A thank you to our administration (/sarcasm)...

[Eric B]

If I was within walking distance of the grocery store, I'd get one of those "granny carts" (what we call them). Like this:

http://www.google.com/products/cata...ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CFcQ8wIwAg#ps-sellers

We have something similar for the boat that we use to bring stuff to the beach and we've used it to carry stuff home from the grocery store - when there is a grocery store within walking distance. It's GREAT and can carry a lot of stuff with very little effort. I certainly couldn't get a week's worth of groceries for my family of 6 but with 2-3 trips a week, it would be totally do-able.

That's a nice cart (with those front wheels). I'm due for a new cart sometimes (use it mostly for laundry).

If I was in an almost rural setting like yours, just to get to the store, I would like something like this:
http://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/media/surreysirenettablue.jpg

First saw these at the Billy Graham Central Park rally, where you could rent them at $15/hr but decided to wait until I had a special someone to ride it with. By that time, they were gone, and seemed to be chased out of every place they set up (Long Beach, etc).

However, Hammacher Schlemmer has one for sale, and it's $3700!

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

To lay this problem at our feet, blaming our lack of love for freedom, and telling us we turn a blind eye to tyrants is a complete misrepresentation.

It is disgusting, to me. I cannot find words to describe my disappointment in you, Roger.

Not 'us.' The politicians we keep returning to office.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

I'd like to see you lay some blame at the feet of the folks who refuse to let us capitalize on our own resources. I've re-read this thread numerous times. It looks like you abd C.T.Boy are on the same page. Blame Aericans, first.

I know this sounds harsh, but it's still al little early, here.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

I'd like to see you lay some blame at the feet of the folks who refuse to let us capitalize on our own resources.

I do and have in this thread. It is too convenient to buy cheap foreign oil. I would love to see US corporations freed up to do business, but we are too dependent on the tax dollars from cheap oil. It goes MUCH deeper than just the current administration.

You don't see how much I agree with you on this one. Maybe it is the early hour.

Capitalism is far and above the superior economic system, but it does have flaws. The US companies know that they can get oil cheaper from Middle East that produce it themselves. In conjunction with administration after administration we have overlooked violence and tyranny to get cheap oil. That is not bias or opinion - that is fact.

I my first post I specified that the entire West, not just the US is guilty of the same pragmatism. That is why neither the US or the EU can do much about the mess in the Middle East at the moment.

 

[annsni]

That's a nice cart (with those front wheels). I'm due for a new cart sometimes (use it mostly for laundry).

If I was in an almost rural setting like yours, just to get to the store, I would like something like this:
http://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/media/surreysirenettablue.jpg

First saw these at the Billy Graham Central Park rally, where you could rent them at $15/hr but decided to wait until I had a special someone to ride it with. By that time, they were gone, and seemed to be chased out of every place they set up (Long Beach, etc).

However, Hammacher Schlemmer has one for sale, and it's $3700!

What makes you think I live in a rural setting? SOOOO far from the truth. We're on Long Island, the North Shore, in the heart of suburbia. There's even 3 traffic lights between my house and the grocery store (apparently some online thought that made us the city - LOL)! The closest farm to us is a sod farm next to our church building and that's really it. Oh - except for the historical farm in the village but that only has a few animals on it and no "farmland". It's on about an acre and a half.

So nope - no rural setting around her for at least an hour drive time.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

I do and have in this thread. It is too convenient to buy cheap foreign oil. I would love to see US corporations freed up to do business, but we are too dependent on the tax dollars from cheap oil. It goes MUCH deeper than just the current administration.

You don't see how much I agree with you on this one. Maybe it is the early hour.

I know it pre-dates Obama. I'll have a coffee & come back.

 

[annsni]

Why is gas so "inexpensive" here in the States compared to so much of the rest of the world? I hear it's like $7 a gallon in much of Europe so why is it not that price here?

 

[mandym]

Why is gas so "inexpensive" here in the States compared to so much of the rest of the world? I hear it's like $7 a gallon in much of Europe so why is it not that price here?

The taxes are higher

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Why is gas so "inexpensive" here in the States compared to so much of the rest of the world? I hear it's like $7 a gallon in much of Europe so why is it not that price here?

Mostly taxation. I pay over $7.00 a gallon at the moment, but a huge amount is taxes.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

I know it pre-dates Obama. I'll have a coffee & come back.

