Come on "DU" let's try and do something about GAS PRICING

[A wise Man]

I received this e-mail yesterday and agree 101%. Please pass it on. This is a nationwide effort to do something about the oil companies that are ripping us off each and everyday!!!!


Don't pump gas on may 15th
In April 1997, there was a "gas out" conducted nationwide in protest of gas prices. Gasoline prices dropped 30 cents a gallon overnight.

On May 15th 2007, all internet users are to not go to a gas station in protest of high gas prices. Gas is now over $3.00 a gallon in most places.

There are 73,000,000+ American members currently on the internet network, and the average car takes about 30 to 50 dollars to fill up.

If all users did not go to the pump on the 15th, it would take $2,292,000,000.00 (that's almost 3 BILLION) out of the oil company's pockets for just one day, so please do not go to the gas station on May 15th and lets try to put a dent in the Middle Eastern oil industry for at least one day.

If you agree (which I cant see why you wouldnt) resend this to all your
contact list. With it saying, ''Don't pump gas on May 15th"

[Blue-Jay]

1. .

http://www.snopes.com/politics/gasoline/nogas.asp

[A wise Man]

3. Thanks Blue-Jay

I had to make sure so I post it.

[bigtree]

33. that Scopes crap is an opinion on the impact on the industry. There WILL be folks participating.

There doesn't have to be a crippling or a rippling impact for this action to have recognition. This is a protest action, much like other protest actions which intend to register an opinion by demonstrating numbers of like-minded folks willing to act. It's a shot across the bow. It's much more worthwhile than all of the time some are putting into dissuading people from participating.

[Dukkha]

69. snopes has lost it's way

It used to be a site devoted to categoring and debunking urban legends. This hardly falls under that category since it hasn't even occurred yet. Now it's just a site to collecting the constant mindless chain emails sent across the Internet into the in boxes of naive and gullible Middle America. The emails live and die faster than an America Idol career and are hardly considered "legends" even in the loosest terms.

[formerrepuke]

2. I'm already doing something- taking the bus...(not a viable option for

everyone, but public transportation in this country needs some attention)

[Freddie Stubbs]

4. Hoax:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/gasoline/nogas.asp

[bigtree]

13. I just listened to a program on my local public radio, Pacifica

The moderator mentioned the boycott and spoke of the number of folks who had indicated they'd participate.

I tend to think the only 'hoax' is from folks trying to dissuade us from exercising our activism.

[bigtree]

14. Don't let these folks claiming this May15th initiative is a hoax

dissuade you from participating.

It may not be a significant event, but it is an action which many folks plan to participate in, whether it is an old idea or not.

[Freddie Stubbs]

17. If you really want to affect gas prices, you need to reduce overall consumption

Not just one day consumption. Everyone is looking for a quick fix rather than a long-term solution.

[bigtree]

34. This isn't a 'quick fix' - It's a consumer action, much like other consumer actions

It doesn't have to end with this boycott, and it likely won't.

[havocmom]

37. LOL some around here don't get that point.

But we'll keep making it. :thumbsup:

[bigtree]

38. why does it have to be either or?

of course reducing consumption is the answer, but that argument shouldn't be used to dissuade folks from engaging in protests over the higher prices. Who said the protest was a panacea?

[ChairmanAgnostic]

5. gas prices should RISE another 50-100%.

and if the companies try to manipulate them again, raise them higher.

We HAVE to change the way we do business on the basis of oil. the only way to do that is to take a few easy steps.
raise the cost of oil to the consumer. This will change driving habits, construction plans favoring cars and endangering pedestrians, change how we transport ourselves and increase the popularity of public trans.

Use that tax revenue to fund research and DEVELOPMENT of alternate sources, and not some faux choice like ethanol.

reward private usage of wind/solar/thermal/ insulation and other energy saving-generation-usage methods.

