And meanwhile the market sends its signals

Running on Fumes. An enormous spike in gas prices has enticed some to forsake their cars for alternative transportation. [The Motley Fool]

Here's the thing: For all of the talk of the Saudis increasing supply, or the junta of this, that, or the other controlling oil prices, until supply at the refining level exceeds demand, prices will rise. And as we know, there isn't any more refining supply coming on line anytime soon in the U.S. -- there hasn't been any new supply for two decades.

Lots of regrets this summer, I betcha, in garages and carports all over America. (Is there a way to sell used SUVs short?)

Taxing times

The 50¢-a-Gallon Solution. A tax hike on gasoline was a good idea 10 years ago, and it would be a good idea today. By Gregg Easterbrook. [New York Times: Opinion]

Had federal gas taxes gone up 50 cents a gallon 10 years ago, several things might not have happened or would have had far less impact.

The S.U.V. and pickup-truck crazes would not have occurred, or at least these vehicles would be much less popular; highway deaths would have been fewer; and gasoline demands would be lower as would oil imports. To continue, the world price of oil would have been lower, since petroleum demand in the United States is the first factor in oil markets; greenhouse-gas emissions in this country would be lower; Persian Gulf oil states would have less influence on the global economy and less significance to American foreign policy; fewer dollars would have flowed to the oil sheiks; and the trade deficit balance for the United States would be smaller.

We can pay at the pump, at the hospital or at the Pentagon, but pay we will. (If anyone asked me, I'd sure rather pay us than OPEC.)

So why isn't Kerry talking about a revenue neutral tax shift from income taxes to resource and pollution taxes.

Just one Donella Meadows excerpt

From Why Do These Irresponsible People Blame Society for Their Problems?

Then she makes a suggestion so crashingly obvious I can't imagine why we haven't done it long ago: 'Why not ask those who need help how they want to be helped, rather than imposing uninformed ideas? Why not get people like me, who have lived in poverty and who have gotten out, to provide input to social programs?'

Broader applications than just 'poverty,' IMHO.

Donnella Meadows Archive

The Donella Meadows Archives are now online. And well worth visiting.

This is a public collection of the work of Donella (Dana) Meadows. Through her writing and speaking, Dana helped people understand global systems with long delays and complex feedbacks, while also inspiring many to think about individual choices in daily living.

The search box didn't work for me, but see if you can find her "Places to Intervene in a System."

Real time traffic conditions

Thanks, CSAA



Kuwuhl.