I would never, in a million years think of postin an e-mail forward to Hatrack. That being said, here's an e-mail I just got. Couldn't hurt!
quote:SUBJECT: LET'S FIGHT THE GAS HIKES! IT HAS BEEN CALCULATED THAT IF EVERYONE IN THE UNITED STATES DID NOT PURCHASE A DROP OF GASOLINE FOR ONE DAY AND ALL AT THE SAME TIME, THE OIL COMPANIES WOULD CHOKE ON THEIR STOCKPILES.
AT THE SAME TIME IT WOULD HIT THE ENTIRE INDUSTRY WITH A NET LOSS OF OVER 4.6 BILLION DOLLARS WHICH AFFECTS THE BOTTOM LINES OF THE OIL COMPANIES.
THEREFORE MAY 19TH HAS BEEN FORMALLY DECLARED "STICK IT UP THEIR BEHIND" DAY AND THE PEOPLE OF THIS NATION SHOULD NOT BUY A SINGLE DROP OF GASOLINE THAT DAY.
THE ONLY WAY THIS CAN BE DONE IS IF YOU FORWARD THIS E-MAIL TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN AND AS QUICKLY AS YOU CAN TO GET THE WORD OUT.
WAITING ON THIS ADMINISTRATION TO STEP IN AND CONTROL THE PRICES IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE REDUCTION AND CONTROL IN PRICES THAT THE ARAB NATIONS PROMISED TWO WEEKS AGO?
REMEMBER ONE THING, NOT ONLY IS THE PRICE OF GASOLINE GOING UP BUT AT THE SAME TIME AIRLINES ARE FORCED TO RAISE THEIR PRICES, TRUCKING COMPANIES ARE FORCED TO RAISE THEIR PRICES WHICH EFFECTS PRICES ON EVERYTHING THAT IS SHIPPED. THINGS LIKE FOOD, CLOTHING, BUILDING MATERIALS, MEDICAL SUPPLIES ETC. WHO PAYS IN THE END? WE DO!
WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. IF THEY DON'T GET THE MESSAGE AFTER ONE DAY, WE WILL DO IT AGAIN AND AGAIN.
SO DO YOUR PART AND SPREAD THE WORD. FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO EVERY- ONE YOU KNOW. MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND MAKE MAY 19TH A DAY THAT THE CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES SAY "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
They talked on the morning news about this HOAX. So I went and bought gas on purpose.
FG
Posted by IdemosthenesI (Member # 862) on :
Oh, don't get me wrong. I highly doubt that the oil industry will suddenly erupt into huge army of undead zombies and revolt against their evil master just because a bunch of people don't buy gas one day. Anytime generic "studies" are quoted, they generally shouldn't be believed. Nevertheless, I think it would certainly send a message that we actually DO care about gas prices. Of course, I care less than most, since I drive a honda scooter.
BTW, it's going down tomorrow. Not today.
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
So we should all buy gas either today or on Thursday, right?
Posted by Ayelar (Member # 183) on :
Um... how can a call to boycott be a "hoax"? I don't think that's possible.
So no gas tomorrow. We weren't going to buy any tomorrow, anyhow, but we'd happily support such a boycott.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Hmm.. the e-mail I got like that said today (May 18th) and the news reports on the radio this morning said it was today (in e-mails they received...)
[ May 18, 2004, 01:45 PM: Message edited by: Farmgirl ]
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
These emails pop up every few years, when gas prices jump. I don't think a one day fuel strike will bother the oil companies at all. They'll just have REALLY good day-after-strike revenue.
I wish instead of forwarding this email around, they'd spend that time reading up on alternative fuel sources.
-Bok
Posted by PaladinVirtue (Member # 6144) on :
So causeing the oil company to lose money is going to make them lower their prices to recover the money they lose on one, specially organized, day? Makes purfect economic sence! Count me in!
Yeah FG, I think I got this forward years ago, the last time gas prices were elevated. It made about as much sence that time as it does this time.
Pal
Posted by Ayelar (Member # 183) on :
So what has the media been saying about it, Farmgirl? I mean, given that we've had plenty of other examples that the mainstream media is pretty much in GWB's pocket, it's in their best interests to downplay or ridicule any public unrest about oil prices, right?
