The Price of Gas.
It’s true that nobody likes to spend more money then they have too, but I think there are some effects that nobody has thought of, or at least not widespread theories yet:
1.) Teenagers will no longer be able to “cruise” the town for hours on end. The mindless circling for chicks will come with a high price tag.
2.) However unlikely: it may cause people to think about budgeting and spending their money wisely instead of the rampant consumerism that has been going on for the past decades.
3.) The post office will use fuel prices as an excuse to raise the price of postage stamps again.
Some things won’t change:
Poor people will be the worst affected like always.
Rappers will use high priced gas-guzzling cars as status symbols.
Many “middle class” families will still own two or more cars.
As other’s have mentioned now there will be more incentive for people to walk, ride, bikes, and buy “environmentally friendly” cars. However I don’t expect widespread change to take place until gas hits $4-5 per gallon. By then alternative sources such as bio-diesel and other higher priced fuels will become more “affordable” compared to gasoline.
Here’s another view.
I wonder how much will really change; I think only the gap between the rich and the poor. That only means there will be more room in the middle. So all you middle class folk will be able to stretch your legs without kicking anyone.
I thought of the Post Office thing. And I bought a bike! No more hauling out the car just to go across town to the library or the video store, at least not until winter really hits and I get scared off by ice. So the gas increas really has changed my lifestyle already.
As Octavo Dia about the Tar Sands in Canada and what might happen with them if the gas prices keep going up. I can’t explain it like he does.
Comment by Hamlette — September 7, 2005 @ 2:57 am
Urg, I meant ‘ask’ Octavo Dia, not ‘as’. Grr.
Comment by Hamlette — September 7, 2005 @ 2:58 am