Yosemite Valley, or
not be able to see across the Grand Canyon, or be in a perpetual smog haze
on the Blue Ridge.  If these consumptive sentiments come out on the Vanagon
list (which I've always thought of as a pretty progressive group) can you
imagine the general level of concern in the US as a whole...I'd guess about
nil and as one who bought a vanagon to travel to remote places and see the
beauty of this land it just depresses the hell out of me.

Sorry for the rant, and yeah I should ride a bike if I'm that worried...but
it's still worth thinking about.Mark