The Monopoly of Petrol

I don’t understand how we can complain about the exorbitant rise of gasoline prices in this country, and yet refuse to slow down, take fewer trips, or even combine trips!  I also do not understand why-oh-why we aren’t producing oil in this country, as we once did, which would not only keep our costs down (and stop sending billions <yes, billions> of our hard-earned dollars overseas), and create much-needed jobs right here in America.  Have we no pride anymore?

We are absolutely controlled by oil, and doing absolutely nothing about it.  We’re playing nice with other countries for the purpose of keeping the peace, yet tearing down the very basics upon which this country was founded.

When folks have had enough of poor treatment, they boycott, rally and speak out…what are we doing about the gasoline? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.  We are still spending, still speeding and still making multiple trips.  No one rides their bikes because the cars go so fast they’re afraid of getting run down on the road.  No one walks because in a large city, it takes too long to walk anywhere and, in Atlanta, we are freaks about time.  Afraid to ride MARTA?  Why???? I rode MARTA to work every single day for five years, and thanked God for that opportunity.  A 45 minute trip with parking fees and headaches turned into 20 minutes of bliss while reading a book.

Food for thought: You pay “X” amount for gasoline yesterday.  You wake up this morning, and it’s gone up four cents.  But isn’t this the very same gasoline in the same tanks that the merchant purchased at a lower price yesterday?  So why are we paying more?  Because we’re controlled to the very last hair on our heads by gasoline.  There is nowhere to turn, no way to avoid it.  There is no competition in gasoline, we just have to bend over and take it. We are governed, ruled and totally controlled by gasoline, and those who provide it for us.  How did we let this happen?

 We laughed two years ago when gas stations charged some $4.00 a gallon during a “crunch”, and two years later, we’re not only paying it, but shaking our heads while we exceed the speed limit on our way to work in our single-passenger cars. While living in Germany, I got around by foot, bicycle or trolley.  Public transportation is there for a reason.  It’s only an inconvenience if you make it one.

 So here’s what I’m doing….it won’t change the world, but it's a start in the right direction:

1. I dropped my speed by 5 mph and saved ¼ of a tank on a 200 mile trip. And yes, I laughed as everyone passed me, because I was the one saving my hard-earned bucks!  There is absolutely nothing wrong with going just below the speed limit (even if the guy up your tailpipe disagrees…let him go around and then wave!)
2. I fill up when my tank gets to ½.  You’re still putting the fuel in, but somehow, some way, paying $30 a pop beats $65 anytime.
3. Walk to the local grocery store and take my wheeled cart with me.  Who cares if anyone thinks I’m homeless?  I only buy frozen food when I’m making a large, planned trip.
4. I plan my trips to include all stops in one trip, and route it all to run in one big circle.  I found that there is a lot less I really need when I make planned trips knowing I won’t be going back out.  I’ve actually started buying less, and none the worse for it.
5. I always take MARTA when going downtown.  Saves time, gas, parking fees and headaches.

 I don’t see any light at the end of this tunnel, but like the rest of the economy, I can only do what works for me…to keep holding on to that which is mine, in such a manner to give me peace of mind.