Hi again, Bree wrote: Well unfortunately this is the way of the world now. There is no turning back. Not to be a pessimist but things will only get more stringent. Have you heard about Israels security?
Well Bree, I just can't think that I have to bend over and take it as each "little" freedom gets whittled away. It may be the way of the world but last I checked I lived in America and we do have certain rights & freedoms. But no problem, remember by limiting our rights/fredoms, we have let them win. Seems to be another area where this administration talks out of both sides of their mouths. "We will not let them win" then it's "we must be willing to give up some "comforts" to win this thing. And as I said the airports were just a beginning and not anywhere near the whole issue. Reading e-mails and other coorespondence is part of it. Plus some of the rights we have been losing over the past 10-15 years. Search and seizure laws and unwarranted searchess come to mind. See a trend yet? These things send me over the edge. They start out so subtle and slow and miniscule and before you know it - POOF - they're gone! And finally, I have heard about Israel's airport security. I don't live there, I live in America, and I'm going to hold them to their promise of freedom and rights. I don't mind most of what goes on for securities sake, but I think it 's beginning to spin out of control the other way. Bree wrote: Americans plain & simple love their fast cars & big SUVs. These electric cars that go 50mph are not feasible and are ugly to boot. And believe me If I had children I would have an SUV because they are safe. Well we love our lovin' but not like I love my freedoms (worked Joni into that one). But this is where Americans get their bad rap. This image is gluttonous. The technology can be developed to go faster than 50mph and I believe they are there or nearly. Secondly, how about those kids you are so concerned about racing around at 70 80 90mph. In the city 50 is about as fast as you can go with 30 - 45 for most city driving. Highway driving 55 - 65, can't believe the technology won't get there. Also, if we had made this commitment 10 - 20 years ago, and seriously, we'd be there by now. I have a lot of faith in good old American Ingenuity! Oh and they are ugly!? Is that really part of your argument? It's partly what we're used to - and partly because they are still in their infancy. Also, I am not sure as to how safe SUVs are if you are in a car and get hit by one or if we were all driving them wouldn't it all kind of be a wash? I have also seen some news reports questioning their safety and tipping over. I find most of these reasons pretty superficial. Sorry, I disagree with you to the utmost Bree, but I will defend to the death your RIGHTS to say it (or something like that). Kate wrote: The oil companies have a huge stake in the staus quo. Abso-fucking-lutely! This is the entire basis for why we have not moved towards more alernative energy sources, it may leave them out in the cold. Well remember when one door closes another opens. At least that's what everyone's been telling me about my employment situation. But seriously, this will create a whole brand new industry and there will be jobs - BUT it may not include the same folks in the upper echelon that the oil and auto industry does now. What goes around ... These are the same people who's lobbyists have the most money to be sure they don't get screwed and the same old political types who assist them. This whole discussion started out, I believe with posts from Fred & Anne which I supported and embellished on. It seemed for awhile it was just Kakki and I playing "point/counter point. But I am proud that we "played nice" together. I have not responded to the many posts that have come either here or off-list to me, not because I was ignoring anyone. It was just easier to respond mostly to Kakki as she and I had several different and/or opposing points to make to eachother. But I wanted to add my "me toos" and "I agrees" to several of those who also eloquently posted similar points of view such as Kate, Vince, Randy, Gene, Colin, Brenda and Blair. Thank you all for your comments, knowledge and insights. I just didn't want to bog down the bandwidth by giving a RAH RAH to each point of view or being overly repititious. Plus I am still stuck on this damn webtv and it's just not very user friendly! Peace Susan Yahoo! Sports - live college hoops coverage http://sports.yahoo.com/