I added this above after you posted -

'Capitalism is far and above the superior economic system, but it does have flaws. The US companies know that they can get oil cheaper from Middle East than produce it themselves. In conjunction with administration after administration we have overlooked violence and tyranny to get cheap oil. That is not bias or opinion - that is fact.

I my first post I specified that the entire West, not just the US is guilty of the same pragmatism. That is why neither the US or the EU can do much about the mess in the Middle East at the moment.'

Ireland, as an example, is supposedly an example of liberalism, freedom, and caring - but she has no oil reserves so is forced into bed with these tyrants. This adds hypocrisy to pragmatism.

 

[Crabtownboy]

The taxes are higher

Taxes play a role, no doubt about that.

In Europe many countries are small. I do not know where the big refineries are ... but if gasoline has to cross boarders, and I expect this is true, then inter-country tariffs would also play a roll.

Additionally with public transportation so good in Europe there is little reason to encourage people to own cars and add additional clog already crowded highways.

 

[Crabtownboy]

I love how the ones telling us we love dictators are the ones flying back & forth to Prague all the time.

As I showed in another thread, by doing so I end up using much less energy than if I stay at home. I never drive a car here. I always use public transportation.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Taxes play a role, no doubt about that.

In Europe many countries are small. I do not know where the big refineries are ... but if gasoline has to cross boarders, and I expect this is true, then inter-country tariffs would also play a roll.

Additionally with public transportation so good in Europe there is little reason to encourage people to own cars and add additional clog already crowded highways.

Outside of Dublin public transport still is rotten here and we still get taxed to keep us from driving :-( argh

 

[mandym]

Taxes play a role, no doubt about that.

In Europe many countries are small. I do not know where the big refineries are ... but if gasoline has to cross boarders, and I expect this is true, then inter-country tariffs would also play a roll.

Additionally with public transportation so good in Europe there is little reason to encourage people to own cars and add additional clog already crowded highways.

Public transportation will only ever be limited in the US. We are to independent. I personally do not want to have to use it. No matter what you do to improve it it is just lousy to have to cram in with hundreds of other people. I want my truck. I want to get there when I want to get there. Waiting on PT adds hours to you day. I don't want that either. Such waiting takes away from time at home with the family.

 

[Crabtownboy]

Public transportation will only ever be limited in the US. We are to independent. I personally do not want to have to use it. No matter what you do to improve it it is just lousy to have to cram in with hundreds of other people. I want my truck. I want to get there when I want to get there. Waiting on PT adds hours to you day. I don't want that either. Such waiting takes away from time at home with the family.

I am not picking on you with this reply.

That said;

I
Me
My

is the American way.

Now this is understandable as we have been so blessed ... and it is not to say it would not be the same all over the world if circumstances were different.

I had a neighbor who worked at the same company as I. She adamantly refused to consider car pooling. She would always say, "I want my car. I want my freedom to go when I want, where I want, when I want."

The longest wait I have here is on weekends and can be up to 20 minutes. I have sat longer than that in traffic jams at home to go a mile.

 

[mandym]

I am not picking on you with this reply.

That said;

I
Me
My

is the American way.

Now this is understandable as we have been so blessed ... and it is not to say it would not be the same all over the world if circumstances were different.

I had a neighbor who worked at the same company as I. She adamantly refused to consider car pooling. She would always say, "I want my car. I want my freedom to go when I want, where I want, when I want."

The longest wait I have here is on weekends and can be up to 20 minutes. I have sat longer than that in traffic jams at home to go a mile.

I will remember that any time I see you supporting any American rights.

 

[Eric B]

What makes you think I live in a rural setting? SOOOO far from the truth. We're on Long Island, the North Shore, in the heart of suburbia. There's even 3 traffic lights between my house and the grocery store (apparently some online thought that made us the city - LOL)! The closest farm to us is a sod farm next to our church building and that's really it. Oh - except for the historical farm in the village but that only has a few animals on it and no "farmland". It's on about an acre and a half.

So nope - no rural setting around her for at least an hour drive time.

I actually wrote "suburban" first, but when I think suburban, I think of like in the towns in LI (where you can still walk to a store), but you had mentioned the hills and how far the nearest store was, and that you HAD to have cars to get anywhere, I figured you must be further out (and I gathered that before anyway, I believe, from that discussion about volunteer fire companies, and you always mention "villages" rather than towns).