[CookCountyResident]

8. Man and woman being harassed by the State of Illinois

for using recycled vegetable oil in their car.

http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2007/03/01/news/local_news/1021491.txt
State makes big fuss over local couple's vegetable oil car fuel

[CookCountyResident]

9. Unfortunately public transportation

does not go where I need to go. The bus routes in the Chicago suburbs need to be re-thought completely.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

43. the el train system needs major expansion

into the burbs, and across the lines.

The suburb bus routes suck, I agree.

[Squatch]

6. Not this tired ol' chain e-mail again.

[elocs]

7. If you cannot understand how everybody would not agree with the idea,

then you should think again. I mean, really, really think about how such a super great idea this is that you could not conceive how anybody would not agree with it. I don't agree. I don't pass on emails because I have finally got people I know to stop doing that kind of thing to me. So we don't pump gas on the 15th, but do it on the 14th or the 16th. What could possibly be wrong with that kind of idea?

[lapfog_1]

11. Even if you magically got everyone on the planet to not buy

gas on XXX date, it would matter not.

It's like getting everyone to stop breathing for 30 seconds at the same time... would we use any less oxygen as a result... nope, not even a molecule.

Stop driving for one day... THAT would get noticed. In fact stop driving one day a month or one day a week.
Don't drive to the office, school and grocery. Walk, take a bus, ride a bike. Just don't drive.

If you could get everyone to do that, then you would hurt the oil companies and the oil producers.

But it will not hurt them at all to simply not buy for one day... they won't even notice (other than to chuckle at the press reports).

[ChairmanAgnostic]

44. what you said.

the problem is there is no way to make it work. If people store up gas the day before, or eek out until the next day, what's the point?

[uppityperson]

67. Good comparison, stop breathing for 30 seconds. On the other hand, whatever.

Decrease consumption. Overall. If someone wants to do it, go ahead. Just go ahead and do it. Just because it hasn't worked any of the other times, it just might do something so go ahead and do it. Whatever.

[lfairban]

90. When our office got moved downtown, I quit driving to work . . .

. . . I found it was faster to bike there than to use a car because I could park the bike right in front of the building. It was faster than taking the bus even though there is a bus stop only one block from my front door.

After a while, I got an e-bike.

[bigtree]

29. It's the same concept as a protest which includes a work stoppage.

we work even harder the next day (or the day before) to make up for the loss of time and productivity, but that in no way devalues the protest.

[elocs]

53. So everybody skips their fix for 1 day to show the pusher we are not really addicts.

Then the next day we shoot up with another tankful of gas. I think the pusher finds this very amusing.

[bigtree]

71. you seem amused

do all protests with no immediate effect deserve your ridicule, or just this one?

[elocs]

85. Just this one. n/t

[meegbear]

10. Appears to be a variation on the "Don't Buy Gas ..." chain emails

http://www.breakthechain.org/exclusives/gasout.html

[TreasonousBastard]

12. How about "Don't buy gas ever again" or...

at least reduce the amount you do buy all year long.

Lobby for more mass transit, and USE IT.

Take that expensive bicycle you profile with on weekends and use it to (gasp!) actually go to the store or work. Note that it is not necessary to wear Speedos in order to ride a bicycle.

Buy fuel efficient cars if you have to have a car. And drive it for efficiency more than performance.

Use less plastic, because that's made from oil.

And lots of other stuff everyone can do, because the price of a gallon of gas will never go back to the price of a gallon of water.

Take special note that there is no "right" to cheap gasoline.

[mrcheerful]

15. Better yet how about regulating refineries? On the Today show this morning

the new excuse for high gas prices is a refinery had an unexpected shut down. That was the whole news report. So I'm left to wonder WTF?

[stirlingsliver]

16. Here's A Better Idea; GIVE UP

Here's a better idea:

Just give up gasoline altogether.

Buy a bicycle. Use it.

Walk.

Take public transportation that uses natural gas or biofuel.

Don't consume gasoline -- EVER!!

