We always hear (1) how those in Europe and other places have to pay so much more than we do. But they don't have as much space to cover when going to work or even visiting another country. They usually drive smaller cars and are not as dependent on this mode of transportation as we are. (2) Someone suggested that we pay a certain price for 12 ounces of a soft drink and that we are paying much less than this price for gas for our car. But consider this: How far can we get on 12 ounces of gas? They are comparing apples and oranges, so to speak.
(3) We are told to drive smaller cars. But we really aren't safe in the cars we drive now when we're on the Interstate with fast traffic and big trucks. (4) Many young mothers drive SUV's and are criticized for it. But they can't fit carseats and growing children with long legs in the smaller cars. It's impossible to place more than two car seats or booster seats in the backseat of these little cars.
(5) With the exception of large urban areas, many parts of the United States don't have mass transportation. People have to get to work. Many people cannot afford the price of gas. (6) Wages and/or retirement incomes are not keeping up with rising costs. As .fuel costs go up the price of everything else rises accordingly. When our spending power decreases we may be unable to buy all of the necessities such as food, medicine, housing, clothing, school supplies, etc.
(7) We're told that we should all live close to our work site. But a job may not last for a lifetime. People can't afford to move every time a job changes. Moving is expensive. Should everyone uproot their family time after time? Decent places to live may not be close to a worksite. Children don't need to be moved from school to school throughout their young lives.
(8) We hear of the gas producers and companies who sell gas making huge profits--more than ever before. They should make a profit. However, when they are profitting on the hard earned wages of so many and giving CEO's the bonuses we read about, we realize that the average American has the right to complain. If only someone would listen!
