reply to post by jfj123
This isn't necessarily a reply to you jfj123, I just decided to post at the point of your post and so...as far as my changes. Well in terms of
driving, it hasn't effected me much. I walk to work on the days I go down, and work from home on other days, When I do drive it's planned out to
save trips and I try and do things like Costco where I can load up and get more on one trip. Where I am feeling the effect is on rising groceries and
commodities. The only cut backs I have really made is I don't go down for cocktails at night near as much because even drink prices have
skyrocketed. I already use 100% compact fluorescent lights which is more than anyone I know...why this concept of buying bulbs that last 10 times as
long and use a fraction of the energy that end up paying for themselves many times over, is so hard for people to grasp and take hold of is beyond me,
but anyway...here comes the really long winded part: (lol)
Back during my under-grad. years in macro & micro economics courses we talked a lot about the concept of borrowing from future generations to
subsidize the current (this was back in the 90's) low prices on fuel and petroleum based products. The entire economy is based on petroleum with
everything from packaging to appliances, to fertilizers and pesticides and we have been paying literally pennies on the dollar for this finite
resource to live the way that we do and sustain this huge population and suburban mentality. The baby boomers and X'rs have been burning up cheep
fuel like no tomorrow, and all the while in denial about the fact that they are robbing their grand kids and great grand children. Back in the 70's
under Carter, we had leadership in conservation and a move towards alternate energy sources was pushed but Americans rejected that and elected Reagan
who immediately pulled the solar panels that Jimmy installed off of the white house roof in a symbolic gesture that we will not change course and
conserve / use alternatives, but will remain slaves to the monopolistic oil cartel, rape the planet, and cheat our children’s children to basically
let the good times roll and the hell with anyone who dare get in our way.
Well guess what? The chickens are coming home to roost. I hate to say it, but this has been a long time coming, and I welcome the change in terms of
adjusting to doing with less, not polluting as much, and moving toward alternative sources of energy. The USA passed peak oil back in the 70's. The
middle east is near or just pass the peak, and globally many experts agree that the world passed the peak in 2006. Things are going to get worse
folks!
Those of us who were pro conservation back in the day and pro alternatives and clean environment were spit on, called nasty names, given the finger,
and all but completely shunned. Well here we are with Bush's multi trillion dollar deficits (do to the illegal war and occupation, as well as tax
cuts for the rich in line with so called trickle down theory), a falling dollar, the absolute worst foreign policy put forth by the most incompetant
administration in US history, and largest strategic blunders ever made in the United States that brought us a failing economy, and with steep climbs
in the price of oil that will continue to go up as production continues to decrease, has given us a bad tasting recipe for disaster.
I hate to say it, but many on the left told you so. Now conservation, and alternatives are mainstream middle issues. First get past the denial.
Second do something about it (many of us already are), third demand new policy from our representatives (god they are all so out to lunch...this
should have been the central issue years and years ago!!!).
Get some seeds, grow a garden, get solar and wind mills if you can, move as close to work as possible, get to know your neighbors so you can help one
another out, support your local farmer's market, get rid of your gasoline lawn mower and get a clean, quiet manual clipper, also put in other things
besides useless lawn to save water and mowing - plus you free up room to grow corn, carrots, and flowers etc... We will survive this, but don't
expect your great great grandchildren to talk about this and previous generations with much respect because we have been robbing them blind and they
will not live as we have and that's the bottom line here. Say good bye to dirt cheep air fares from point A to B. RV's are a thing of the past.
Pretty soon you won't see gas guzzling jet skiis and skii doos out on the lake...hell, you'll be lucky to see a boat. Speaking of boats, fisherman
are parking theirs so look at increasing prices on sea food but then fish populations were dwindling anyway so this is a blessing in descise of sorts
for the poor fish. Everything is changing folks, and it was totally predicted and it's predicted to continue to change as well, so you can ignore it
now or be forced to make more shocking changes later. Also don't forget to sit down and pen that appology letter to your great great greats who will
be doing without!
[edit on 12-7-2008 by skyshow]
[edit on 12-7-2008 by skyshow]
unbelieveable. 
