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The Funny Thing Is

Bill Bunker — Thu, 8 May 2008 11:50:50 -0400

The funny thing about the present fuel crisis is the following.

Clinton and McCain want to roll back the gas tax which would be about 45 cents on fuel for the three months of the Summer.

Opponents argue that this would save the "average" person about $75.

When fuel was $3.12, no one was complaining or calling it a crisis. Over the last two months, it has climbed in price to $3.55-$3.60, which is by all measures the same amount the roll back of the gas tax would be...45 cents.

Now if you do the math, that means that over two months the gas increase has cost the "average" person $50.

Over 8 weeks that is an increase of $6.25 in their weekly gasoline bill. Heavy commuters aside, it seems to me that is not alot of money. Anyone who is anxious about the increase should be able to find a way to shift the burden and save $6.25 elsewhere.

Long commuters are the ones that would be most affected.

The second half of that story is that some politicians are saying that we would ONLY save $75. That tells me that those same politicians can not care much that we have ONLY spent $50 more over the last two months if we were an "average" person.

Americans feel entitled to certain things and I am not sure why. Fuel and health care are front and center.

Terri is correct that we do not need to drive monster vehicles. The ones that give me the biggest anxiety are the four wheel drive Dodge RAM trucks that many of the contractors and their employees drive 100 miles an hour on the interstate. These guys drive like they are shielded like a tank and as if they are invincible. There sitting on the back is strapped a ladder and nothing else in the truck and most of the time no passengers.

The speed and offensive driving aside, they are flushing fuel down the toilet!

American way of life

Terri Oberg — Wed, 7 May 2008 09:07:09 -0400

....that is essentially what it boils down to. We are a country made up of spoiled children. We have become a nation of people who like the freedom of just hopping in our cars and driving where ever we wish to go, from around the block to the pizza joint to cross country to visit friends or explore some wondrous place.

I am as guilty as the next guy. Until gas prices started sky rocketing, I thought nothing of making more then one trip into Concord in one day (a 15 + mile round trip each time). Trains went the way of the dinosaurs because they weren't as convenient as hopping in the car. There are schedules to keep, one would have to plan their trip to Boston around the train schedule. How much more convenient is it to just come and go when you want and/or need? Who wants to share a ride with strangers when we can go in the solitude and comfort of our own cars? New Hampshire is growing by leaps and bounds from the influx of people wanting to experience that solitude and comfort.

This is the mentality of the country we live in. I mean, seriously, do we really need to drive a vehicle that is nearly the size of a small house? Until I start using a bicycle to get around, walk to the pizza joint to get dinner and sell my S.O.'s big truck and boat I won't be complaining about the rising gas prices.

I remember the gas shortages in the 70's. That's when car companies started producing smaller, "compact" cars. I remember my Dad getting a Vega and calling it "the bug" because it was so much smaller than any other car they'd ever owned. Now it would be considered a mid-size car by today's standards. We are a nation that waits until there is a crisis that effects our way of life before we demand changes be made. This spike in gas prices is no different.

Also, those countries that have been around for so much longer then us, have an infrastructure that won't accomodate our big, gas guzzling vehicles. There is more then one reason they drive minis and find other modes of transport. There are plenty of times I think simpler is better. There are even times I think some of God's other creatures are smater then we are because they aren't raping and mutilating Earth; they just take what they need and leave the rest alone.

How wonderful to hear your

Terri Oberg — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 07:14:15 -0500

How wonderful to hear your voice again! You bring back such memories for me of when my own children were changing my life. I am who I am today because of them. They saved me; helped me grow up; helped me see there is so much more to the world then my silly needs and expectations. And all they had to do was enjoy themselves. The world does crowd in and there will be challenges, but you have built a strong, secure foundation.

Have a beautiful Holiday!

Wonder-full

Sarah Colombo — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 15:36:16 -0500

It's good to hear from you, do drop in more often if you can.

It does fly, the time---my kids are grown but the images from their early childhoods are vivid as yesterday. I will be taking a train to NYC to have a wonderful whirlwind day with my daughter in NYC the day after Christmas, when I told her her presents were running late she said "Just you coming down for the day to hang out with me is enough for me."; so, you see, the treasured moments keep coming.

