Leading by example

“In the news this morning.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) Governors attending the National Governors Association meeting in Rhode Island this weekend will drive gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles provided free of charge by General Motors Corp.
The governors will use the all-terrain vehicles to cruise a coastal state that crests a mere 812 feet above sea level and can be driven from end to end in just under an hour. A state committee has set aside $10,000 gas money, prompting an outcry from environmentalists as the country grapples with energy woes.

The conference begins Saturday, just days after the U.S. House defeated a proposal requiring an increase in minimum gas mileage standards for the popular vehicles. One of the vehicles they'll use, the Yukon XL, averages about 19 miles per gallon.

"General Motors can do better than showing off their worst gas guzzlers to our governors," said Ann Mesnikoff, a lobbyist for the Sierra Club in Washington. "Leave it to GM and the auto industry to show off 1950s technology dressed up with leather seats and cup holders."

Governors from all 50 states are invited to the conference. Among the scheduled speakers is Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, who is to discuss energy matters.

"It is outrageous with the energy crisis right now," said Kate Strouse, spokeswoman for the state chapter of the Public Interest Research Group.

Gov. Lincoln Almond, however, said the state is appreciative.

"We don't take a gesture by GM and tell them what to do," he said.

Sixty-five new Yukon XL sport utility vehicles and 24 Chevrolet Express passenger vans have been shipped to Rhode Island State Police headquarters.

In addition to the gas cards, Governors will be provided a state trooper to drive and assist with security.”

“That's my Gov't!”

“I've been buying gas at 1.15 all week. A few weeks back I read an article about the state of California selling back surplus power at a great loss.

And this stuff is happening after weeks of high temperatures across the continent. Where are the rolling blackouts?

The Republicans like the idea of "crisis" because it allows them to open places like ANWR/Great Lakes to drilling, increase use of W. Virginia coal and build new plants/pipelines.

The Democrats like "crisis" because it helps them keep their leftist windmills-in-the-sky Sierra Club members happy.

If people actually bought Festivas and Metros and electric cars, GM would build them. But we all love to carry our gear everywhere, right?”

“They neglect to mention that those same trucks got only 8 to 11 MPG 10 years ago. Those V8 monsters now get better mileage than my old V6 1988 Bronco 2 did brand new. That kinda sounds like an improvement in gas mileage to me.”

“Hey, hey. I had a festiva, and drove into the ground. Loved that vehicle. Just try to find one now that isn't on it's last legs. I could carry my gear and a friend and his gear just fine. Oh yeah, my dog too, and her gear. I could park it just about anywhere, it was so small, and so cheap I didn't have to worry about it. It was the ultimate backpacking vehicle. I wish they'd make something similar that didn't cost 15 to 20 K. I'd buy it.

BTW, I don't know of too many BP"ers that need to have a huge vehicle to cart the pack around in. If it fits on our backs, how big can it be?”

“Hey, Uphill Klimber!

I had a Festiva until last year. It had 120,000 miles on it when it was put to sleep.

I always was amazed at how much you could fit into the back of that thing and the gas mileage was wonderful. I could make a complete u-turn out of a parallel parking space into traffic - great.

But, a lot of these cars were made to bring the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) rating of a company's fleet down. They didn't make any money.

But cars are an easy target. I don't see a groundswell of support for coal ossification or nuclear power or other practical ways to reduce emissions.”

“I also find it interesting that all the advertising for the big trucks shows them crusing out in the backcountry but when I go out to the trailhead all I see are small cars cause and all the big trucks are parked at the Holiday Inn.”

“The big trucks are good for car camping.”

“SUV's are for taking your latte home form the coffee shop.”

“That 'minds me of what my grand pa told me long ago. "Don't trust a man in a clean pick-up [truck]."”

“I find it interesting that the Canadians are upset about ANWAR but have no qualms about drilling in the great lakes. What's up with that?!”

“Profit?”

“Joy, in Quebec here, they were going to build 24 additional dams in a major river, to generate more electricity (some to be sold to the states). The plans have been scrapped because of public outcry (mostly environmentalists, kayakers and sport fishermen). Of course the government have been known (many times) to go ahead with their projects even after they say they won't start them. I'm sure there were a lot of people who disagreed with the drilling in the Great Lakes...but the govt and big corporations just went ahead with it...closet commies!!!”