So it sounded like in between suburban and rural, and for some reason I figured the latter would cover it.

Also, as far as carts, I was looking at this: http://www.containerstore.com/shop/kitchen/carts?productId=10007349&green=20763236833 because I've been seeing people with them, and it look so strong and sturdy.
But look how much it costs!

 

[Crabtownboy]

That is right, I-me-my. I cannot speak for everyone else. But nice attempt to twist my words.

No twisting of words ... and I aimed the post at all of us. I said I was not picking on you. As things stand now you have to have your truck.

Let's look at the post and I will highlight the words:

Public transportation will only ever be limited in the US. We are to independent. I personally do not want to have to use it. No matter what you do to improve it it is just lousy to have to cram in with hundreds of other people. I want my truck. I want to get there when I want to get there. Waiting on PT adds hours to you day. I don't want that either. Such waiting takes away from time at home with the family.

Now, as I said you might well get home quicker, even with a wait, by have unclogged streets and roads. If you are fortunate and live in an area where gridlock does not happen, that is great and your truck is faster.

Public transportation needs to be developed first in urban areas. We have a very inefficient transportation system. Every morning on I-66 going into DC there are thousands upon thousands of cars and trucks creeping along at 3 to 5 mph, burning gas. This could be greatly reduced with an efficient public transportation system.

I live in an urban area and would be thrilled if I could get around without an automobile. I would really like to be able to get around town without having to drive and get stuck in grid lock at certain times of day. However, that is not the case. I doubt that I will live long enough to see such a system in place.

It would take much longer to develop a good rural system, perhaps impossible as the US is so large. But urban areas, that is a different story.

 

[mandym]

No twisting of words ... and I aimed the post at all of us. I said I was not picking on you. As things stand now you have to have your truck.

Let's look at the post and I will highlight the words:



Now, as I said you might well get home quicker, even with a wait, by have unclogged streets and roads. If you are fortunate and live in an area where gridlock does not happen, that is great and your truck is faster.

Public transportation needs to be developed first in urban areas. We have a very inefficient transportation system. Every morning on I-66 going into DC there are thousands upon thousands of cars and trucks creeping along at 3 to 5 mph, burning gas. This could be greatly reduced with an efficient public transportation system.

I live in an urban area and would be thrilled if I could get around without an automobile. I would really like to be able to get around town without having to drive and get stuck in grid lock at certain times of day. However, that is not the case. I doubt that I will live long enough to see such a system in place.

It would take much longer to develop a good rural system, perhaps impossible as the US is so large. But urban areas, that is a different story.

Well you confirmed what I thought I was wrong about after a second look. You are kind of a slick fella aren't you. I think it is best that you and I stay clear of each other. I would appreciate it if you would just leave my posts alone. And I will do the same with yours. God Bless.

 

[annsni]

Public transportation will only ever be limited in the US. We are to independent. I personally do not want to have to use it. No matter what you do to improve it it is just lousy to have to cram in with hundreds of other people. I want my truck. I want to get there when I want to get there. Waiting on PT adds hours to you day. I don't want that either. Such waiting takes away from time at home with the family.

We've got a perfect example of that with my daughter tonight. Her car is in the shop and it is looking like it won't be ready before she has to leave for school in a bit. So that means she has to take the train. Going there isn't a problem because she has a 1:30 pm class and will take the 12:06 train that will get her to the station she needs at 12:37 and there is a shuttle bus to the school at 1:05 which gets her to school at 1:15. Perfect.

However, let's see going home. She gets out of school at 8:30 pm. The next shuttle bus is at 9:35 pm so she has to wait over an hour in the dark at the college. Then she will get to the train station at 9:45 pm and will have to wait until the 10:19 train to get home which gets her home at 11:04 pm. If she drove, it takes her about 45 minutes. Which is more convenient?

Now, let's add in the costs as well. It's a 30 mile drive, 60 miles round trip. Her car gets about 25 mpg so let's just say she uses 2.5 gallons of gas. We're at $3.50 a gallon right now so that's about $9 in gas. The train ticket will be $12 - more expensive than the car. Add in if she needs to take a cab (my suggestion for tonight) which is another $10. So $24 for public transportation or $9 for her to drive herself AND not deal with the hassle.