Fight the gas prices

[eppie]

First off, let's agree this is an entirely subjective point. Second, let's agree you're wrong! :P
In other words, you say you understand the differences. But when you say things to the effect that European reliance on the automobile is the same to that of the United States', you're wrong Eppie. Raising tariffs on gas doesn't make sense here. And cutting back on gas isn't as easy stateside as it is in Europe.

Cheers,

Munk

I think you are wrong on several points, and we probably misunderstand each other on other points.:D

Safety: this is also something used in Holland by people that drive an SUV (mainly in the city and for the rest on our perfect asfalt) to 'defend' their choice for a too big car. Right you are safer.......but people on bikes, pedestrians or people in smaller cars are not when they meet you. Where will this end if we would just use this point? Are we going to drive around in tanks next?

About the long distance travel you are right.....I travel a lot and do that mainly my plane.....which is hardly a good alternative fuel consumption wise...so that is wrong. (it is by the way not 'a thing' for europeans to have visited most European countries by the way).

But the fact remains that your cars are too big. I mean this can be hardly a point of discussion seeing that the average car size in the US since the thirties is getting smaller and smaller. To be clear; let say a lexus (normal model) I don't consider a too big car in this discussion. You know that for many people (with low self esteem) a car is a status symbol.....so most of those have a car that is bigger/faster/more expensive than what is actually needed. Seeing that the gross majority of people could without any loss of comfort/time/safety do with something a lot less fuel consuming, the same as we can all to that around our own home, but that at the same time nobody gives a damn makes me sad. All these energy discussions (should we use more nuclear, is wind an option etc..) often not mention the point that with very small changes in our habits we can probably reduce our energy consumption by 50%. (see my point about Italian driving...cars are a lot smaller here but people use very much fuel because they never take a bike even for short distances and they have a driving style that is very aggressive)