When will the monthly fuel cost be enogh for you????

[hammersley]

Currently I drive about 20,000 a year with my diesel. . at the cost of $4. 00/gallon the $$$ is really about to make me say - screw it - and sell the rig.....



Lets look at the cost at 20,000 miles, 17 MPG average, and $4/gallon--that is $ 4705 annual cost and $392 a month!!!!!



I've about had it folks... . and I can't imagine what the new rigs are with an average of no better than 15..... which will make the costs be ... .



$5333 year and $444/month!!!!! Just wait till it reaches $5... ... #@$%!

 

[snuff]

yea, i hear you. but what get a gasser that will crap out at 100k miles. if i keep my foot out of it i can get about 2 1/2 weeks from it. maybe even three. my last truck '97 ford w/4. 2 v-6,auto, 26gal tank i was filling up every week... .



i running around 16-18k miles yr, unless you got a well in your yard or the oil market stops freaking out when someone farts in some third world country, it well not stop till we do not buy it anymore... . we still pay less than eroupe. .

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

AS LONG AS we as a society are willing to accept and support the notion that the multitude of middleman commodities traders, who rake in vast profit but contribute absolutely NOTHING to the production, refining, or transport of crude oil or the finished product, as a "GOOD thing", and "Capitalism at it's BEST", the price will just keep on rising - rich getting richer, poorer getting poorer...



I wonder how many businesses have to fail, families file bankruptcy, and economy go down the tubes of recession, before we wise up to the fact we're being... well, you know what...

 

[BigPapa]

Just wait till the extra fuel costs trickle down to raise the price of your food, your basic needs, your clothes, etc... ... ... ...



An extra $1000 a year for your fuel won't be the half of it.



I was talking to the local fuel/oil distributer here in town Thursday and he said you better hang on tight cause it's going to go up until people decide it's too expensive and quit buying it. It's already changed my lifestyle, combining trips and staying home more, no extra running around.



Scott

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

RIGHT ABOUT NOW, is when the defenders of "Capitalism at it's best" pop in and start making noises about "Socialism" where any suggestions about controlling the way energy cost is regulated or otherwise established. But fact is, a number of areas of goods and services provided to our society ARE regulated, by agencies like the Public Utilities Commission, Railroad commission, and similar.



NO, were not talking about dumping free enterprise or capitalism down the tubes in widespread exchange for Socialism or government control, just a bit of COMMON SENSE!



All that said, the the supporters of runaway Capitalism will quite cheerfully look the other way, as fixed income senior citizens (possibly their OWN father or mother!) down to their last dollar must choose between gas for the car, or food on the table - and don't have enough money for both! Or their young son and daughter who face a weekly $250 gas bill getting to a $300 a week job. .



NO, their response is simply, "Move closer to your job, or the grocery store - or get a BETTER job, like that was an EASY choice for the elderly, or young families...



God forbid that the commodities day traders eat steak instead of caviar - or drive a lowly Cadillac instead of a Rolls Royce - nahhhh - let's protect THEIR rights and interests - the poor, elderly and young families will just have to suffer as best they can - to protect our "American free enterprise system", and keep the traders in Caviar and Rolls Royces...



(RANT MODE OFF... )

 

[JasonCzerak]

RIGHT ABOUT NOW, is when the defenders of "Capitalism at it's best" pop in and start making noises about "Socialism" where any suggestions about controlling the way energy cost is regulated or otherwise established. But fact is, a number of areas of goods and services provided to our society ARE regulated, by agencies like the Public Utilities Commission, Railroad commission, and similar.



NO, were not talking about dumping free enterprise or capitalism down the tubes in widespread exchange for Socialism or government control, just a bit of COMMON SENSE!



All that said, the the supporters of runaway Capitalism will quite cheerfully look the other way, as fixed income senior citizens (possibly their OWN father or mother!) down to their last dollar must choose between gas for the car, or food on the table - and don't have enough money for both! Or their young son and daughter who face a weekly $250 gas bill getting to a $300 a week job. .



NO, their response is simply, "Move closer to your job, or the grocery store - or get a BETTER job, like that was an EASY choice for the elderly, or young families...



