What you have to understand is that environmentalism has very little to do with how Americans choose to live their lives. Don't get me wrong, I know that many are concerned with environmental issues. But the trend towards less fuel efficient cars will not be reversed until there is sufficient economic motivation to reverse it. Calling people idiots and trying to guilt them into making wiser environmental choices will never work here. Americans drive SUV's because they can. Why not go for convenience and luxury when you can afford to?

We have fuel prices here that are way lower than most other places. This is why people really aren't all that concerned about fuel efficiency. Fuel prices have gone up in the past few years but not enough for people to take it into consideration when selecting a vehicle to drive. I think any advances in fuel efficiency or public transit systems will have to be economically motivated. If it became a choice such as: you may drive whatever you want, but it will cost you significantly more to not think environmentally, then Americans would be more environmentally responsible. Its a capatalist society after all. The quickest and easiest way to do this would be to tax the crap out of gasoline. That being said, do I think that will happen anytime soon? No friggen way. Given the conservative trend in voters now, I can only think that things will only get worse, not better for the environment.

Crap, well that turned into a bit of a rant. Anyway, I do agree with the core of your views but you will never convince anyone of anything the way you present things. Lighten up.


Today I'll become the bull.