Charging for bags
American Airlines has decided that it will charge $15 to check a bag for a flight. I can what this will due to the amount of carry-on luggage that people bring on the plane. I suppose next they'll charge for a blanket or pillow. Maybe the air sick bag too. I realize of course that the cost of fuel is through the roof. But to nickel and dime people to death at some point in time people are going to decide they aren't going to travel any more. Then what will the airlines due.
In addition to charging for luggage, American plans to cut about 10 percent of its capacity. Fewer seats means they can charge more money for them. They also are going to be cutting personnel which means their service will suffer too. Seems like a no win situation for the passenger.
Gas Prices
I know this comes as a shock but oil once again hit a record high. I have to say I find it amusing the way the media, mostly the television, is covering this story. There is all this qualifying. Oil prices may continue to rise, gasoline may be heading for $4. You think so. I think you can say with a great deal of certainty that sometime probably by the middle of June the average cost of a gallon of gas will be near or at $4. Doesn't take much of a genius to figure that one out. So I don't understand why the media doesn't come out and say it.
There was the usual call the oil executives before Congress today. All the politicians were making their speeches about how bad this is and how this is hurting people. I agree with that but how about some real leadership on solving the problem. Think if we could harness all of the hot air coming from politicians how much that could help the situation.
The thing is we are not going to solve this problem by berating oil executives. (I know it's fun to seem them squirm and it makes for good sound bites but ... ) We are going to solve it by coming up with innovate ways to save energy. That means involving all of the public in this effort. It means framing it in its proper contest. Our addiction to oil is a direct threat to our national security. So lets all get off our collective butts and start solving the problem. I'm going to be looking into getting a blanket for my hot water heater for starters.
4 comments:
There are endless ways to save energy. Changing out standing pilots with electonic ignitions can save hundreds:
Heaters With Spark Ignitions
I keep hearing right wing types whining about the role that speculators are playing in driving up the price of oil. But isn't the free market always the answer to our problems? Hmmm. — Ed
Go to this column by Stanley Crouch for more about the corrupt values of market-worshipping right wingers. Crouch is basically a conservative but with values that recognize social responsibility. — Ed
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2008/05/19/2008-05-19_sick_of_their_ivory_the_people_start_hun.html
Nothing will happen to get America off its oil addiction until the current regime is gone because it's filled to overflowing with oil industry people. If everyone did small things to cut energy use, it starts to add up to big things. But more leadership will be needed, but we'll have to wait to see it.
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