Goal For The Green

It’s not just at the gas pump- the price of everything is skyrocketing.  Americans are hurting badly, while expecting our government to propose a plan of action NOW.  Seems all they can do is argue and not accomplish much.

On the Democratic side of politics, they have been recreating a measure in the House to punish price gougers. The bill is aimed at curbing oil market speculation (futures trading), which is a contributing factor for the price we pay at the pump. Republicans are calling for expanded offshore drilling, which is gaining popularity with rising oil prices and gas at $4+ a gallon.  However, energy experts and geologists have stated that it would take 5-10 years for ANY oil or natural gas to be produced even if the offshore drilling ban ended tomorrow.

So, when are we ever going to see a great reduction on our dependance on oil? The crazy prices of everything are having a huge impact on our already weakened economy. Energy and the Economy are the main issues of concern to the American public, in the race for the White House.

There have been many ideas on the sounding board recently in regards to the energy crisis. They include rethinking thoughts on Nuclear power, biofuels and renewables (solar and wind power) and ending the off-shore drilling ban. Off-shore drilling, clearly is not the answer.

Ever wonder what happened to the electric car, or other great inventions that could solve this problem? Electric cars have less parts, lower maintenance costs and — umm they use no GAS. What?-no profit anymore for the automotive and oil companies. What a shame that would be!  They already are controlling world governments and monopolizing most forms of transportation,making us dependent on the liquid gold.

Large international companies have for years bought out all the patent rights for inventions that work.  They work with other large companies to maximize THEIR profits. An example of this was the railroad monopolies of the late 1800’s.  They worked with each other, instead of competitively, raising rates without regard of the people. The main goal was to maximize THEIR profits. This resulted in the Sherman Anti Trust Laws, that were created to break up the railroad monopolies and bring the prices back under control.

I realize businesses are created to make profits, but governments are supposed to make living a fair and equitable life, a right of their citizens.  What happened to our government that use to work for the good of the people, with liberty and justice for all?  We use to be a free market society, where there was fair competition. Not so anymore…. not today.

Written in association with At Cost Energy

More of us around the country are opting to use trains, buses, and subways to make our daily commute. With high gas prices, we have been forced to cut back on our personal driving and consider other alternatives. So, while saving on gas and exploring other options, some are finding that their commute takes less time, and is even somewhat enjoyable.

In the Seattle area, ridership on the Sounder (commuter rail system) has increased by 28% in the last three weeks.  In several large cities, transit systems are begging their riders to shift their travel to non-peak hours. This may give new meaning to flex-time in the workplace.  In San Francisco, seats have been removed from their subway cars, to allow more people to crowd in. In many places it is standing room only.

This should be the best of times for most transit agencies. Instead, many are struggling to accommodate the influx of new riders. Local and state governments, across the nation, are operating on very tight budgets.  Especially for busses.  Many transits systems can’t afford to expand.  After all, their costs are going up for the very same reasons we are leaving our cars at home- high gas prices. Some transit systems will be cutting back on service, even though ridership is up. They will be forced to raise fares just to cover operating costs.

Public transit has become the wisest economic choice in these hard times.  Ridership has increased by 3% across the nation for the first quarter of this year. For the first time since 1980, there has been a drop in the number of miles driven on American roads.

Any form of public transportation has always been a great community resource. For many it was an overlooked and last choice. Now, it is the most practical and viable choice.  High gas prices have given us the opportunity to consider public transit as an option to explore other alternative forms of transportation.