April 22, 2005
TEXTBOOK:
Poll indicates gas prices force changes in lifestyles (Will Lester, 4/22/05, The Associated Press)
Half of the people in a nationwide poll say record-high gas prices are starting to cause them problems. Who's to blame? They point a finger at oil companies, foreign nations that control the oil supply, and politicians.More than half say they're cutting back on driving, and many plan to stay closer to home on their summer vacations.
The only way the situation could be better is if the higher costs were funding the government instead of other taxes. Posted by Orrin Judd at April 22, 2005 8:44 AM
Does this guy even know what "funding the government" means?
"Instead of other taxes"? I guess if you work for AP, you must believe that taxes get 'funded'.
Posted by: jim hamlen at April 22, 2005 10:01 AMBoo hoo! These are most likely the same people who have been leading the craze to see who can buy the largest, most oulandish, and wasteful vehicles built.
Posted by: capt mike at April 22, 2005 10:10 AMWho believes these polls reflect reality in any way? They are as accurate as the exit polls on Nov 2, or the USAToday polls in Sep '03 that showed that Bush was losing to Wesley Clark and running neck-and-neck with Sharpton and Kucinic. (Or, for that matter, the haedline in WashPost on Oct 7 '03 regarding California elections:"Polls indicate recall race too close too call")
For most people, weekly gas cost is still less than what they pay for Starbucks coffee. At the end of summer, Will Lester will still be wondering why people are not driving less.
Posted by: sam at April 22, 2005 11:10 AMSam's got a good point - a co-worker of mine complains about paying $2.25 a gallon for gas but then goes out every afternoon and spends $4 for a starbucks coffee.
It needs to be put into perspective.
Posted by: AWW at April 22, 2005 12:05 PMYes, gas should be at least $4
Posted by: oj at April 22, 2005 12:09 PMCoffee should not be more than 30 cents.
Posted by: sam at April 22, 2005 12:16 PMI drink about 10 cups every morning. I'm not sure what it costs, because I have my butler, Mr. Coffee make it.
Posted by: AllenS at April 22, 2005 6:38 PMAnd nobody really needs coffee.
Posted by: Vince at April 23, 2005 2:13 PMNor gasoline.
Posted by: oj at April 23, 2005 2:47 PMRubbish.
Gasoline, diesel and jet fuel aren't necessary for life, but almost all cultures would have to change if we got rid of 'em, particularly Western societies, and especially America.
Not so with coffee.
It's akin to saying that eating protein and carbohydrates isn't necessary.
Well, the Inuit show that that's technically true, but how many people actually live that way ?
Yes, the change is the point.
Posted by: oj at April 23, 2005 4:10 PM