I think if you read my message in it's entirety you would understand that this suggestion is an alternative to Phillip Hollsworth’s idea to not buying gas on a certain day. One that “makes much more since” Perhaps I should have made my point clear that, In my opinion, one should only buy gas from their local chains and small mom and pop stores rather then the big companies like Exxon. Yes, it is a bit lofty to think that the price of gas will go down to $1.50 a gallon . And yes I know I cannot do anything about the cost gas companies pay for their oil. However it IS in the power of the consumer to influence the cost WE pay for gas. If it became a popular and wildly practiced trend for Americans to purchase their gas from small chains then the big guys would be forced to lower their prices in a desperate attempt to gain back business. And at the very least we would be putting money back into local economies. Something most Americans do not think about and is a very real problem in our country. As a resident of Maryland who currently lives in Annapoils but has spent most of her life in the Baltimore metro area I am very aware of the mass transit system. And forgive me if there my husband doesn’t walk the 50 miles it takes for him to get to work In the DC metro area. And no there is no direct line of public transit from Annapolis to DC or is their a proposal for one (it was denied about 10 years ago) For him to take the bus to the train to another bus would be 4 hours out of his life a day. And yes he is on a carpool list waiting for others going his particular route matching his schedule. While public transportation is great for some it is not a practical option for everyone. Especially those in the Baltimore/ DC metro area. I will not take my 5 year old daughter and 2 year old son to the bus stop in Annapolis. I have been held up a gun point. I find it insulting that you would write a post such as yours without even reading mine. Perhaps it is my fault for simply reposting another’s bulletin. But I found the information worthwhile and something comparable to my beliefs. Despite the fast that it was not written in the most concise way I figured the members of this forum would also appreciate it. Perhaps it is something that would make complete sense to the people here. Something that they just haven’t thought about before? Who wouldn’t want to support small businesses? Who doesn’t want cheaper gas? Who wouldn’t want more money going back into their community? Money that they need to spend anyway. Gas is a necessary commodity. We can do what we can to reduce our reliance on it but the need will not go away. I know many people (especially those here) would rather buy goods from mom and pop stores. May people don’t because we cant afford it when the big box stores sell things so much cheaper. How often it is that something we need and want is actually cheaper from a small chain!? I know this post may be a little long to read but perhaps you will do more then just skim it through ? Respectfully, Annette

Posted by: cowboyind (My Page) on Sat, Jun 4, 05 at 7:59 That's right; lifestyle choices are highly changeable, and economics is one of the biggest factors affecting them. If gas were to go to $5 a gallon, you can predict these things with absolute certainty: -Big SUVs will be all but unheard of -The only people who will drive full-size pickup trucks to work will be those who use them in their job -Traffic will decrease significantly as people move closer to work, carpool, and eliminate unnecessary driving -Public transportation options will increase almost immediately, starting with shuttle and commuter buses The bottom line is, Europeans can better afford their $5 a gallon gas than Americans could, since most Europeans actually save a little money rather than spending every last penny, and because quite a few European countries have a higher per-capita income and standard of living than we do. If $5 gas makes it here, you'll probably see MORE attempts to economize than what you now see in Europe, because people here can less afford those high prices. I agree 99 % with the cowboy , which is pretty good for me. Economics will force our nation to be more and more like Europe - not a bad thing.... I disagree about the idea of toll roads - to directly pay someone sitting on his butt to use "his" road is wrong now and was wrong 100 years ago.. The highways belong to the people - they are ours - the present system (gas tax) is the best way of maintenance and new highways. Around here, SE PA, traffic is not really too bad, growth seems to be regulated some, but we definitely and obviously need another lane surrounding Harrisburg . The "highway/traffic designers" seem to have a penchant for creating congestion rather than fixing it..

