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Letters, 7/3: Gas prices aren't so bad

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Thursday, Jul 03, 2008 - 12:36:37 am CDT

In the 1960s, I was making $1.10 per hour working 45 hours per week. Take-home pay was $42 and some change. I was driving a ’55 Buick getting 12 miles per gallon, and gas was 35 cents a gallon. The 20-gallon tank cost me $7 to fill with a driving range of 240 miles, so that was one-sixth of my paycheck to drive 240 miles.

Let us fast forward to 2008. I have a CTS Cadillac that will get an honest 20 mpg, so it takes me 12 gallons of gas for a driving range of 240 miles. At $4 per gallon, 12 gallons of gas cost $48, so at $300-a-week take-home pay, it is one-sixth of a paycheck, and I do believe any person who works should take home at least $300 per week.

But here is the real problem: It is all the other things we think we need: $150-a-month cell phone bills, bottled water, and how much are you paying for Internet use plus espresso coffee at $3 to $4 a cup, cable with movie channels, and as you complain about the price of gas, you reach for a smoke. Have you ever sat down and figured the cost of things you could live without?

For me, I do not have a computer, use no bottled water, do not smoke, and no way I’m paying $3 for a cup of coffee. Yes, I have a cell phone; my wife does not.

Now think, how much is gas? Not too bad.

It’s all in the math, folks.

Weird Wally Smith, Lincoln

Bush foot-in-mouth disease

There you go again, President Bush. In this day of political correctness, when being sensitive to the feelings of others is paramount, our president once again proved that his sense of tact and diplomacy is sorely lacking.  

In a recent meeting with Filipino President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Bush made the following statement: “I want to tell you how proud I am to be the president of a nation that — in which there’s a lot of Philippine-Americans. … I am reminded of the great talent — of our Philippine-Americans when I eat dinner at the White House. (Here he laughs at his own droll comments.) And the chef is a great person and a really good cook, by the way, Madam President.”

He was referring to Cristeta Comerford, who was named White House chef in 2005 after being assistant chef for 10 years.

How condescending! And he thought his comments to Arroyo were humorous. I doubt that she did, but she managed to handle the awkward situation graciously. I hope all Philippine-Americans are as gracious and forgiving as she was.

Bob Pinkerton, Weeping Water

More foresight needed

Are we a wise, prudent, careful and conservative people? We remove the terraces, eliminate and cease using the grassed waterways, straighten and take the meanders out of the stream channels, cut and clear the brush and trees bordering the river banks — all, and more, to remove the impediments and to hasten the flow of rainfall downstream toward the oceans — then we curse the floods that follow.

We denude and pave the land, plow under every corner and acre of native grassland, run the crop rows up and down the hills, with no hill being too steep to till for the $5 and $6 corn, and then we curse the levees for not holding back the deluge that follows, nor the prices of fertilizer, as virtually irreplaceable fertile topsoil races off the water to silt in wherever the hastening flow momentarily slackens or permanently slackens when reaching the saltwater oceans and gulfs to create dead zones the size of the state of New Jersey.

We drain marshlands and depressions and speed the drainage and then wonder why the sub-surface irrigation and water aquifers have not been fully replenished when having to pump water from those same aquifers as a result of rains not falling enough.

Are these the acts of a wise and conservative people? Why do we never look down the track, but only to curse the pain when struck by the train?

Stuart N. Luttich, Geneva

A fair playing field

According to William Stone (letter, July 1), affirmative action means nonwhite, non-Asian Americans must be inferior if they need preference; preference, therefore, is discriminatory.

Does an urban white child who answers that you find boats in driveways next to houses get preferential treatment over the child of color who had to sail on a boat to reach the United States and answers that you find boats on the ocean? Or is that acceptable because the white child didn’t have the same experiences?

Stone mentioned 1958. I remember those days — I was finishing seventh grade in that rural village where everyone looked very much like me.

As a girl and the oldest, I was expected to do well in school (that didn’t mean a B), behave, enhance the family’s reputation, set an example, plan a successful future and attain that goal.

My parents didn’t tell me, however, that I had to do it all better than any boy; that the boys would get to be class president, but I could be secretary; that my ideas and suggestions should be given with a sweet smile and fluttering eyelashes; that I could expect to get appropriate “female” employment so I could correct the male boss’s grammar and spelling while typing a perfect letter, dust the office, make his coffee and wash his cup. Society told me that.

Difficulty in life is accepting the status quo and wanting nothing to change, having no dream for the future, no goal for which to strive. Affirmative action makes it possible for many people to try many things.

