Argument against high gas prices

On Jun 7, 10:32 am, "gatt" wrote:
"M" wrote in message

oups.com...

I agree with you that high gasoline price maximizes oil company
profit. However as a pilot you can easily hedge on that by buying oil
company stock,

And if you pay the mob, thugs won't keep trashing your store.

I'm quite certain that I made far more from the oil companies than what I
paid
extra for the fuel, and I only have a small part of my 401k in the
energy sector.

I have an ethical problem with the idea that the way to combat corrupt
practices and preditorial pricing--which hurts the American economy--is to
invest in it.

Sorry. My conscience prevents me from doing that.

-c

There's nothing predatory about it. We have about the cheapest gas in
the developed world, by far.
They don't come get your money--you drive to them and willingly give
it to them, generally in an inefficient car that has more available
horsepower than a small airplane and more cupholders than a country
bar.
The American economy has been hurt by its becoming drunk on cheap
energy instead of learning to do things efficiently, in terms of
outright efficiency as well as lifestyle. Hangovers hurt, but they do
serve their purpose.

wrote in message
oups.com...
On Jun 7, 10:32 am, "gatt" wrote:
"M" wrote in message

oups.com...

I agree with you that high gasoline price maximizes oil company
profit. However as a pilot you can easily hedge on that by buying oil
company stock,

And if you pay the mob, thugs won't keep trashing your store.

I'm quite certain that I made far more from the oil companies than what
I
paid
extra for the fuel, and I only have a small part of my 401k in the
energy sector.

I have an ethical problem with the idea that the way to combat corrupt
practices and preditorial pricing--which hurts the American economy--is
to
invest in it.

Sorry. My conscience prevents me from doing that.

-c

There's nothing predatory about it. We have about the cheapest gas in
the developed world, by far.

And the "high profits" go a long way to insure we continue to have "cheap
gas".

They don't come get your money--you drive to them and willingly give
it to them, generally in an inefficient car that has more available
horsepower than a small airplane and more cupholders than a country
bar.

I use my SUV to go to the corner store to buy tooth picks...one at a time.


The American economy has been hurt by its becoming drunk on cheap
energy instead of learning to do things efficiently, in terms of
outright efficiency as well as lifestyle.

In the US, fuel consumption per GDP is down; everywhere else it's UP.

Hangovers hurt, but they do
serve their purpose.

Maybe to go and get more petrol.

We could produce ten times more than we could "conserve".

"Matt Barrow" wrote in message
...

There's nothing predatory about it. We have about the cheapest gas in
the developed world, by far.

Nonsequitor. We also have some of the greatest freedoms and civil rights in
the world but by and large we wouldn't allow that to be used as justfication
for infringement upon them.



-c

On Jun 8, 2:19 pm, "gatt" wrote:
"Matt Barrow" wrote in message

...

There's nothing predatory about it. We have about the cheapest gas in
the developed world, by far.

Nonsequitor. We also have some of the greatest freedoms and civil rights in
the world but by and large we wouldn't allow that to be used as justfication
for infringement upon them.

-c


What's the infringement???? I buy all the gas I choose to buy!
You want gas? Buy it at the posted price. As long as there is not
outright collusion between suppliers (frequently accused but never
demonstrated), they can ask any price they desire. You can buy it, or
not. Your choice. Your freedom.

On Jun 8, 11:03 am, "Matt Barrow"
wrote:

I use my SUV to go to the corner store to buy tooth picks...one at a time.

I'd like to think that this was sarcasm, but I'm afraid you might be
telling the truth.


In the US, fuel consumption per GDP is down; everywhere else it's UP.

Maybe. But lowering consumption from a ridiculous high level might
leave you still much higher than someone else who rose from a low
level. (i.e. if you go from 100 to 98 on some scale, you're still
higher than someone who went from 10 to 20.)

Hangovers hurt, but they do
serve their purpose.

Maybe to go and get more petrol.

We could produce ten times more than we could "conserve".

Perhaps, but that not the point. To do so would only hasten the
consumption of what is left, and reduce the time for conversion to
some sustainable alternative.
It also adds a bunch of pollution.

wrote in message
ups.com...
On Jun 8, 11:03 am, "Matt Barrow"
wrote:

I use my SUV to go to the corner store to buy tooth picks...one at a
time.

I'd like to think that this was sarcasm, but I'm afraid you might be
telling the truth.

Then you're an idiot not worth discussing serious issues with.

[FLUSH}

On Jun 9, 12:24 am, "Matt Barrow"
wrote:
wrote in message

ups.com...

On Jun 8, 11:03 am, "Matt Barrow"
wrote:

I use my SUV to go to the corner store to buy tooth picks...one at a
time.

I'd like to think that this was sarcasm, but I'm afraid you might be
telling the truth.

Then you're an idiot not worth discussing serious issues with.

[FLUSH}

Hmm. Perhaps I shoulda put the smiley in there; I didn't think it was
necessary. You didn't put one in your comment either.
Then again, I've seen lots of large vehicles idling for the longest
time in parking lots, on very nice days. Out there SOMEwhere is a
person who WOULD do something as stupid as buy toothpicks one at a
time.

On Jun 9, 7:41 pm, wrote:
On Jun 9, 12:24 am, "Matt Barrow"
wrote:





wrote in message

oups.com...

On Jun 8, 11:03 am, "Matt Barrow"
wrote:

I use my SUV to go to the corner store to buy tooth picks...one at a
time.

I'd like to think that this was sarcasm, but I'm afraid you might be
telling the truth.

Then you're an idiot not worth discussing serious issues with.

[FLUSH}

Hmm. Perhaps I shoulda put the smiley in there; I didn't think it was
necessary. You didn't put one in your comment either.
Then again, I've seen lots of large vehicles idling for the longest
time in parking lots, on very nice days. Out there SOMEwhere is a
person who WOULD do something as stupid as buy toothpicks one at a
time.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Don't worry, Matt Barrow is just an ass...

On Jun 10, 10:54 am, wrote:
On Jun 9, 7:41 pm, wrote:



On Jun 9, 12:24 am, "Matt Barrow"
wrote:

wrote in message

oups.com...

On Jun 8, 11:03 am, "Matt Barrow"
wrote:

I use my SUV to go to the corner store to buy tooth picks...one at a
time.

I'd like to think that this was sarcasm, but I'm afraid you might be
telling the truth.

Then you're an idiot not worth discussing serious issues with.

[FLUSH}

Hmm. Perhaps I shoulda put the smiley in there; I didn't think it was
necessary. You didn't put one in your comment either.
Then again, I've seen lots of large vehicles idling for the longest
time in parking lots, on very nice days. Out there SOMEwhere is a
person who WOULD do something as stupid as buy toothpicks one at a
time.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Don't worry, Matt Barrow is just an ass...

He probably thinks that of me as well.
We might both be right...