Isn't it about time that this thread really went OT: ?

-----Original Message-----
From: Glenn Koster [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, April 02, 2001 12:29 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Actually, wildly off-topic


Mark Bixby wrote:

> For starters, the US government auto fleet fuel economy standards could be
> raised by 10%.  These standards were last raised 11 years ago (IIRC), and
I see
> zero chance of them being raised during the next 4 years.

Actually, I think this is something that the US populace and state
governments can control more effectively than the US government.  If
everyone who ever bought a gas-guzzling SUV simply traded it in on a more
fuel efficient model you would see the consumption drop off dramatically.
Alternatively, if the states actually taxed them according to the amount of
damage they do to the roads and the environment, there would certainly be
fewer buyers.  Actually, if the states simply allowed the insurance
companies to charge for them based on the amount of damage they are likely
to inflict in an accident to the other guy's car (and passengers) no on
would be able to afford the insurance.

If there were fewer buyers, there would be no market.  If there was no
market, the automakers would stop making them.  If they stopped making them,
the economy standards would automatically go up - without having to alter
the standards one iota.

Obviously, I favor the free market approach rather than government mandated
manufacturing limitations.  That said, it is sometimes necessary for the
government to actually direct the free market one way or the other...

Glenn Koster
Quintessential School Systems
Developers of QWEBS (www.qss.com)

(my opinions - not those of my employers)