Spending money "for the green of it"

Since the cost of gas returned to a reasonable amount, America's obsession with saving money on fuel has been redirected. The drop in gas prices came just in time for the holidays, and probably saved retailers' bottom line from oblivion. Now that the country is focused on "the economy" and "unemployment level", the gas station has returned to being just one more stop on the commute home from a long day at work. But there is something new at the pump........ Shell is advertising a "gunk-cleaner" grade that costs about 50 cents more per gallon - Probably not a marketable product in the summer of 08, but a good investment? Which is better? A hybrid or expensive fossil fuel? Hybrids and fuel-efficient car sales remain strong (see comments about hybrid auto makers), and a clean engine runs more efficiently, so my hunch is, preventing the gunk build might save gas. But how do we know that the so-called "Shell V-power" is worth the investment? Does the benefit out-weigh the cost? Why would spending more green on what is ultimately a finite resource really make sense? It remains to be seen if a high priced premium fuel can survive the current economic "crisis". I might like to see some evidence that the gas saves money in the long-run. In the mean time, I'll stick to my own method of saving; cruising at 60 mph on a freeway that has a 65 mph speed limit. I make my choice, and others are free to make their's - for now (see more on the freedom to choose your speed). As my 7th grade teacher said: " Pay your money - take your choice" .

If you can afford it, fill up with the most expensive gasoline out there, just "for the green of it".

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Cheap gas is temporary relief.

Gas prices are falling and the painful pump is no longer an issue. Because of the economic crisis, and the pending election, the price of gas has been slowly shrinking and so has sour sentiment.

Does this mean that happy speeders can breathe a sigh of relief? Not yet. Supply of oil remains finite and there will come a day when Americans won't be able to afford our current driving habit. The countries who hate us (dare I say- our "enemies") called for oil production to be reduced when OPEC met in September. Both Iran and Libya are for reducing oil output in order to increase oil prices. United Arab Emirates and Kuwait seem to be for delaying a decision, and Saudi Arabia has yet to take a stance. Source BBC NEWS on line "Output issues loom as OPEC meets" As oil prices threaten to plummet below 50$ a barrel, the members of OPEC will debate ways to slow the declining profits. In addition to falling prices, some say the demand for oil is at it's weakest since 1993 as more oil fields open up. Even at today's prices, Venezuela and Iran, two of OPEC's 13 members, may struggle to balance their budget because they rely on energy sales for more than half of their revenue, according to estimates compiled by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. Source: Ghana Broadcasting Company on line "OPEC to meet early on declining oil price"

If you don't know who "happy speeder" is, read Choose to use less fuel before the Law changes and you have No Choice! . Choosing how and when to drive are liberties that fall at the bottom of my priority list when compared to others, but they do make the list. I am willing to use all available resources to make sure that I and others who value freedom have the choices guaranteed by our Constitution. Most of all, I am willing to use all available resources, including my money and my lead foot, to reduce the effect that our enemies can have on our freedoms. I am proud to be an American, and I am proud to exercise my freedoms as an American without advancing the cause of countries that want to make those freedoms obsolete. That is why I have a sticker on the back of my car that says... Slowing down a little...Saves a lot!

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