Americans should boycott gasoline

[SteveBsjb]

I guess it would never happen. It just seems that there are so many of us (customers) that we should have more say. Like a customer union that can go on strike. No buying gas for a week.

[Shawnee123]

Those of us in commuter societies (no busses, not much for taxi, no train) are screwed. I have to get to work, and to do so I have to buy gas. Then I bend over and smile because I want to pretend I like being fucked by the record-billions-in-profits bush, I mean oil, companies.

[Sheldonrs]

Originally Posted by Shawnee123

...Then I bend over and smile because I want to pretend I like being fucked by the record-billions-in-profits bush, I mean oil, companies.

Too bad I don't drive. I wouldn't have to "pretend".

[HungLikeJesus]

Sheldon, you don't drive? I thought you were an American.

[glatt]

I can't complain about my commute since it's all by Metro Rail, but when I walk past the office buildings a mile from my house to get to the station to go downtown to my office building, I wonder what the hell I'm doing. Why don't I work in the office building near my house? How awesome would it be to walk to work?

I often wonder if we all aren't just a little too specialized. If we just did a musical chairs thing, I bet we could all find good jobs close to our houses.

I come from the perspective of valuing my time with my family more than money, so I don't really understand people who choose to have long commutes so they can make a little extra money. Maybe I just haven't been offered enough cash.

[kerosene]

Because of my husband's commute, we are able to survive on his income alone. If he worked locally (in his field), this would not be possible.

[glatt]

Originally Posted by case

Because of my husband's commute, we are able to survive on his income alone. If he worked locally (in his field), this would not be possible.

Well that certainly makes sense. How's his commute?

[kerosene]

Originally Posted by glatt

Well that certainly makes sense. How's his commute?

Unfortunately, his commute sucks. Some days it is more than an hour one way. It all depends on Denver traffic.

[Sheldonrs]

Originally Posted by HungLikeJesus

Sheldon, you don't drive? I thought you were an American.

An American who grew up with a Mom and 2 older sisters who thought you weren't really driving unless you hit something once a week.
I drove for about 6 months when i first moved from NJ to CA. Kept my hands at 10 and 2 ALL THE TIME and was drenched with sweat every time. When the car died in the middle of the 5 freeway one night, I just sold it for scrap after it was towed home and went back to walking and buses and have been happy ever since. :-)

[slang]

Originally Posted by Sheldonrs

.... and went back to walking and buses and have been happy ever since. :-)

Step it up a notch Sheldonrs and try riding a bike!

[Shawnee123]

I could work at the factory across the street. I was a QA tech/supervisor for years. But now I do what I do. I don't want to go back.

And I can't complain about the commute, really, either. I'm not that far from work, but it is not within walking distance (though Steven Wright said everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.)

I would love to get a better car. I have actually considered a scooter/moped for these spring and summer months.

[HungLikeJesus]

SteveB, you don't say why you think Americans should boycott gasoline, except "we should have more say." About what?

[binky]

Small town here. My husband works 2.5 miles from our house (no stoplights, although about 7 or 8 four way stops), and so if we don't go out of town, he could go 2 weeks without gassing up.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Soccer moms, shuffling kids hither, thither and yon. Picking up the dry cleaning, grab something at the market and go to the Post Office... oh, and stop at the liquor store.
Too many peoples lives are hectic, ill planned, and car centric.

[slang]

I'm currently 6.5 miles away from the office and looking for another bike to commute with.

My goal for this summer is to not buy any gas until Sept 1. It now costs about 60 bucks to fill my car.

Wish me luck.