[mrcheerful]

18. Works great as long as you can ride a bicycle. Public transportation? Well if your fortunate to live

where they have good bus services great. Just don't use the handi cap bus services as you will get there on time but getting home is another story, my MIL has to wait sometimes for 3 hours after her kidney machine blood cleaning is done for the handi bus shows up to bring her home. Nothing like waiting for a bus to show up after treatment.

[stirlingsliver]

20. Your MIL Should Raise Some HELL

Your mother in law's situation is just unacceptable!

She (or someone on her behalf) should raise hell and threaten to SUE.

The ADA requires better than what your mother in law is receiving.

[SmokingJacket]

21. If you have to drive, you have to, of course.

But there are a lot of people who could cut way back on driving and WOULD if it were expensive enough.

The point is a one day boycott won't make a difference, but if enough people really did cut back on driving in general it would make a big one.

[stirlingsliver]

25. Many Who Think They "Have To" Drive

Many people who think they "have to" drive really don't.

People existed before cars.

People can and do make adjustments in their lives for the good of the planet.

[mrcheerful]

28. Tell that to someone that takes 15 minutes to walk 100 yards. Seems some forget how disabled lived

before autos, those fortunate not to be put into state hospitals mainly lived their lives inside family homes. As it is I only drive for doctors visits, food shopping and paying bills. The rest of the time, 20 to 29 days I'm sitting at home trying not to go ape shit crazy. And theres more of us that live that way in the handi capped world since gas got so high.

[stirlingsliver]

32. I'm Glad You Are Able To Drive.

I'm glad that your situation is such that you are able to drive.

But I am sorry that there are some people who simply cannot afford to buy gasoline.

The number of poor people who are unable to drive -- because they cannot afford to pay $3.00+ per gallon of gas -- is rising.

We may soon ALL be forced to sit a home and try not to go ape shit crazy.

[mrcheerful]

41. Oh never mind me, its just frustrating that with insurance costs, the up keep on keeping a 30 year

old vehicle running, gas prices are really cutting into my budget. I stopped driving for pleasure when gas got above $2 a gallon. Whats really getting me down is the repukes and their attitude about disabled living high off the government hog. Bad day you know? It gets tiring that anyone can say that poor people are living off the fat of the land. It's also frustrating that with limited funds you can't get loans so your stuck driving old auto's and you feel trapped.

[Garbo 2004]

77. In the late 80's I worked in legislative analysis for a CA state agency and a governor appointee

who made at that time around $85-90K/year (he'd previously served in the Reagan administration and was an appointee of the Repub Wilson administration in CA) who thought that any car that couldn't pass a CA smog check should be just taken off the road, no exceptions. People could just buy new cars, he thought. It was his great idea he thought we should promote.

Yeah, with his income he could readily buy a new car anytime he wanted. But I pointed out that many of the folks in CA who had old "junkers" that just couldn't be repaired to pass the test probably weren't in a position to just go out and buy new cars. They likely were using their old cars just to get to work and get by and couldn't afford new cars that would pass the proposed new smog standards. That was like a revelation to him. And he really wasn't an inherently evil man (he was a nice boss actually but clueless) and was partially disabled himself, but he'd just been on the well paid politcal gravy train for so long that he was way out of touch with the average working person, much less poor person. Not particularly imaginative. He had lucked out, made influential connections and somehow seemed to assume everyone else could live as he lived. Despite ample facts to the contrary.

As for petroleum fuel prices, they affect everything. Not just the price at the pump for the average consumer, but trucking industry, food prices, etc.

As for the disabled, good grief. Many years ago a co-worker of mine was only able to work because of his care-giver and his van, both partially subsidized as I recall by some state program. Great guy and anyone of us could find ourselves in a similar position, due to an accident or illness, although his was a disability from birth. What it took for him to get to work each day left me shamed by comparison. Another former co-worker I recently learned found himself in a similar position due to a catastrophic car accident. Fortunately he was able to return to work, but is now in a wheelchair and partially paralyzed. Both smart, funny, hardworking guys who have lot to offer to the workplace and society, whatever their physical disabilities may be.