Posted by CaySedai (Member # 6459) on :
I don't think that would work the way it's intended ... there is something similar on snopes.com.
I usually check snopes.com when I get an email that is intended to be forwarded, then I reply to the sender and give them the link. I have gotten a really great (humorous) email that addresses most of the types of emails you get like that. I can't find it right now, but if I come across it, I'll post it here.
Posted by Mabus (Member # 6320) on :
You mean the mainstream media that's been trumpeting the prisoner abuse scandal, Ayelar?
Posted by kaioshin00 (Member # 3740) on :
Hurray to public transportation!
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Basically the news radio just said that there was a widespread e-mail saying thus..and.such and that it is bogus and that it has no effect, etc. etc. and to ignore it.
Farmgirl
Posted by PaladinVirtue (Member # 6144) on :
"... the mainstream media is pretty much in GWB's pocket, it's in their best interests to downplay or ridicule any public unrest about oil prices, right?"
LOL! You can spin anything and everything against Bush, can't you? Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
I think a true boycott would have to extend over a long period of time to have any real effect. Obviously, with gas prices, not everyone purchases gas every day. And many people HAVE to purchase gas in order to operate their business for that day. So I don't see how it could ever be effective.
Let's say I was a pizza delivery guy (which I'm not) If I don't purchase gas to do my job, I'm hurting myself a lot more than I'm hurting the oil companies.
FG
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
I just knew someone would post this here...
My cousin sent me this email, too, and I checked it out with snopes.com.
They basically say that a one-day boycott has no effect, because people just make up for it by buying the day before or the day after.
Not effective, sure, but a hoax or a scam? That's like saying that anyone who tells you to vote in November is pulling your leg, because there's no such thing as an election.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
point taken, Ayelar. You are right that they should not be using the words "hoax" or "scam", but probably should just be pointing out it's ineffectiveness.
I think generally they have begun using the word "hoax" in association with e-mails that you "don't need to worry about" kind of thing when they report on them.
FG
Posted by Ayelar (Member # 183) on :
FG, that's why I think it's remarkable that they're using that term for this email. Why is the media, as you say, telling people to "not worry about" or ignore this email? Why not point out that, yes, we all have a reason to be upset about the gas prices, and since this isn't the most effective way to enact change, we might look at resources x, y, and z for better solutions? Wouldn't that be more responsible journalism than just telling people to ignore it?
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
Snopes states that it is "False" that "Participating in a one-day "gas out" on May 19 will help bring the retail price of gasoline down." That's all they are saying.
According to snopes, efforts like this have been tried in the past and were ineffective.
They do seem to suggest that cutting back gasoline usage for a greater number of days might be effective, but I think it would be difficult to get enough people to participate in that sort of thing.
Anyone want to start a new email campaign? Posted by Chris Bridges (Member # 1138) on :
Better to start a campaign to push public transportation, bicycles, walking, and fuel-efficient cars. The poster can show the inside of Saddam's palace with the tagline: "Paid for by SUV drivers."
Posted by PaladinVirtue (Member # 6144) on :
"...Why not point out that, yes, we all have a reason to be upset about the gas prices, and since this isn't the most effective way to enact change, we might look at resources x, y, and z for better solutions? Wouldn't that be more responsible journalism than just telling people to ignore it?"
becasue that is not journalism. Journalism is about facts. What you state above is your opinion.
Fact: There is an email going around about a proposed gas boycot. Fact#2: It will be ineffective. Fact#3: This has been circulated before and has become one of those email forward scams that people think are based upon actual studies but are not.
The obvious conclusion is "Given the above, why worry about it?" (my opinion)
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
Chris, I agree with your solution.
Posted by peterh (Member # 5208) on :
Check out these high prices...
Posted by Lupus (Member # 6516) on :
It would have a slight impact if people were told not to USE gas on that one day of the week. The effect would be small, but it would be there, as your weekly gas consumption would then be a little less. Even if every american did not by gas on one day it would not hurt the industry, since they do their calculations of sales by week. Since you would either buy some the day before and the day after, you would not mess things up at all. It prob would screw with the convenience stores and such though...the very people who have no control over prices.
If you really want gas prices to go down you need to convince the environmentalists to let people build more refineries.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
How about National Carpool Week?
