Maybe I'm the only one to notice this lately, maybe not.
Normally the price of gasoline and aggressive street behavior are inversely related. Lately, this theory is upside-down.
87-octane fuel here is about $2.15/gallon. I've noticed that giant pickup truck and SUV pilots as of late have been stoplight drag-racing around in unbelievable numbers. I'm talking 70+ mph in 35 zones, 90+ on freeways through suburban areas, and at least 20+ mph over the limit around town, regardless of location. I'm talking tire-smoking launches by everyone, it seems; even minivan-jockying 'burb women with 6 kids strapped in.And I alone rack up 37 mpg. in The Beater. The cheese stands alone.
Not only am I in the minority with respect to sane driving behavior, but it seems that the sales of huge trucks and SUV's continue to escalate, regardless of fuel prices. And everyone wants V-8's and V-10's in those monster 4X4 trucks as well. What the hell, hitch on a boat, camper shell and bungee down a swing-set on the roof for the kids while you're at it. The Winnebago just doesn't have enough BALLS for street use anymore - everyone wants tire-ripping power to race from stoplight to stoplight nowadays, and the bigger the ride, the better. Shit, 8-year (???!?) financing is now a reality, which comes in handy so that we can continue making those minimum's on all 12 VISA card bills, along with payments on a $670,000 mortgage.
Is this some sort of a joke that I'm not getting? What happened to plain old financial common sense? Am I the only one who:
- Is debt-free?
- Refuses to purchase a huge, overpriced fuel-swilling PIG of a vehicle just for the sake of vanity?
- Actually saves for retirement and 'rainy days' instead of blowing every last penny I've ever earned on huge, frivolous automobile purchases?
- Gives a shit about the massive transfer of wealth to US and export energy companies who enjoy exploiting a monopoly?
- Commutes in a crappy looking vehicle without regard to what others think?
I don't get it. Normally, when fuel hits $2-big ones a jug, people start cutting back, but not this time around. It seems as though everyone figures it's just another spike, and no one pays any attention. I'm not rich, and having to fork over more than $25 bucks to fill the tank is distressing. I know people paying over $100 a week to juice the Sport Ute, and yet, their driving habits and car buying habits are unchanged. In fact, their driving habits are WORSE and far more aggressive than I've ever seen.
Posturing? Stupidity? Gluttony without end? I don't get it.
-JD
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