I run more miles per week than I drive and I do not own lawn to cut. In all seriousness, any Presidential candidate to make the statement, "U.S. will be independent of foreign oil in 10 yrs." or similar commands my respect.

So the public would be behind $5 a gallon gasoline? Interesting.

I would be.

 

I would be.

 

Realistically, what percentage of the population would say that?

Realistically, what percentage of the population would say that?

Very few. Because most people aren't thinking long term, or alternately, can only afford to think short term.

 

Thing is, I think you'll see $4 next year anyway, so $5 is not so out there.

 

Very few. Because most people aren't thinking long term, or alternately, can only afford to think short term.

 

Thing is, I think you'll see $4 next year anyway, so $5 is not so out there.

 

It has to be a real price shock to get people to change their behavior. A straightline increase over a period of years doesn't have the same effect. The 1973 oil embargo was a real good example.

It has to be a real price shock to get people to change their behavior. A straightline increase over a period of years doesn't have the same effect. The 1973 oil embargo was a real good example.

Well, a price shock is needed for a major short-term shift in behavior. But a long term increase, at the rate its been increasing the last 5 years, is plenty steep enough to slowly change behavior. It already is. The doubling of hybrid sales each year (or nearly so) is an indication of that. People are already changing their behavior. And I think when the average prices are in the high 3's early next year, approaching $4 in summer, that will increase that curve further.

 

I run more miles per week than I drive and I do not own lawn to cut. In all seriousness, any Presidential candidate to make the statement, "U.S. will be independent of foreign oil in 10 yrs." or similar commands my respect.

Here's the shocker of the year for you...all that running? At least according to one study, it might well wind up increasing your demand for oil, because it takes an awful lot of oil to produce and ship the food that is consumed in this country.

Edited November 27, 200718 yr by Balta1701

I run more miles per week than I drive and I do not own lawn to cut. In all seriousness, any Presidential candidate to make the statement, "U.S. will be independent of foreign oil in 10 yrs." or similar commands my respect.

 

They'll get my respect if they have a solid, workable plan to acheive it. It's easy to make a statement.