Posted by Marek (Member # 5404) on :
Maybe it would help to just cut back gas usage in general. Do all that stuff from Earthday in grade school, you know public transportation, carpooling, walking, bike rideing, etc. Even if cutting back that way doesn't cause prices to lower at all, people who did it would still save on gas, and from the two semesters of Economics classes I have taken, it seems like a prolonged cut back in gas use by lots of people might lower prices, but I'm nothing close to an expert.
But I think everyone going out to fill up their tanks today, then buying tomarrow, will not really help much. Still, I don't even drive, so I'll just shut up now.
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
Gas prices jump 20%.
Decrease gas Useage 30% on an ongoing basis.
Then the Oil suppliers will think, "hmm. Gas is more profitable when it was cheaper."
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
peterh
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
ITA with reducing gas usage overall. WE do pretty well, not as well asd I like. I am working to walk farther, take the bus more often.
BTW, most commercial dish soaps are made with petroleum. There's another place to cut back- use one labled petroleum free.
Posted by Alexa (Member # 6285) on :
I think it would send a more powerful message if we used no energy. Turned off all the lights, rode bikes when we could. Just pretend we are in a black out for 24 hours: not buy gas, and try not to drive and settle for public transport. No computers, cars, electricity at home, and as little electricity at work as possible. If 300,000,000 did that, then I could see getting higher up's attention.
Posted by narrativium (Member # 3230) on :
Ela wrote:
quote:My cousin sent me this email, too,
Heh
[ May 18, 2004, 05:32 PM: Message edited by: narrativium ]
Posted by Kasie H (Member # 2120) on :
Uh, guys, you do realize the vast majority of gasoline and fossil fuels used in this country is used by businesses, not by consumers? You know, the businesses that ship things by truck cross-country every day, the businesses that have huge factories to produce things, blah blah blah...
I'm telling you right now, there is NO WAY any business in our lovely capitalist society would ever, ever take a profitiability hit to send some ineffective message to oil companies.
Plus, what FG said. This makes economic sense HOW, exactly?
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
I stopped to get my morning coffee at the local Kwik Shop on my way to work this morning. I never mentioned the gas boycott thing (and had already purchased gas yesterday becuase I NEEDED it, and because usually if they raise prices mid-week, it is on Wednesday, so I usually fill on Tuesday if I can).
Anyway, the store clerk and I are very friendly because I come in so often. She proceeds to tell me they had a very very hectic "night" because of all the people who were "hurrying to fill up before the gas boycott day". While I was there, the pumps were pretty empty -- 2 or 3 cars instead of the usual full load.
But again, this proves the point that it didn't really accomplish anything -- everyone just bought their gas a day early. I feel sorry for the poor clerks who had to weather the "run" on the pumps prior to it becoming the 19th.
Farmgirl
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Alexa, I can think of something else that would be even more successful, as a tactic; support politicians and companies who are working on efficiency of our usage of fossil fuels, and those researching newer, more renewable sources of energy.
-Bok
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
I heard a morning show talking about it this morning. Most of the hosts were all gung-ho for the gas boycott saying that they had filled up the night before.
They didn't mention the fact that the main guy drives a Hummer that he's very proud of.
Posted by Altįriėl of Dorthonion (Member # 6473) on :
ITS NOT LIKE I WORRY ABOUT IT, BUT I'M SURE MY MOTHER WILL BUY GAS TODAY, WE'LL ATTEND A CONCERT TOMOROW AND SHE WANTS TO HAVE AS MUCH GAS AS POSSIBLE SINCE ITS GOING TO BE FAR FAR AWAY.
Sorry about the Caps Lock dudes..
Posted by Xaposert (Member # 1612) on :
People complain about gas prices too much. If you are buying it, it's worth the higher price to you.
And if you REALLY want to encourage lower prices, cut down on the gas you USE. Not buying gas on one day is meaningless, because you'll just buy more the next day to fulfill needs that have remained constant. But, if you use less gas, you will buy less gas, and gas demand will drop.
Personally, I'm glad gas prices are up. It's bad for my wallet now, but our nation is way too dependent on gas. Maybe this will make these hybrid cars a more popular solution - or perhaps even encourage people to stop driving themselves altogether.
Posted by Alexa (Member # 6285) on :
quote:support politicians and companies who are working on efficiency of our usage of fossil fuels, and those researching newer, more renewable sources of energy.
