As I expected, the recently designated "do not pump gas day" was ineffective as a protest against rising fuel costs. In fact, it did just the opposite and prices went up. Such an action will make no impact unless we are willing to carry it on into our daily lives.
Research indicates that Americans could increase their fuel efficiency 15 percent by driving 60 mph instead of 70 mph, and save 750 million gallons of gas a year by simply keeping their tires inflated to their proper pressure. Imagine what message we could send if we just drove five miles less per week.
It has been speculated that there will be a record amount of miles driven this summer even though gas may hit $4 per gallon. This behavior is mind boggling.
Don't people realize that the effects of these fuel price increases will dramatically increase our cost of living in the months and possibly years to come? Will our wages go up to compensate for it? It is almost as if I'm witnessing a race to the bottom.
We must use our common sense and pocketbooks to send a more sincere message to big oil that we are not as dependent upon them as they think.
Let's begin to display authentic patriotism and become better citizens of the world by buying a tire gauge, slowing down, riding bikes or walking to sacrifice a few miles a week, and attempt to live simply so others can simply live.