I was SO glad to see so many posting. Welcome back everyone. NH Suzanne~So sorry to hear about your job. I know that you will land on your feet though. Nickname people call you: Patti Hair color -or dye color! and eye color: It is a golden blonde? eyes are blue Where ya from? How did you get there? Is there any place you’d rather live? I am from the panhandle of TX, moved to Midland, TX & back & forth from Dallas to Midland, then have been in FL for 10 years. Moving back to Midland sometime in the next 2 years Married/Divorced/In Transition/Widowed/Single (Check all that apply) Divorced twice, Married to my hero! & best friend Tattoo?-WHERE/Piercings?-HOW MANY? !!! ears are pierced once What do you do all day long? On computer, sewing, fun with friends & family, watch the wildlife, meetings, scrapbook, read, there is a ton of things to do Kids? How many? Genders? ok, I had 2 boys that are 32 & 28, 2 miscarriages, I have a son, 39 & daughter, 38 that followed me from another marriage, & a daughter 28 that came with this marriage...I have 6 or 8 grandchildren (the 38 y.o. is contemplating marriage & he will gain 2 children in that marriage...the 6 children are 9, 6, 5, 4, 1, & 11 months. 3 boys & 3 girls...the other two are 1 boy & 1 girl...a 10 y.o. & a 9 y.o. Pets? What kid and names. Why’d you name them THAT? not right now but I normally name my dogs after detectives just as a ha ha Sisters? Brothers? 1 sister, 21 months younger than me & 1 brother 16 months younger than her What object do you cherish the most-and would find hard to part with? I'm not much on objects but the one thing would be the table my grandmother left me b/c when we moved here I gave the rest of her things to my brother What memory do you love to think about? I love thinking about my grandmother & anything we did together & hope to make those kinds of memories with my grandchildren Favorite place to just hang out for and by YOURSELF? haven't been able to do that here in Florida since we only have one car & logistics make it difficult but I had a couple of spots in TX that I went to when I had difficulties with my exes. I guess here I would have to say my scraproom? If you were a crayon, what color would you be? teal Favorite smells? Name 3. lilacs, cinnamon, fresh bread Favorite FOOD (that means ONE.) Lobsta Name your potluck party never-fail dish: (we might ask for the recipe!) You know we almost always end up taking a brisket w/bar-b-que sauce so there will be a meat Last movie you saw? Despicable Me in 3D BEST movie you ever watched? For some reason I always go back & watch, "Little Shop Around The Corner" The TV show you just can’t miss! Right now it is Survivor & Hell's Kitchen Best book you’ve read? To Kill A Mockingbird Book you’re reading now: a fluff book What special talent do you have? I too can pick up anything with my toes Do you have a secret? TELL US!!!! I'm another open book! LOL What do you do when you’re frustrated or angry? I normally let it out fast. I'm not one to stay frustrated or angry What are your favorite shoes-or boots? WHY? If I have to wear shoes it is going to be sandals What would you donate to an auction? not sure What makes you happiest? being with family & friends Pet peeve: backstabbers or two-faced people, I want you to say what you have to say to my face not say one thing to me & another behind my back Greatest fear: Alzheimer's, just lost my friend to the disease & I think my Mom may have it. Some say my Grandma had it. Favorite journey or travel spot: Anywhere I go with Dave! :) Tell us more! We might want to go there! (Favorite place to eat, favorite sight, etc) If you haven't been to San Antonio, TX it is a lot of fun or you should try out Tarpon Springs, FL if you like Greek influence. It is fun! & good food too. What 3 qualities do you look for in a long-term friend? honesty, unconditional acceptance, & a sense of humor Favorite fictional hero? I don't know that I have one but I loved the answer Atticus Finch! :) Phrase you most overuse: probably, "awesome" What’s your motto? "You grow up the day you learn to laugh at yourself!" Think that was by Eleanor Roosevelt If you were forced to, what song would you sing in front of a crowd? I agree that Happy Birthday is the one you probably would most likely be forced to sing Favorite kind of music? I love Smooth Jazz & 60s rock What kind of a vehicle do you drive? 2011 Kia Sorento & love it. (Built in Ga!) If you could go anywhere, where would you go? I would love to travel the USA--particularly Alaska & the Grand Canyon What do you value most in life? the love of family & friends: without that what do you really have? can't wait to see the other answers! ;)

As Hoovergal says, we do have taxes on everything in Alabama and I'm in the area where the combined tax on goods is 10%. At various times people have lobbied to have the sales tax removed from food and drugs, but to no avail. We also have a State income tax. However, our property taxes are ridiculously low, but still people complain about them. Obviously those people have never lived in other states. I usually feel that you reap in services what you pay in taxes. The regressive tax situation here certainly hits those who cannot afford it the most.