Well said. I think that is the best idea on this post.
Posted by Nato (Member # 1448) on :
The copy I got said it was originally from the CEO of Kraft Foods or something similar.
Weird.
Posted by PaladinVirtue (Member # 6144) on :
A little perspective from a forward I got the other day:
Compared with Gasoline: Think a gallon of gas is expensive? This makes one think, and also puts things in perspective. Diet Snapple 16oz $1.29 .......... $10.32 per gallon Lipton Ice Tea 16 oz $1.19 ...........$9.52 per gallon Gatorade 20 oz $1.59 ...... $10.17 per gallon Ocean Spray 16 oz $1.25 ........... $10.00 per gallon Brake Fluid 12 oz $3.15 ............ $33.60 per gallon Vick's Nyquil 6 oz $8.35 .... $178.13 per gallon Pepto Bismol 4 oz $3.85 ........ $123.20 per gallon Whiteout 7 oz $1.39 ........ . $25.42 per gallon Scope 1.5 oz $0.99 .........$84.48 per gallon And this is the REAL KICKER... Evian water 9 oz $1.49..........$21.19 per gallon?! $21.19 for WATER - and the buyers don't even know the source. So, the next time you're at the pump, be glad your car doesn't run on water, Scope, or Whiteout, or God forbid Pepto Bismal or Nyquil. Just a little humor to help ease the pain of your next trip to the pump...
And from our for friends here on Hatrack, what is the current price of gasoline in Europe? I don't like paying more for gas either, but isn't all this whining about it, and making a political topic in the election, making us Americans look shallow and, well, whiney?
[ May 19, 2004, 12:01 PM: Message edited by: PaladinVirtue ]
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
I'm for reducing our reliance on fossil fuel out of geopolitical and environmental and civilization sustainability angles, not the OMG-now-I-can't-afford-a-supero-latte-or-whatever-starbucks-is-calling-it-today angle
-Bok
Posted by BYuCnslr (Member # 1857) on :
I'm sorry, but that's a horrible way of putting things into perspective, yes those prices are much higher but none of them (excluding water) is anywhere as important as oil is to our economy. Any of the drinks you can do without. Niquil...when's the last time you used a whole gallon? You maybe use a bottle a year. Brake fluid you don't change often, pepto? Two or three a year at most? Whiteout: have you used a whole gallon in your lifetime? People buy bottle water, but they can just as easily go to a drinking fountain, you can't go to a drinking fountain for gas. There is nothing in human civilization that you can use to put the cost of gasoline into perspective than comparing it to itself. It's simple economics, supply, demand, and need. Plus, other than water none of those are naturally occuring substances. Reducing our need on gasoline would be wonderful, I'm all for it, I love hybrid cars, though I think the most creative way of doing it is modifying a diesel car to be able to use biofuel (which can be made from used cooking oil). A friend of mine had her car converted to be able to use biodiesel by her father and brother, and they make the biodiesel by getting used cooking oil from restraunts and a rather simple process (that I can't remember) that ends up wasteless (because the waste can be used to heat the process for the next batch), and then her car can still run on normal diesel as well, it just has two gas tanks, one of diesel, one for biodiesel. Of course, there wouldn't work for all people because if everybody did it, we wouldn't have enough used cooking oil to go around, but I thought it was a rather awesome idea. Satyagraha
Posted by Ron Lambert (Member # 2872) on :
Nothing could be more pointless and futile than a "gas boycott." So you buy gas the day before or the day after. Net effect of not buying gas on one day is zero. Does anybody really think that the oil companies are stupid enough to think that we might be able to get by without using their product? The threat of a boycott is a totally empty threat.
The oil companies will feel no impact whatsover by a gas boycott. Managers of local gas stations might be inconvenienced--but they will probably make it up with the heavier than normal business the following day.
Now, if we could devise alternate sources of energy so we do not need to buy gas at all any more, or if we buy a hybrid gas-electric car, like the Toyota Prius, which gets 60 miles per gallon, that could make a real difference by drastically reducing our nation's total oil consumption, and then prices would have to come down.
One thing, I have been driving less since the gas prices rose past $1.60 a gallon. Instead of jumping in the car and going to the store any time I want to make a $2.00 purchase, I wait, and do all my shopping in one trip on one day. When looking for a new job, I make sure it is closer to home, so the commute will take less time and less gas each day.