When it comes to my tax money going to help those being able to maintain their dignity as human beings as opposed to the likes of Halliburton and other corps making their easy profits off the public teat, I'll go with the average folks who just want to live their lives and contribute to society, not feed off it for profit.

Our priorties as a gov't and society are screwed. But you knew that already. Sorry I'm not a ray of sunshine here. But I do occasionally think of what I would do in this society if I didn't have the physical abilities and benefits I now have. And it scares me.

[mrcheerful]

88. I had my first car accident in 1962, I was 5 and was running from my dads belt, right into the

path of a car. I had a broken neck and minor brain damage that caused cerebral palsy like symptoms, (the doctor labeled it as secondary CP ). When I was 25 it was discovered that my condition worsened the harder I pushed myself, (I always wondered why after 2 or 3 months at a job I started having problems dropping things, falling down and job accidents )now mind you I was told up to then that my problem was lack of exercise, which struck me as odd because most of the time I was walking anywhere from 1 mile to the bus stop, 1/2 a mile each way, then in my high school years I was walking 5 miles home from school because I was taking extra classes, yet I felt exhausted all the time and I was having troubles with falling nearly every day, at least 3 or 4 times a day. I got good at falling and injuries were scraps and bruises. I joke around and tell people I have 2 speeds slow and reverse, lol. It now takes me 15 minutes to walk 100 yards, I have problems with chemicals, everything from bleach to gas causes breathing problems and rashes, so I can't work as a gas station clerk anymore. My right arm is below 25% use ( I'm right handed ) I throw left handed but had to stop because I kept hitting my gf, lol. I manage to do most automotive repairs as long as the Van isn't needed for a few hours, 15 minute repairs end up taking 2 to 3 hours, depending on how many times I drop tools or break parts. Its frustrating having the know how to do automotive repairs, everything from engines to body repairs, but it takes me 4 times longer to get things finished then non disabled folks and no one would hire me because of the time it takes me to finish the work. Plus the fact that most of the tools I have collected keeps disappearing and I end up not having the tools I need to do the job I want to do. Friends, family and kids + tools = no tools, lol. Then I get republican boot licker's telling me that I don't try hard enough. Thats what was going on when I posted most of my posts. Then on top of it my gf found out 2 years ago that she has degenerative disc disease and her disc's have bone spurs wrapped around the spinal cord which not only makes them unable to be removed, but also as the spurs thicken they press on her spinal cord, so she's now using a walker to get around with and shes limited on what she can do, she no longer can go shopping, cleaning house, bathe herself, wash her hair, shave her legs. Yet not only is SSI giving her a hassle but she has family that insist that she's not that bad off because they know people in worse shape that work. So we are struggling to get through each day money wise, we are raising a 16 year old who wants his drivers license and god knows where we will get that money from plus what thats going to do to insurance costs. It never ends, then the gf gets upset when I say things like I look forwards to death, lol. Well death is easy, living is hard as far as I can tell. lol.

[Connie_Corleone]

19. How many times is this hoax going to be posted here?

[Javaman]

22. I now take the bus and I have gotten my travel to and from work by car

down to twice a month.

I now fill up my car 6 times a year.

When I soon get my new Toyota Corolla, I will be filling up 3 times a year.

This is what will make the oil companies freak out.

[endarkenment]

23. The price ought to be carbon-use taxed and at least 2x current levels.

The additional tax revenue ought to all go to rebuilding existing light rail public transportation infrastructure, subsidizing mass transit costs in order to improve service and reduce fares, and funding new mass transit projects. In addition there ought to be a nationwide moratorium on new federal highway construction.

Oh wait, not what you meant. Nevermind.

[Babsbrain]

24. Let's make a statement

So what if it doesn't work. WE are the majority...let's start using our numbers to do SOMETHING!

If we say we will fail....we will. If we say we will win....we will!