The first real losses, the first pains of betrayal and hurt are the toughest...although it happens to all human beings, we feel it really just shouldn't happen to our children. Just know she will be strong with your love and use what she learns to grow and grow up. Treasure all the small stuff, it is soooo BIG.

Slider2360, I am not too

Joe Kann — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 07:59:43 -0400

Slider2360,

I am not too familiar with the Conway area so I will not be able to help you find any good programs. I am not sure which part of NY you are moving from but if it is Long Island you will find that NH is very similiar, just a lot less traffic. Pretty much everything you will need can be found in the Lakes region. Good luck with whatever you and your husband decide.

I don't think that's what

Nicole Henninger — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 13:30:52 -0400

I don't think that's what Foster meant. (Though I'm sure he'll correct me if I'm wrong). I think it was likely more coming from the fact that one of the most annoying things that bloggers do is apologize for a lapse in blogging. There's no need to apologize for living life for a week or two. Explaining your absence is great, saying that you're sorry for it? No apology necessary.

reply

Joe Kann — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 12:25:30 -0400

I guess some would consider it a good thing that I have not been writing the blog. I didn't look at it from that perspective, foster, thanks for pointing it out.

Sarah,

Joe Kann — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 12:24:17 -0400

Thanks for saying you missed the blogs. My family is mostly in Plainview and Seaford, NY. Sometimes when I go back I miss it other times I really do not miss it. This trip made me miss it because I want my daughter to be exposed to her family as much as is possible. Everything will work out as best it can I guess.

what are you apologizing

foster — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 05:43:24 -0400

what are you apologizing for?

Welcome Back!

Sarah Colombo — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 17:27:48 -0400

I've missed your blogs---getting me to think about little kids again...
where on Long Island?

Through the eyes of a child....

slider2360 — Wed, 12 Jul 2006 19:00:06 -0400

Very interesting perspective. As I wrote in my "about me", I am currently living in NY but my husband and I are considering a business purchase in Conway area. Have 2 toddlers of my own and would love any information that could be provided regarding programs, preschools and everyday activities that are available for them. (and for me to meet other parents) :)

Thank you in advance!

Fate

Susan Sherrouse — Sun, 9 Jul 2006 21:34:39 -0400

I have found that fate is something to be embraced, or you will become consumed by it. This is my choice, as is my attitude towards change in life. In the past, i would become angry, frustrated because things weren't going the way I thought they needed to go. But when I embraced the change, life went along a bit better, even through the hard times.

As for your house, many relators send out letters like the one you received in order to generate new listings. Or, this realtor could have some type of offer in mind for your home. Either way, I'd talk to the realtor and see what is going on. Just make the sale of your home contingent upon your finding another home, or you could consider renting your home from the new owners for a period of time while you find a new place to live. Both solutions are common and acceptable terms to a purchase & sales agreement. This way, you don't have two mortgages to pay.

Last time we sold a house, we had moved before it sold. We were fortunate in that we could afford the mortgage and the cost of renting a three bedroom home in Gulfport, which was dirt-cheap compared to the cost of renting the same home back in NH.

8th Annual Taxpayer Picnic

CNHT — Fri, 7 Jul 2006 00:58:21 -0400

This is a chance for candidates to meet and greet the public and for all taxpayer groups to network and share ideas. You can still reserve tix by emailing webmaster (at) cnht (dot) org

It's rain or shine, photos of 7th annual picnic are here:

www.cnht.org/photos.php

Be there or be square!

www.cnht.org
www.nhtaxpayerradio.com
www.nhlibertycalendar.org

MOVING

missingkitties — Thu, 6 Jul 2006 02:22:29 -0400

Hope you and your family will be very happy in your new home. The baby will be fine. It is a lot harder the older the child is.>My husband was in the A.F. for over 20 years so I know all about moving.>At least this is your decision.>Hope you'll keep us posted whenever you can. Best of luck ! missingkitties

Very Cool

Terri Oberg — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 16:27:41 -0400

Good for you...and lucky you. Too bad even some mothers can't get 9 months off to bond with baby. You are a very fortunate man. Enjoy every moment.