Should we feel guilty that gas is so cheap here in the U.S.?

[Analog]

Originally posted by: BennyD
the petrol prices in the UK are alot higher for 2 reasons:

1. The government needs the money for free healthcare and unemployment/incapacity benefits.

2. They are trying to reduce the amount of cars on the road.

over the last decade they have increased the prices for fuel but improved the public transport.

they are just trying to do something about the environment (take note bush).

it is quite easy to live in the uk (even in the country) without a car and rely on the train and bus services.

not having a car, i would much prefer free healthcare to cheaper fuel.

I heard the health care system over there really stinks. Long lines, endless waiting, poor service? If this is true, is it worth the extra taxes on gas (err. petrol??)??

 

[sandorski]

Originally posted by: yellowfiero

Originally posted by: sandorski
Guilty about the price? No. Guilty about the amount some consume, probably.

Aren't these tied together? I mean if gas was $5 a gallon, you wouldn't feel guilty about using a lot - because you simply couldn't afford to! These go hand in hand in my opinion.

Kinda, if the price was higher yes, consumption would be lower, but that doesn't mean that people should feel guilty due to the price, IMO.