[havocmom]

26. Yeah, not buying gas on a particular day is as meaninful as driving with lights on

Pointless.

[bigtree]

30. As 'pointless' as ANY protest

not at all.

[Babsbrain]

31. Pointless?

Why have you given up? You need to be less pessimistic. Maybe you have better ideas? Let's hear 'em. IF you aren't part of the solution, etc. etc.

[havocmom]

35. Refusing to engage in useless gestures is not giving up

You and I have had this exchange before.

Slapping a yellow ribbon on a car is NOT supporting the troops.

Turning your headlights on will NOT stop the war.

Going to the pumps on May 14 or May 16, but NOT on May 15 will not lower gas prices.

Many here work EXTREMELY hard on activities which do affect issues. Silly things like lights and driving past the gas station on ONE specific day are just fluff for show and have no effect on anything save the misplaced sense of having done their share on the part of naive participants.

Support the troops by hammering reps on the Hill and doing things which ACTUALLY do support the troops, like getting the truth about their conditions and the shortcomings in VA treatment once they return.

Wanna stop the war? Keep hammering reps on the Hill and doing things to teach others why the war is wrong.

Wanna lower gas prices? Not gonna happen. So work to increase mass transit and alternative energies.

Sorry to tell ya again that band-aid, jeepers, I feel so good with my ribbon on my fender gestures are not gonna do anything but make a few neocons (who might notice) chuckle.

[Babsbrain]

39. We are WAY past teaching

IF people don't know the war is wrong by now, 'teaching' them is NOT going to change their mind. They don't care that the war is wrong. It is time to show that the majority rules. It is time to unite with one voice. It is time to effect change however we can. And that starts with one step. Take that step.

[havocmom]

40. Shall I turn on my lights?

:rofl: Been taking steps against corrupt politicians and policies for over 40 years now.

Rah Rah to someone who thinks it's cute.

[Babsbrain]

42. how's that been working for ya?

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

27. consider retrofitting your car

Mother Earth has the plans available again for making your car into a hybrid. Also there are places that have kits to make your car into an electric--basically it's take out the engine and bolt in their own electric one in. My husband is doing research and is planning to do this to one of our many dead vehicles. Cost-$4000-$8000, which is a lot, but not as much as a new hybrid.

[Babsbrain]

36. GET OFF YOUR ASS AND DON'T BUY GAS!

on May 15

[Sanctified]

45. This will never work.

One day will never effect giant corporations and they most likely will see record daily profits on the 14th and 16th.

If you want to lower the price of gas you need everyone to consume 20% less fuel which is completely feasible.

[bigtree]

46. depends on the goal

I think the suggestion that folks are expecting some impact on the industry income or profits is a strawman. I haven't seen ANYONE suggest this one action would be much more than a standard protest.

The ideas about consumption are valid, but that is an ongoing goal. This is a one day action which hopes to get enough numbers participating to make a statement. I plan to park my auto that day with no special, compensating fill-up.

[MilesColtrane]

62. Re: making a statement

Who do you intend to hear your statement?

Oil Companies?
The only actions that companies take notice of are actions that impact their profits.
A boycott that doesn't actually reduce the amount of product purchased doesn't do that.

Politicians?
Your time and effort emailing and rallying people to not purchase gas on a specific day would be better spent emailing and rallying people to contact their representatives.

The General Public?
Everybody knows gas prices are ridiculously high, and I suspect that most people think oil companies are gouging us.
If the goal of the protest is to raise awareness of reducing consumption, there are better ways of doing it. (...ways that actually reduce consumption, i.e. "Take a Bike to Work Day")

The Protesters?
This is the real reason for such a protest. It helps people who think they are powerless feel better about their situation.

Protest away!! But, please consider logically the impact of such a protest, and be intellectually honest about it's motivation.

[bigtree]

65. honest about it's motivation?

I suppose YOU will decide what motivates the participants . . . what a crock to come on here and tell folks that their effort is nothing more than a feel good exercise.

