Gas Prices Should Reflect Fuel’s True Costs to Society
Arianna Huffington raises excellent points in her Nov. 26 commentary, “In the Time of Jesus, the Donkey Was the Vehicle, Not the Driver,” about the wastefulness of sport utility vehicles. Most people probably don’t set out to be wasteful of fuel; they merely want the convenience and luxury of the big SUVs and don’t really care about the consequences to the environment or to our national security. Is this the mark of a good citizen -- a patriot?
Clearly, the low cost of fuel helps drive this market, and we must face the fact that our government significantly subsidizes the cost of fuel. The estimated price tag on the possible Iraq war is $100 billion. Since this war is mostly about access to oil, it seems fair that at least part of this expense should be internalized in the price at the pump.
Many thousands of deaths in our country each year are because of air pollution, 60% of which is caused by automobile use. Again, it seems fair that a dollar figure be placed on fuel to cover the societal costs of this unnecessary loss of life. Internalize these costs at the pump and we have a more level playing field. Then, if someone wants to deploy a 6,000-pound vehicle to go shopping, at least he or she will be paying more of the true cost of oil, which all of us are now being forced to pay, regardless.
Paul Scott
Santa Monica
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Considering that, according to the Gospels, Jesus borrowed donkeys in his ministry, it is doubtful he would even own a car. If he were walking the Earth today, I believe he would ride the bus and use mass transit. Thus, it would be an environmental action, and an action closer to God, to consistently leave the car, truck, motor bike or SUV at home and ride the bus and mass transit as much as possible.
Matthew Hetz
Los Angeles
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During a recent visit to Germany I drove the autobahn for many hours and did not see a Suburban, Expedition, Navigator or Escalade. Mostly, I saw small, fuel-efficient automobiles and the occasional high-speed sports car. With gasoline at more than $4 a gallon in Germany, this makes sense. Moreover, most of the German people I encountered appeared fairly fit and trim.
Upon my return to LAX, my first impression was the startling preponderance of potbellied security officers in the immigration area. Later, driving on the 405 Freeway, I was surrounded by 3-ton SUVs. Are American obesity and our overweight vehicles connected?
Mark Osterstock
Ladera Ranch