God forbid that the commodities day traders eat steak instead of caviar - or drive a lowly Cadillac instead of a Rolls Royce - nahhhh - let's protect THEIR rights and interests - the poor, elderly and young families will just have to suffer as best they can - to protect our "American free enterprise system", and keep the traders in Caviar and Rolls Royces...



(RANT MODE OFF... )

You seem to be retired. With the amount of posts to TDR is seem you have some extra time



What can YOU DO to start to fix this problem instead of ranting like I see you always doing. You are extremely opinionated, creative and smart, put it to work? Seems like a capitalistic idea right?



See thread: https://www.turbodieselregister.com...at-can-you-do-help-fix-fuel-cost-problem.html

 

[catoiler]

Go Gary!!!

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

WELL, as put in the thread you pointed to:

So, I started off in that other thread about contacting local media. Lets start with that. Lets get organized and post some ideas of how to get the messaged started.



I understand we all have jobs to attend to, so we must spread the load over a lot of folks. I sure as heck can't do much other then emails and calls and letters every so often. I sure as heck don't have a clue where to start technically as to the best way to approach this. So, who is?

Being "retired", and having "lots of time on my hands", I have written legislators, sent letters to a NUMBER of state newspapers, and made calls - pretty much ALL the stuff you suggested. BUT, like everyone else here, I'm only ONE person, and by myself can't lower fuel prices, end the war, or elect a President - so I do what I can - and the most BASIC thing anyone CAN do, is make their feelings and opinions known, as widely as possible.



Like a barnyard, full of animals, we don't all have the same abilities or functions - the dog barks, maybe herds other animals - the rooster crows to wake others up - and so on, so we each individually do what we can, what we are best at or in a position to do.



Most EVERY successful effort that makes large changes in policies, government or business, starts with grassroots rallies, protest meetings and general Hell-raising - after all, a single individual by themselves doesn't get much attention - but MANY voices - or posts - on a given subject DOES get heard. SO, in addition to adding my own opinion in threads like this one, I add phone calls, letter writing, and contact with legislators.



Unless you are one who supports where we are headed in regards to upward spiralling energy costs, how many of the above have YOU done?



OH, and I'm sorry that my writing style, thread topics, and number of posts accumulated over the last 8 years or so annoy you - but fact is, I long ago discovered there's no way I can be active here, express myself openly, and at the same time PLEASE everyone - so I no longer try, and those who choose to resent me or my activities, from the site owner and administrator on down, can either ignore me and my stuff - or kick me off. I was "me" when I got here, and I'll STILL be "me" when I leave, whether by force, or by choice!

 

[JasonCzerak]

WELL, as put in the thread you pointed to:







Being "retired", and having "lots of time on my hands", I have written legislators, sent letters to a NUMBER of state newspapers, and made calls - pretty much ALL the stuff you suggested. BUT, like everyone else here, I'm only ONE person, and by myself can't lower fuel prices, end the war, or elect a President - so I do what I can - and the most BASIC thing anyone CAN do, is make their feelings and opinions known, as widely as possible.



Like a barnyard, full of animals, we don't all have the same abilities or functions - the dog barks, maybe herds other animals - the rooster crows to wake others up - and so on, so we each individually do what we can, what we are best at or in a position to do.



Most EVERY successful effort that makes large changes in policies, government or business, starts with grassroots rallies, protest meetings and general Hell-raising - after all, a single individual by themselves doesn't get much attention - but MANY voices - or posts - on a given subject DOES get heard. SO, in addition to adding my own opinion in threads like this one, I add phone calls, letter writing, and contact with legislators.



Unless you are one who supports where we are headed in regards to upward spiralling energy costs, how many of the above have YOU done?

Can you send me copies of these letters?

 

[JasonCzerak]

OH, and I'm sorry that my writing style, thread topics, and number of posts accumulated over the last 8 years or so annoy you - but fact is, I long ago discovered there's no way I can be active here, express myself openly, and at the same time PLEASE everyone - so I no longer try, and those who choose to resent me or my activities, from the site owner and administrator on down, can either ignore me and my stuff - or kick me off. I was "me" when I got here, and I'll STILL be "me" when I leave, whether by force, or by choice!