By the way, where is you 'bike day' protest. I'd be glad to participate. What makes you think this one protest is the end all, beat all. It's one expression, and those who decide to participate shouldn't be ridiculed or put into your biased box.

[havocmom]

47. It will give those oil execs a chuckle

to think about people actually thinking it will make a difference.

Make Congress pass SERIOUS mileage requirements and move toward better mass transit. THAT would give the execs heartburn. ;)

[bigtree]

48. I imagine that reaction from industry bigots follows EVERY protest action

you seem to be laughing along with them

[Kelly Rupert]

81. What do you expect them to do?

"Oh, hey, it looks like people don't like paying high (that is, still the lowest in the industrialized world, but higher than they're used to) prices for gasoline!"

"People don't LIKE IT? We thought they did! That's it, starting tomorrow, we'll sell the stuff below cost!"

[bigtree]

92. these folks who are participating are likely folks who are doing all of the other things suggested

and don't deserve the scorn of folks who don't choose to join in.

Also, there are plenty of protests and actions which don't affect the target's bottom line. I'm really surprised at the attempts to marginalize and minimize whatever other concerns and efforts participants may be engaged in and support.

[Babsbrain]

49. Methinks

thou doth protest the protest too much

[havocmom]

51. Can you say anything directly?

Meaningfully?
:rofl:

[A wise Man]

50. Totally amazing

Big oil companies raising gasoline prices, stealing from the consumers every day making rediculous profits, not giving any reason sense the lame ones of KATRINA, we complain about it everyday. Now a post here at DU to make an effort to pull together and do something, anything and I have to read the response of complaints of defeatist attitudes.

[havocmom]

52. not buying fuel on one particular day won't do diddly

Pointing that out is not defeatist.

[Babsbrain]

54. AHHHH

But it might unite us...something that we obviously need. By that one simple gesture, of NOT doing something (that's not too hard is it?) could do what 'they' don't want us to do....speak with one voice.

Sure, it won't do anything to the bottom line...but it could be the first step in the majority finding its voice. Silent as it is.

[B Calm]

82. Individual truckers have been talking about strike by shutting down

their trucks.

[A wise Man]

83. Thank you for at least

using your common sense

[Freddie Stubbs]

63. Why not just have a Star Trek marathon instead?

It will have the same effect on oil companies that boycotting them for one day. Nothing.



If you really want to effect prices, you need to reduce consumption. Buying on a deferent day means you buy the same amount of gas.

[Kelly Rupert]

78. You aren't proposing doing something. You're proposing doing nothing

and patting yourself on the back afterwards.

[Evoman]

55. This is the dumbest thing I'ver ever heard.

Why not just have a "DON'T DRIVE" day instead. That might actually make a difference. This kind of idiot "one day" boycott won't do shit except make the gas lines longer the day before.

[bigtree]

58. in order to make it an efffective individual boycott, I intend to park my car

When we had a work-stoppage protest, we worked harder the day before (and the day after). That didn't devalue the protest at all. We didn't want to crush our employers, just register our complaint by demonstrating the numbers who were willing to take some kind of action against the abuses.

[Evoman]

61. I don't think your quite getting it.

Protests rely on the fact that SOMEONE will hear you. The elites, the government, the business, etc. But THIS WILL NOT REGISTER ON OIL COMPANIES. AT ALL. ZILCH. NADA. YOU ARE DOING NOTHING. NOTHING. In fact, your doing WORSE than nothing...you may unintentionally hurt the local gas stations who hardly make a profit on gas AT ALL but need people to come in to buy confectionaries.

Park your car...thats better. But not buying gas....that will do nothing. Unless the CEO of an oil company actually reads an article in the newspaper he wouldn't even NOTICE this.

[bigtree]

66. I've been to MANY marginal protests with low visibility.

I imagine this one is the only one you feel comfortable enough to come here and ridicule.

