record oil prices today 65/barrell

[pennywise]

At what price will gas become so high that you will not drive? That happened for me at 2.39 gallon, I now use the bike with my dtr too. Now we will have to use it Sept and Oct and maybe part of Nov to come home from school. Oil hit 65 a barrell today and is predicted to hit 75. Gas in Pontiac Mi. north of Detroit at 2.50 gallon before this hike. If you live in another country can you tell us what is happening.

[BAGAGT1]

Unfortunately, I am not in a position where I can stop driving, as I work 23 miles away from home. Since my wife started a new job recently, she now works in the direction I travel, so we commute to work together. This will slash our gasoline expense in half.

[akaivyleaf]

Unfortunately, I'll keep driving no matter what the price. I live too far to bike plus have no inclination to do that if I lived down the street. I am just thankful that I can pay the price without it affecting me so badly. Make no mistake I'm feeling it, but gas has always been in the budget and it will continue to be. I know I should probably drive less, but just because the price is going up, doesn't mean my responsibilites have changed. Its also just me so I can't share with anybody.

[Bruce Wayne]

You guys should think yourself lucky you don't live in Britain. Here petrol is taxed alot by the government and costs over £4 per gallon, or around $7!

[jeffrey]

Gas is currently about $4.50 a gallon here in Japan

[Bluezy]

That's true! The US gas prices are STILL the best in the world. It's not until you pay the prices outside the country that you see it.

[akaivyleaf]

The way things are heading, unfortunately it looks like we'll get there. Soon we'll all be back to little cars zipping up and down the highways. And I for one, like a car with a little size to it and a lot of power.

[pennywise]

How can you afford $7 gallon for gas in Britain? This is shocking. What services does your government provide that is don't controlled to the point you don't want to use them. Start a new thread on government taxation. This looks interesting and can open our eyes.

[Bruce Wayne]

Originally Posted by pennywise

How can you afford $7 gallon for gas in Britain? This is shocking. What services does your government provide that is don't controlled to the point you don't want to use them. Start a new thread on government taxation. This looks interesting and can open our eyes.

Tax in Britain averages around 40% per person. I think it's daylight robbery but its amazing how many people here would happily have higher taxes.

The state budget is getting into difficult times so it seems inevitable that the government is going to have to borrow more or tax more (heaven forbid they should actually make themselves more efficient/cut back costs)

I'm strongly tempted to leave the country as I don't see the incentive to succeed in life when so much of your income is taken from you.

[pennywise]

Bruce: it is funny I said the same thing, move to another country. I would suggest you do some research. Did you know the U.S. and Briton gave millions, billions to Africa for aids, etc. The men over there will rape an infant, cutting the infant from you know to rectum to be able to do the act, yet we give them billions. We are considered the "weathly nations" and must give to the poor nations per the IMF (international monetary fund). Your leader is touting that we should have forgiven African debt while you are being taxed to death. They didn't even ask you. They go on THEIR charity mission and do not have to pay, they make you pay for their chosen charities. this is why you must be paying close attention right now. I think it is Tony Blair (am I right) - get him out of office. Do you have any say in your leaders? I have written my representatives and laugh at them telling them I will move, take my social security, and they must pay my medicare and go to another country with my savings to boot. I must have a good quality of living and make what I have provide ME a good life not the Bushes and the African raping men. Hey, down under, I have considered you. What is it like in the "down under". What is the health system, tax system, living method? Bruce and I may join you. Any other countries that would like to comment. We know the European union, and U.S. are out.

[Bruce Wayne]

I totally agree. Each individual should pay for themselves. Anything above that should be voluntary. We have this belief in Britain that only government can do a good job of anything and they tax and tax and tax. If anyone suggests cutting taxes they bleat on about how you're cutting spending in such vital public services. Its crazyness.

As for it being a democracy. Firstly in England less people voted for Blair than for the opposition but because we count Wales and Scotland too he got elected. Secondly the voter turnout was pitiful, so he probably got elected with around 20% of the country voting for him, if that.

I would quite happily live in a society where I pay for everything myself and the government provides just police and armed forces.

[pennywise]

Gas prices dropped significantly today on the futures market, a drop of 4%. Inventory has been 10% - see they lie. However, talk is that the top has been reached, now it will bounce 3 times (always 3, look at the Dow theory) and then drop. They said heating for the home also dropped. Maybe we are done with this and can get on with our frugal lives.

[cercis]

I can't ride my bike - too far with the kids (I take them to school) and no place to park a bike. My boss did mention that he would consider a space for bikes. But, we have semi-professional dress, so that means skirts at least 3x/week - not exactly bike friendly.

I would like to get a little hybrid. My drive is perfect for a hybrid, lots of stop and go, etc.

[Bruce Wayne]

Could you car pool? Could your kids get a school bus?

[miclason]

Gas prices today are at $3.08/ regular, self-service (to have the guys pour it for you means $0.05 more per gallon!...I'm afraid they'll soon be out of a job, as more and more people opt for self-service!)...I am driving even less than before, but, still, I can't walk to work (no bike, and, no, I don't even know how to ride a bike!)...it's about 4Kms and, add the tropical heat...I already told DD, on the weekends, we are going to do a lot more walking and less driving...she's ok with it!

[jmjj215]

Eventually this will push more people to hybrids and other alternative-fuel vehicles. It's already started.

[cercis]

Originally Posted by Bruce Wayne

Could you car pool? Could your kids get a school bus?

No school busses in our city (at least that I've seen). We are within walking distance of the public school, but they only offer a 3 hour program for my 5 yo and I need a 6 hour program in order to work.

I've thought about asking the parent down the street if they wanted to trade off dropping the kids off at school but they have 2 kids and I have 2 kids and all 4 kids need to still be in a booster seat and my car can't accomodate 4 booster seats and neither can their car.

I can't carpool for the same reason and because there is no one I work with or near that lives near me.

Even with dropping the kids off at school I drive less than 12 miles per day.
So it could be worse.