[ May 19, 2004, 01:16 PM: Message edited by: Ron Lambert ]
Posted by IdemosthenesI (Member # 862) on :
Net effect of gas boycott: zero. Net effect of getting people to think about the problem and possibly get involved in more helpful ways: immeasurable.
That's mainly why I'm not going to buy gas today. If the gas boycott results in the media paying more attention to the problem not as an inevitable, but as an issue people are trying their best to do something about, then it was a success.
BTW, I fight high gas prices by driving a vehicle that gets 70+ mpg and voting for those who don't take the environment for granted.
Posted by Richard Berg (Member # 133) on :
Nobody noticed last time when I posted a graph showing that oil would have to reach $59 to be a historical high after inflation. Wonder if anyone will notice this one.
Long story short, according to an article I caught in the Economist, China is now the #2 oil consumer. Their growth rate is phenomenal, as we all know. And their domestic inventory is two weeks. I don't care how liberal OPEC gets on the supply end, economics dictate a price crunch.
Furthermore, remember that oil markets worldwide are always priced in dollars. The dollar has slid a few dozen percent in less than a year. This effect alone is an order of magnitude greater than the price wars on the California roadways.
Posted by Nick (Member # 4311) on :
*just filled up at the pump today* $26 This doesn't actually do anything you know....
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
I probably fill up the car only once every two months. I work at home, and my wife tends to do most of the driving. If it weren't for Hatrack, I wouldn't even be aware that gas prices are high. Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
quote: But there are too many who don't care or won't sacrifice their comfort for one day
You mean the comfort of going today rather than yesterday or tomorrow?
I salute patriots like you Stargate. Keep up the good work.
Posted by Lupus (Member # 6516) on :
quote: BTW, I fight high gas prices by driving a vehicle that gets 70+ mpg and voting for those who don't take the environment for granted.
Thats quite a car...clearly a hybrid...what kind?
As for voting, polititions who don't take the environment for granted don't exist. Even those who claim they are pro environment drive SUVs and have private planes.
Personally, I drive an SUV...which is bad I know, but I move around a lot and need the room to fit my stuff in. I figure it balances out as I don't drive around town all that much, as I use the bus service a lot.
Posted by Ron Lambert (Member # 2872) on :
Lupus did not say he was driving a car. The only vehicle I know of that gives 70 mpg is a motorcycle. They're ok for some people, but have obvious drawbacks. It's probably patriotic to drive a motorcycle if you also carry an organ donor card with you.
Posted by Christy (Member # 4397) on :
Its also national bike to work week. I think these gas-boycott days usually coincide with this week.
There are lots of things you can do to conserve energy and it is good to be aware of them and to try to cosnerve as much as possible. Still, I agree that a one-day gas boycott is pretty useless.
Posted by Wendybird (Member # 84) on :
I would love a hybrid car. They were talking about them on the local radio here last week and the local wait time is over a year to get one because so many have pre-ordered they go out the door faster than they come in. I am driving a lot less than I was two months ago, combining trips when I can. I wish we had better public transportation and we can't bike or walk much now that its May in the desert. No more biking or walking till October....
Posted by IdemosthenesI (Member # 862) on :
I get 70+ mpg and my vehicle is a lot more fun to drive than any SUV. This is MY " hybrid car ." Not much fun grocery shopping, but it gets me around just fine.
Posted by Richard Berg (Member # 133) on :
Someone with a nickname "Lupus" should know The VW Lupo gets better than 70mpg and is a lot cheaper than the ultra-high-tech Prius. Or on the other end of the weight/utility scale, my car can get 70mpg (1500mi+ range) with the cruise on 50mph, but it can also hold 40 cu ft of cargo, 5 large adults, and tow a 2000lb trailer through the mountains at 90mph if I so choose.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
![[ROFL]](graemlins/rofl.gif)
peterh
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
This doesn't actually do anything you know....
![[Dont Know]](graemlins/dontknow.gif)
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because so many have pre-ordered they go out the door faster than they come in. I am driving a lot less than I was two months ago, combining trips when I can. I wish we had better public transportation and we can't bike or walk much now that its May in the desert. No more biking or walking till October....