not connected

Every day thousands of gallons of oil enter the Gulf of Mexico. The spectacle, now surely the worst environmental disaster in US history, is making people mad. Images of dying birds, floating tar balls and once-pristine beaches covered in muck are making America angry. That much makes sense. But do these same Americans make the connection to their gas-guzzling SUV's, their oversized pickup trucks and all the miles they drive each and every day? Hardly.

When asked, people sounded frustrated, angry and upset. Their rage was directed at BP and big oil companies; their sympathies were with the fishermen of the Gulf. But did they for one instant think they themselves were playing an active role in this disaster? Did they ever sit back and think about the true cause of this travesty? Fat chance.

All the journalists heard was people explaining how they NEEDED to drive all those miles, how they NEEDED their big truck, how they NEEDED their cheap gas, how they NEEDED oil and how America NEEDED to free itself from foreign imports of oil and gas.

Well then, there is only one logical conclusion one can draw from all this: we godt what we deserved. And surely there is more to come.

Ford sends the wrong message

We all know Detroit is in trouble. But what are the automakers doing to resolve their problems? The short answer is nothing. They are doing business as usual and waiting for government bailouts.

Don't look to the automakers to help solve the world's problems. Quite the contrary. Ford is touting its new 365 HP Taurus SHO. Who on earth needs a 365 HP car to sit in traffic jams? But wait, that is not the whole story. The car is equipped with EcoBoost™ technology. What is that you ask? Well it sounds good doesn't it? And that is really what matters to Ford.

Whatever it is EcoBoost is doing, it is sending the wrong message. Ford claims you get a V6 engine with all the potency of a V8. Doesn't potency sound like either a sexual term or a drug property to you? No doubt Ford is hoping you will interpret it that way. A car on (sex) steroids. It is an unbeatable combination, especially if you add the feel-good EcoBoost™ to the mix. Green sex steroids for you America.

If Ford has truly devised a way to make engines more fuel efficient, they are also making it very clear why technology will NEVER solve our greenhouse gas problem. The reason is very simple: every time an innovation allows for better efficiency, the industry will use it to build bigger engines and then some. The net result is either neutral or in many cases negative.

Why would anyone need an eight cylinder car? Why do they need a six cylinder? The average commute speed is 27 mph in most areas. Cars not only pollute, they also make people lazy and fat. These fat people then develop all kinds of expensive chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension. All of it to the infinite delight of big pharma, which is ever ready to supply medications to treat such life-long conditions. Can't make money if the patient dies or heals too quickly.

Ironically enough, those same healthcare costs are now cutting into Detroits margins? How is that for karma?

Take my advice. Say no to Ford and its potent dildo. Tell them to build a small fuel efficient car. And then use it as little as possible. You will be happier and live better too. Ride your bike to a breath of fresh air.

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!!