I have zero issues if the amount of posts you have. I was merely poking fun that your are the resident old guy that has been around the block a few times. I enjoy every one of your rants and agree 99% of the time. I feel you could offer a lot of intellect in something like this.



If you wish to be active... . Why not now?

 

[DCreed]

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...at-can-you-do-help-fix-fuel-cost-problem.html

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Can you send me copies of these letters?

HERES one I suggested others send - and DID send myself to NBC, CBS, CNN, the White House, the Portland Oregonian, Bend Bulletin, the local Blue Mountain Eagle - and my own old employer, The Vacaville reporter:

I have been increasingly tempted to start my own small letter writing campaign, focusing upon irritation over seeming irrational pricing of fuels at the pump.



At first, I thought a large number of letters arriving daily on the White House doorstep would get some attention - but THEN I realized even MORE action and attention would result if those bags full of letters were written as "open letters to the current administration", and sent to NBC, CBS and all other major media headquarters - they are always looking for new ways to embarrass Bush, and would likely jump at the chance to place these letters prominently in their newscasts - and that MIGHT generate more focused attention to the issue - maybe even some action...



Yes, I feel that the more and longer we LOUDLY and OPENLY make our anger and frustration known, the more likely we are to obtain results - and that complaints direct to the parties responsible for setting policies and pricing MIGHT not be as effective as the same complaints directed to mass media in an effort towards generating greater public outcry and support - after all, letters to government and oil companies mostly just get swept under rugs and disappear.



OR, we can just sit quietly, and "hope it all gets better... "



Strong and focused public expressions on various issues throughout past history have motivated significant changes in political action and direction - I feel it CAN happen in this case as well!



Along the lines of the above, I have originated a sample letter that some might use as an outline for their own letters (feel free to copy mine if you like!), and send them on to you own local area newspapers and other appropriate media outlets.



A search here on the Internet will provide access to the major networks - and some members might suggest other direct sources.



Here's my personal letter - already sent to the local paper, with others yet to be sent out:







An open letter to the Bush administration, and future political candidates:



I have become increasingly concerned - and angry - at this country's continued dependence upon foreign sources for the lifeblood of our nation - energy!



I am appalled at the apparent indifference and lack of intense focused action and programs by our country's political and industrial leadership to greatly reduce or eliminate that dependence, and return the sovereignty and independence this country once possessed.



The wheels of our industries, transportation and agriculture turn on availability of economical energy - and steady deliberate political and corporate reduction of our economical access to reasonably priced energy is as much an act of effective terrorism, and as damaging to our survival as bombs in subways or planes flying into buildings!



I hold the past, and current, administrations responsible and accountable for our current and future survival as a free and independent nation, as well as those in industry more interested in profit than the continued survival of our nation.



I fully expect and demand that our national leaders and various energy heads begin an aggressive and vigorous program to promote increased energy production within our own borders, in the form of oil, natural gas, coal, agricultural based (bio-fuels), solar, and others as yet undeveloped or unexploited.



As a voter, I want it known that the fuel independence and programs proposed by the next candidates for my vote will rate exceptionally high in my decision as to where my vote goes - regardless of party affiliation.



Along with those issues, is my expectation of prioritized governmental application of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Sierra Club influence in deciding far-reaching issues affecting broad areas of the well being of our society. Trading the tranquility of Spotted Owls and obscure tree frogs for the health and existence of humans must end, or be decided by priorities rather than unfounded emotion.



We must return this country's self-sufficiency, and our political/corporate agenda of blood and lives for fuel, and profit, MUST come to an end!



Signed-------

... The above might not be much, and WON'T be unless it gets wide use - but it beats nothing at all...



.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I have zero issues if the amount of posts you have. I was merely poking fun that your are the resident old guy that has been around the block a few times. I enjoy every one of your rants and agree 99% of the time. I feel you could offer a lot of intellect in something like this.



If you wish to be active... . Why not now?

TRUCE, TRUCE! :-laf :-laf



We got off on the wrong foot, and I took your comments as sarcastic and critical - I see I was wrong, and apologize.



