Red States, Blue States

My wife had her class reunion this past weekend and a conversation with an old classmate of ours made me think.

Currently, we live in Indiana. We are planning soon to move to Colorado. This friend of ours said, incredulously, something to the effect of "You're moving from one red state to another red state?"...I should probably mention that she's probably even more liberal than either myself or my wife.

This was said as if it would be lunacy for a person to move to a state that didn't, traditionally, vote the same way he/she normally does.

I couldn't help but think how odd it is that we've reached a place in this country, in which we would willingly sequester ourselves from those that believe differently than we do.

When did some shame come from living among folks that don't already agree with you.

Is this any sort of plan for the Democratic party to win elections? Are we supposed to all move to states together so that we carry any election?

It seems to me that doing so limits a group's influence to whether or not they are a numeric majority...which Democrats are, but I won't get into that here.

The best I believe we can do is to live as Americans first, political beings second. Debate the issues with your coworkers, neighbors, and family (politely at all times, of course). Make good points. That is how you really educate others on the issues we hold dear.

You don't win the debate by refusing to participate or by surrounding yourself with people who already believe like you do (not to mention that you just end up with a skewed view of the world).

Let's go out there and talk about what is important. Let's hear the other side's arguments. Let's come to consensus (even if it turns out to be that we have differing ideals and values on some issues).

Let's move on as Americans not as red state-ers and blue state-ers.

Until next time...

Fuel economy

Let me start by saying this as clearly as I can...I am a car guy.

I eat, breathe, and live automobiles. Nothing brings me more joy than a well executed car - whether that be from a spirited drive down a curvy back-road, taking an inordinate amount of time to wash, polish, and otherwise obsess over every contour and finish, or even just dreaming of cars I'd love to drive and likely never will.

As a self-avowed automotive enthusiast, I fully understand the need for all types of vehicles, big and small, frugal and utilitarian. I don't villify the SUV just because I have no need for one (note, some of the links I list below don't necessarily take this stance) because I understand that many folks have legitimate need for them. I might curse, like most of us in cars, when my view is blocked by these large wagons - especially when a 7-seat monster is being driven to work by a single person - but I certainly won't say they should give up their vehicle if it brings them joy.

I don't hold hybrids, electrics, or fuel-cell cars on a pedestal as the end-all or certain fix for our environmental woes. I'm sure, by now we've all seen the reports that you would have to own a hybrid for 10 years or more, even with $3 a gallon gas, to recoup the extra cost... Of course, I think these articles miss the point. A truer measure would be to talk about not only the financial cost, but the environmental one as well. Using less gas has it's own benefit in reduced impact on the earth (assuming we can quantify the environmental impact of the extra technology that makes hybrids possible - batteries and the like).

I think the real lesson here is to think. Think about what you really need. Think about the costs to you, your community, and your fellow drivers for choosing a specific vehicle. Once you feel you really understand all sides...then buy what makes you happy.

I know I will.

Until next time...

Scott K (seriously eyeing the Saturn SKY as my next car)

Links
Bankrate.com - Is a hybrid car good for your wallet?
MotherEarthNews.com article on high efficiency vehicles
The Grinning Planet - The SUV Problem -- Hating Them is too Simplistic
About.com - Pro SUV - Reasons You Should Own a SUV