Four dollar gas rocks!

Hey there! This post was written in 2008, so it may contain information that is no longer accurate or thoughts that no longer reflect how I feel. As human beings, we're constantly learning and bettering ourselves through experiences and interactions with the world and each other.

I keep posts like this around for historical purposes and to prevent link rot, so please keep this in mind as you're reading.

— Cory

Ever since gas hit three dollars a gallon, I've been championing higher fuel prices as much as possible. Most people get pissy when I tell them that the primary reason I want gas prices to go higher is because "it will keep all the lowlifes off the road". In fact, there are a multitude of reasons that higher gas prices will make things better for everyone in America.

First off, it will keep a lot of the lowlifes off the road, but it will also make people think twice before they drive somewhere. I used to see people from my neighborhood drive to the community mailbox almost daily. In the past few months, I can honestly say there have been more people walking. Little things like this, multiplied by every neighborhood in the United States, can create a huge, positive impact on energy conservation.

Another great side effect of higher gas prices is less pollution. If people are driving less, their cars aren't out there blowing smoke into the atmosphere. Simple. There have also been reports of less traffic accidents and fewer people clogging up the highways on the holidays. Additionally, mass transit use is at a 50 year high. All in all, higher gas prices are slowly breaking a bad habit we've had ever since motor vehicles became a common commodity. As many people are finally realizing, sometimes, you just don't need to drive.

In no way do I miss two dollar gasoline. If I had to pick a fuel-related topic to complain about right now, it would be all of the people who are bitching about high gas prices. Four dollars a gallon is still cheaper than most countries in Europe. If you really don't like it, move to Venezuela.