Why aren’t we more angry *period*?
By Med • Mar 25th, 2008 • Category: RantsGil’s post got me thinking. Realistically I’m not TOO angry about gas prices because any rational person should have seen it coming. This country ['s electoral college] voted into office (twice) an oil man who proceeded to invade an oil producing region of the world under false pretenses. Add that to the fact that compared to the rest of the world our oil prices are really quite cheap (note: the linked data is 2005. In 2005 the US average was about $2.25). You want to pay less for gas? Sell the Escalade and buy a Civic.
That having been said, I find myself in agreement with the ideals behind Gil’s post if not the specifics. What has become of us? Many of us grew up hearing stories from our parents about protesting Vietnam. Where is that dissent today? The number of US Military casualties in Iraq passed 4,000 this week. That’s more that 2 soldiers a day dying in a war seemingly fought over rhetoric. The only person I know who actively protests is, not surprisingly, my mother. Her generation had a healthy mistrust of the government and vocalized that. When Nixon lied he was impeached. When GWB lied (lies?) we see an angry op-ed in the New York Times then it’s quickly forgotten about. And I don’t just mean the war. What about the recent movement to give immunity to communication companies for assisting in illegal wiretaps? Of all the companies asked to provide the information without a warrant only Qwest protected it’s customers’ civil liberties, but that doesn’t seem to matter. We are giving our freedoms away.
Don’t want to go out and protest? Fine, vote with your wallet. Want vehicles to have better gas mileage? Don’t buy a Hummer. Think there’s nothing good on TV? Stop watching American Idol. Think there might be something to this “Global Warming” thing? Don’t buy products from companies that pollute irresponsibly. Want to have a helpful local business to shop at? Don’t spend money at places that practice predatory retail.
Go out tonight and rent “Network“:
“I want you to get up right now, sit up, go to your windows, open them and stick your head out and yell - ‘I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!’ Things have got to change. But first, you’ve gotta get mad!… You’ve got to say, ‘I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!’ Then we’ll figure out what to do about the depression and the inflation and the oil crisis. But first get up out of your chairs, open the window, stick your head out, and yell, and say it: “I’M AS MAD AS HELL, AND I’M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE!”“
Med is wondering where his keys are.
Email this author | All posts by Med
Halelujah you silly crackah. It’s about time someone else let out a rant on this site.
Now about your points. You say
Then I would still be paying the same for gas. I would just be buying less. But that’s just nit picking.
In any case, I agree. Get mad, people. Go out. Make a difference. If enough of us do, then I hear a change can happen.
Technically, you are “paying less for gas” if you are buying less.
For instance, my accountant said I payed less for prostitutes last year. Their prices didn’t go down, I just didn’t have the time.
As for global warming… i’m all for it. Pittsburgh could use a few less days of snow.
Well said!
I should have though about the prostitute math. Gil is always quicker to understand when hookers are involved.
Nice to hear from a geographically challenged Heathen!