[taught_me_patience]

56. this will do nothing

to lower net consumption. When the old car dies, then buy one with better gas milage. And added benefit is that these cars typically cost less too!

Seriously, gas is a fixed cost. Even if gas were $6/gal, I wouldn't change my driving habits in any way whatsoever (20k miles/year). I also invest in oil companies to help offset some of the additional cost. Good ones include XOM,COP,VLO,HAL,RIG.

[bigtree]

57. It's a protest action

which could be used to highlight the issue of higher prices against record industry profits. It could make as much difference as the number of folks who choose to participate and the actions they take afterward - as well as the actions of those the protest influences.

[Babsbrain]

59. If you absolutely, positively MUST buy gas on 15 May

At least go to CITGO. They are the only ones not dependent on Middle East oil.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citgo

[tjwash]

60. OMG!!1! Taht is teh roXors!!11!!!!!!

Are the AOL boards down today or something? How many times is this debunked pile of manure going to get posted on DU today?

[bigtree]

64. I'll tell you what. Despite your smug dismissal, many folks will be participating

including many in the audience who called in to our local Pacifica station today. The only MANURE is from folks trying to discourage those who intend to protest. What the fuck do you care? It should matter to you that people want to, and intend to, take a stand. It's not for you or anyone else to define how we protest.

But, have your fun.

[Kelly Rupert]

79. Participate all you want. It won't do a thing

I don't just mean "you won't change anything" on some grand level. I mean, it literally will not do anything. The oil companies will still sell exactly as much gas this month as they otherwise would have.

[uppityperson]

68. OMG! You are RIGHT!!! I NEVER try to do ANYTHING about GAS PRICING!!!

Or the Occupation of Iraq. Or e-voting. Or Katrina debacle. OMG!! I JUST WOKE UP!! Thank you SO much for TELLING me WHat to Do and THANK YOU KNOW WHOM for continuing to berate ANYONE who might not AGREE111 You convinced ME!!!

I wonder how much extra gas will get sold on the 14th.

[bigtree]

70. It's all about you

It's much more important to discourage participation in this protest and highlight what you want. This action will be over tomorrow. Looking forward to your efforts here afterward. I'm sure you weren't just interested in just discouraging people from protesting.

[uppityperson]

72. No, it is all about you hassling anyone who disagrees with you.

Posting almost insults, hassling anyone who disagrees with you that this is a wonderful idea. Just go look at the threads about this and you will see. We are wrong and you are right. OK, now just go do it and quit hassling those of us who do not join your enthusiasm. Just go do it and quit hassling everyone who disagrees, who is working to lower gas prices other ways. And don't drive for a day, start pushing that campaign. That might actually do something.

[Reterr]

75. Yeah you are not insulting at all

:eyes:. Its not like you posted an unwontedly obnoxious reply to an OP that wasn't really berating anyone for not doing stuff. Bigtree is right-it is always all about you.

[Reterr]

74. Ugh

What an obnoxious reply even if you disagree.
Do you have any actual friends :shrug:?
Your desire to jump into any clique that will have you on an online message borad, is rather scary.

[Garbo 2004]

73. Have any real data re: claims of April 1997 "gas out" & .30 drop "overnight" besides a chain email?

Reducing overall demand, but not for one day alone, likely would affect prices. When a CA refinery breaks down or catches fire, the oil companies in CA often quickly respond with an increase in prices due to their claims/anticipation of reduced supply. I don't recall them lowering prices overnight by as much as 30 cents due to a one day dip in demand. And prices are regional. They're not the same everywhere, neither are increases and decreases.

In April 1997 I worked with people who kept track of gasoline supply/demand and prices. If a one day boycott would have been that dramatically effective, perhaps I would remember it. Instead, I do remember price increases whenever a refinery went boom. And when demand was up. And whenever the oil companies felt like it.

More info on the email and the probable impact on prices: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18492185/

I buy gasoline maybe every 4 months. Use public transit and walk to/from work. But not everyone can viably do that in areas where they don't have access to decent public transportation or have circumstances that basically require that they use petroleum burning vehicles as their main form of transit.

