by uNkNowN ElEmEnt » Thu 24 Mar 2005, 13:51:36
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'b')ut if things got serious enough, is it inconceivable that the American public would actually realize that it is in their own interest to reduce their excessive consumption? I think how this plays out will have an immense impact on the whole PO situation...
That is a reallly interesting point. I think that when they started outlawing tobacco there was a general shift in perception. it went from being socially acceptable to disgusting.
PO however, would be different because of a couple of things.
1) the modern suburb has made gas consumption a necessary evil. its too much a part of modern life.
2) instead of having a perceptual shift away from consumption to conservation, I think it more likely that people will follow this change kicking and screaming.
They won't like it and will blame everyone, but its such a necesary evil (a concentrated for of freedom to many that now replaces constitutional freedom) that they will pay outrageous prices and not think that cutting back is a viable alternative, until they absolutely have to. Comments?