the return of the gas guzzlers and more waste

Unfortunately, gas prices have dipped considerably in the past few months. That has people "changing" their driving habits again. Some psychologists and other luminaries, who probably never heard of addiction before, had already been wondering if Americans had truly changed their minds on driving. Give me a break ! There is no way people could change these habits even if they wanted to. They are addicts. 

All summer long they were like smokers sitting through a long flight, eager to light up as soon as they got off the plane. Now that they are on safe ground again, they are fuming like the old smokestack.

Today we read that Ford has recalled 1,000 workers to build more F-150's next year. The F-150 is one of those gas-guzzling monster pickups that people had been craving but were forced to hold off on because of the $4 a gallon gas prices. Now Ford is convinced there is pent-up demand "from business users who need it for their jobs." Seriously, that is what they said. If you believe that you believe in Santa Claus too. It is the season after all.

F-150's are largely bought by people who don't need a truck but who have an intense desire to show off in public. People who are no doubt very insecure and have wet dreams about Rambo at night. I don't doubt that there are a few small businesses who legitimately need a truck but one look at the F-150 will tell you that this truck was not designed for that crowd. The F-150 is designed for the average commuter who wants to tell other commuters, look at me, I am powerful.

Needless to say this is another dumb decision. Gas prices are sure to go up again as soon as people start driving again. Now is not the time to load up on cars that will soon have to be abandoned because you hate the $100+ fill-up at the pump.

Unfortunately, our great politicians missed another chance to do something smart and to prevent future headaches. If the government is going to give money to Ford, they should at least tell them to stop making these types of vehicles.

Meanwhile, the bankers on Wall Street are going to pay $40 billion in bonuses, fees, pensions and other goodies to their "hard-working" executives. That is more than they will pay for all their other workers combined. And guess where they will get the money? Bail-out? BINGO. You said it!!