Regards



Gary

 

[JasonCzerak]

TRUCE, TRUCE! :-laf :-laf



We got off on the wrong foot, and I took your comments as sarcastic and critical - I see I was wrong, and apologize.



Regards



Gary

Absolutely no problem sir.

 

[nickleinonen]

right now i drive as little as possible [about 300 km a week]. 5 days a week i drive to 1 job, 1 day a week to my 2nd job. now i am going to get shafted as my days off are going to change so i am going to have to quit my 2nd job. . less driving but less money too

 

[Regcabguy]

RIGHT ABOUT NOW, is when the defenders of "Capitalism at it's best" pop in and start making noises about "Socialism" where any suggestions about controlling the way energy cost is regulated or otherwise established. But fact is, a number of areas of goods and services provided to our society ARE regulated, by agencies like the Public Utilities Commission, Railroad commission, and similar.



NO, were not talking about dumping free enterprise or capitalism down the tubes in widespread exchange for Socialism or government control, just a bit of COMMON SENSE!



All that said, the the supporters of runaway Capitalism will quite cheerfully look the other way, as fixed income senior citizens (possibly their OWN father or mother!) down to their last dollar must choose between gas for the car, or food on the table - and don't have enough money for both! Or their young son and daughter who face a weekly $250 gas bill getting to a $300 a week job. .



NO, their response is simply, "Move closer to your job, or the grocery store - or get a BETTER job, like that was an EASY choice for the elderly, or young families...



God forbid that the commodities day traders eat steak instead of caviar - or drive a lowly Cadillac instead of a Rolls Royce - nahhhh - let's protect THEIR rights and interests - the poor, elderly and young families will just have to suffer as best they can - to protect our "American free enterprise system", and keep the traders in Caviar and Rolls Royces...



(RANT MODE OFF... )

Well said,Gary. We'll have to see how this next election goes.....

 

[2Bear]

Hi Guys,



I gotta chime in here on a point mentioned earlier ... ... ...



Commodity traders don't make the price of anything go Up or Down !

Commodity traders..... simply lend liquidity to the marketplace.

Without them there would be huge discrepancies in prices across the board.



Supply unavailable ( or withheld ) is what drives prices up.

Supply surplus is what drives prices down.

..... and add in the money factor. ( ie. , interest rates).



Commodity contracts just allow everyone to conduct business.



Some traders get rich !

But don't forget - for every person who bets that price is going to go up

there has to be a person on the other side of the trade who is betting that price will go down.

Otherwise there wouldn't be a contract in the first place.



And on a cheerie note..... What if oil eventually goes to $200 a bbl ? and Gold to $2000 oz ?





.

 

[RRees]

To make the biggest impact, isn't gas/diesel/fuel conservation.



It's using it all up and using something new.



I personally don't think the planet will run out of so-called fossil fuel anytime soon.



It's only me theory about geo-physics and geology.



In the meantime, yes, it does s?ck paying unusually high energy prices.



I also have many letters from congressman/senators/whitehouse concerning this issue (high fuel prices/economy).



And to top it off, I have a 3000 mile roundtrip planned. Have to reduce the number of motel nights to compensate for higher than expected fuel costs.



Better times are ahead. Just keep breathing.

 

[Bobcatpat]

In my opinion, if you need to think about wether or not you can afford to drive a large vehicle... that probably means you don't need it in the first place.



I use my 3500drw to make a living. I wouldn't own one to drive back and forth to a job that didn't require it's use. We need to be more conservative in this country. Stop driving pickup trucks and suv's if we don't need them! The people that are wasting the fuel driving these vehicles unecessarily, are hurting us all by driving up the cost of fuel and everything else along with it!!!!!



So, if your thinking about selling your large vehicle... please do the world a favor, and sell it.

 

[BGarofalo]

I have two cummins trucks and as of tomorrow 1 is being sold. Cant afford to drive it anymore. :{ In its place im picking up a VW Jetta with the TDI engine. 50 mpg is ALOT better than 17 with the 12 valve. It sucks but I gotta make a change.