Back in 2000 in Chicago when gas prices started going way up, there was a tremendous outcry. People were telling their sob stories all over the newspapers and radio (and very likely television too, but I wasn't watching). The local media turned up the heat on Springfield. They screamed about how gasoline prices were hurting the "little people". They demanded that the state rollback it's excessive taxes on gas - "Bring the price down!" they cried. They badgered George Ryan incessantly. (not that he didn't deserve it, but that's a different story)
I noticed all this even when I was TRYING to ignore it. So what I want to know is - why am I NOT hearing the same thing right now? I hear the national news stories from Florida and California and other places in the US. Gasoline prices are going through the roof! Look out the sky is falling!
Our prices here are at about the same level as they were when the media meltdown occurred in 2000. So, what's the deal? NO ONE here is talking gas prices. No media are threatening the good Gov with total state bankruptcy if he doesn't DO something. No reporters are stalking customers at gas stations trying to find someone with the most heartrending story to tell. There are no shrill shrieks for gas taxes to be lowered until the crisis passes. Why not? What is different?
Could it be that there is a Democrat in the governor's office and a Republican in the White House? As opposed to 2000 when we had a Republican in the governor's office and a Democrat in the White House? I find this all vastly amusing. It also shows how much the media can spin a story when they want to, and how they can induce near panic when they try. I wonder if anyone else has noticed this.
Remember now - I don't watch television, so I don't know what they're calling for on TV, but I am truly astounded at how little the gas prices are being played up on local radio...
I think you're on to them!!!
Posted by: Tammi | March 31, 2004 at 08:17 PM
Did some research and posted some charts you might find interesting on historical gas prices, both unadjusted and adjusted for inflation. Bottom line, average gas prices on March 29, 2004 only 6 cents higher than on June 19, 2000, and that's without adjusting for inflation. BTW, adjusted for inflation, prices are lower now than in 1950.
http://thinkinboutstuff.netfirms.com/historical_gas_prices.htm
Posted by: Keith | March 31, 2004 at 09:44 PM
Yes this gas price thing is stupid. How much do you really spend on gas every week? I used to drive 70 miles one way to work every day, and even at $2 a gallon it was cheaper to drive fast to get on the clock than to go slow and drive more efficiently. Similarly, it didn't pay to buy a more efficient car. The gas savings was paltry compared to the price of the car.
If you really needed a new car and you believed prices would stay high, then ok think about getting one with better mileage, but don't worry about it much.
Posted by: rammer | April 01, 2004 at 07:15 AM