Upstate Chris, I Don’t Understand Something You Said.
You said, " It is been our tradition to keep government out of our lives as much as possible, as compared to other countries. However, that leaves more decisions are being made by stupid people and when it comes to the environment and energy, those choices are not only about personal freedom anymore."
You leave me no choice but to conclude that you believe that the U.S. citizenry includes some individuals that you consider to make “stupid” decisions with their freedom of choice, correct? However, our Government is somehow made up of people, none of whom make “stupid” decisions, as is illustrated by other countries where citizens have less freedom?
I’d take a perfectly running 10 year old Suburban over a new vehicle that’s had the check engine light illuminated for the past 6 months because the owner doesn’t feel like replacing the catalytic converter that’s gone bust on it. I’m pretty sure the Suburban would be producing cleaner exhaust fumes than the newer car with the broken cat-con
the same question could be returned to you. the majority of americans don’t drive a V8. however companies such as Audi, MB, BMW, Ferrari, Aston Martin to name a few all produce V10’s and V12’s. how fast do you europeans need to go? obviously this could be viewed as a somewhat inflamatory response. my point is just that because American makers offer V8’s it is erroneous to assume that all americans drive one. I am also sick of the endless BS echoing from across the “pond”. American cars are different from european car but not necessarily inferior. we don’t use as many diesel engines as europe because we have much more stringent regulations on NOx production (big issue with diesels). -what, America is greener?
Americans are reasonable people. Driving at only 15 mph to 30 mph above the posted speed limit (whatever it may be) is fine for most. Bigger egos will, of course, have to go faster than that accepted norm.
Ok, Caddyman, I’m REALLY scared now (as I roll my eyes).
Idiots still persist in this country, however, I would say a good 95% of these posts were written by decent and considerate folks who do not need to inflate their egos for lack of performance in other areas… like, say the bedroom.
Drivers regardless of nationality need to go safely and prudently for existing conditions. Posted limits are irrelevant to safety and may in fact reduce safety unless they are at the 85th percentile of average traffic flow speed.
The engine configurations and sizes manufacturers offer and consumers choose to purchase are market driven. Assuming a big V8 is fuel thirsty may not be correct. The American Corvettes (6.2L V8 in 430HP and 638HP, respectively) get 19 - 21 mpg overall and 28 -31 on the highway (ConsumerReports testing). Mercedez-Benz SLK 3.5L V6 gets 21 overall, 29 hwy. Nissan Z (3.5L V6) gets 20 overall, 27 hwy. Porsche’s base Boxter (2.7L V6) gets 22 overall and 29 hwy. The big V8 is not inefficient.
Isn’t calling someone’s American (or British or French or Canadian or ‘insert country of origion here’) rights to freedom and choice stupid a choice in itself?
Freedom of speech is also regarded as a wonderful liberty here in America. Whether you argee with the opionon’s of another (even if those opionons are critical of America or the way of life in America) or disagree is also a choice. A choice you are free to express. Incongruity is open for discussion in this country. So for all your posts about freedom and choice, it might be helpful to respect this in others- regardless of whether you agree.
I can only hope for your own sanity that you are not serious. People in our government- and any other government for that matter- make stupid decisions all the time. What world are you living in?