But some folks even when they do have viable alternatives just will not get out of their cars. For example, purely anecdotal, I know some people at my workplace who live nearby in my area, with access to perhaps the most frequent daytime bus schedule (about every 15 minutes) in the city and they still won't get out of their cars. They don't have to drop off/pick up kids at school or other reasons for not using available public transit. One of these would park his car about a half mile or more from work at a lot and take a shuttle bus to get to work. When I mentioned the bus in our area would get him to work faster and cheaper (our employer subsidizes most of the cost of a monthly transit pass so it costs less than his monthly parking fee), he looked at me like I was nuts even to suggest he take public transit. And that's for a "commute" of about 3 miles one way. Ironically, our workplace encourages reducing energy consumption and promotes people using alternative transportation.

Of course I know others who bike that and more to work. Or take public transit. But I realize that such measures are not a feasible choice for many others in different circumstances. But some folks who have viable and even cost-beneficial and viable alternatives still will not get out of their cars when they have opportunities to do so. Go figure.

Reducing demand overall likely would have an impact. A one day boycott might make one feel good, but effective? Not really. But go ahead and boycott. But more importantly if you want to have even a small incremental impact, reduce consumption if you can, not just for one day but all year round.

[RB TexLa]

76. Should I not have oil and natural gas pumped out of my land that day?

Oh, wait that is actually what I do want to be able to do when the price is down, but don't have enough control over it.

[murloc]

80. AKA - Buy lots of Gas on May 14th day.

This does absolutely nothing by itself.

To make a difference, DON'T DRIVE on the 15th. THATS what will make a difference.

If you drive like normal on the 15th, the monthly sales figures, heck the WEEKLY sales figures don't change one iota for the gas companys.

Its not as if Gas companys get the fuel every day. This sort of inaction doesnt even change the delivery schedules, or the amounts delivered.

If it makes you feel better do it, but don't be fooled into thinking it changes anything.

[KharmaTrain]

84. NIMBY...Not In My Backyard

Gotta love boycotts...everyone's got one. There isn't a person I run into who isn't pissed at some corporate...who won't buy at this store or that one and that we all can agree on how greedy and inhuman our consumer culture has become. And sadly, that's the problem. Your boycott is well and good, but it's not mine and thus not as important...and since you don't see my cause/boycott as imporant, I really don't see yours that way either. Or...that's great to boycott but I can't (afford, need the product, own stock) as it hurts my basic needs...or the many who say "yeah, I'm with you"...then outta sight, outta mind...the intention is there, the followthrough and resolve isn't.

I've asked several times for sometime to show me a consumer boycott in recent years that has brought down a company. People can cite bad PR...such as a product recall...but not an orchestrated boycott over a prolong period of time that drove a company into financial distress. It's just too nebulous of a thing to do. It's affecting too many people in too many places over too long a period of time to be effective.

While I'm supportive of means to force corporations to be accountable and don't plan to fill up on May 15th, it is more out of the fact my consumption isn't that great compared to that of my son who needs his car to get to and from school or daughter who lives in a rural area and needs her car to drive to teach.

To me, it's not the consumption...sadly, until alternative fuels are forced upon corporate America, it's the obscene profits and consumption that should be spotlighted.

[theboss]

86. What is the message behind this protest?

Reduce gas prices or we will...um....yell or something.

Unless you actually change your buying habits for life, nothing will be affected by this.

Also, this email has been going around since 2002 at least.

[theboss]

87. By the way, did you also call about that distant relative in Africa who left you his fortune?

Why are you posting this chain email?

[dkofos]

89. If you really want to do something about GAS PRICING,

SUPPORT DENNIS KUCINICH

[B Calm]

91. What is DENNIS KUCINICH's plan? He's already in a position

to demand an investigation into oil companies gouging us! Is he doing anything right now?