There is no reason to fear affirmative action —  it gives us a fair playing field from which to begin life’s journey.

We may not be deliberately discriminatory, but we do need to open our eyes, ears and minds because the world is here in Nebraska, where affirmative action gives us a fair beginning and reminds us to enjoy equality and diversity.

Sue Goodson, Lincoln


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Mindless Robot wrote on July 3, 2008 4:18 am:
" Apparently Wally can't get rid of the Pickups and SUVs. "

 Gee Wally... wrote on July 3, 2008 6:23 am:
" I don't think gas prices are bad because of computers, bottled water, cigarettes, lattes, or cell phones. I just think they're bad because they're so high! Now just what exactly was your point in the first place? "

 to Wally wrote on July 3, 2008 6:31 am:
" Wally what you also might want to consider is if wages in america have increased at the same rate as inflation. a dollar doesn't buy what it used to buy back in 1960 and wages haven't been increasing at the same rate as the cost of goods. so all the stuff you mentioned including gas gets really hard for people to buy because every year the average american is actually making less and less money. i do agree that most need to get rid of 4 dollar coffee and bottled water i mean how much is that per gallon? but these gas prices are making food prices sky rocket so now people can't afford to eat. the middle class is shrinking and the main reason is the cost of energy "

 Wallys right wrote on July 3, 2008 6:32 am:
" Excellent point on the other expenses that have become "necessities." One other thought about the gas prices: They seem to be good incentive for us to do what we need to do in any case. We need to be driving more fuel-efficient vehicles and conserving our natural resources. We ought to be relying more on "people-power" through bicycling and walking than by driving. We ought to explore sustainable fuels. A little incentive to do what we ought to do in any case isn't all bad. "

 Weird aint so weird wrote on July 3, 2008 7:07 am:
" Amen brother Wally. People complain the loudest about gas, but turn around and buy a new Wii, or big screen TV, or the newest iPhone. It's all about priorities in life, and you choose what is important.

You're a smart man, Wally. "

 Kris wrote on July 3, 2008 7:45 am:
" Wally, I enjoyed your letter, and you are so right with your math too. Put a smile on my face for the morning news. "

 Amen Wally wrote on July 3, 2008 7:58 am:
" Amen brother. Don't forget about junior's designers clothes at back to school time, the brand new Ipod, the restaurant lunch every day when you could brown bag it, etc.

It's all about choices folks. Choose what you need and get it, be more selective and smart in what you want. For the average person , a dollar a gallon in gas adds up to about 60 bucks a month. If you cant find 60 bucks a month by cutting out something else, or at least cutting back, might I suggest a money management class "

 otis wrote on July 3, 2008 8:01 am:
" The weird one is right! Look at your monthly bills; there are a ton of non-essentials. But my next vehicle I buy will get 35+ MPG. That $3.00 coffee charged on your card with you making minimum monthly payments is probably costing you $5.00 or more "

 Let me get it out of the way... wrote on July 3, 2008 8:06 am:
" before a far lefty posts it. Bush is bad, bushies are bad, neo cons are bad. "

 So wrote on July 3, 2008 8:15 am:
" Your point is not relevant and really doesn't matter. Gas prices are too high and remain too high and will continue to influence everyone in a way that not only will destroy the car businesses but also other businesses eventually. Unless an alternate affordable alternative is reached that will be usable within the next couple of years. We will all realize a huge difference in the way we do business. Cars will not sell as well and gas will continue to rise. Possibly to 10 per gallon before the end of the year. Then the 1/6th goes out the window and it is more like 3/6th of the take home. GOOD LUCK. and yes it is really all in the math. Go figure. "

 alicia wrote on July 3, 2008 8:39 am:
" right on wally...check out the front page article on buying illegal fireworks doesn't seem to be an ecomony or gas problem "

 alicia wrote on July 3, 2008 8:47 am:
" driving across the state border to buy illegal fireworks? doesn't seem to be a gas or money problem "

 Big Chief wrote on July 3, 2008 8:52 am:
" Wally is right again. It sure seems funny that one of the smartest business man in the city gets stuck with a "Weird" before his name. Just a sign of our times I guess. "

 Matt wrote on July 3, 2008 8:57 am:
" Nothing 'weird' about that! What a great letter. Seems to make more sense than anything I have read in the editorials lately. Don't get me wrong, gas prices aren't something to cheer about, but we can get rid of the excess in tight times. I'll keep driving my SUV's and cut out the starbucks and Nintendo before I change my choice of vehicle. "

 Ryan wrote on July 3, 2008 8:59 am:
" I agree, Wally. I have never had cable TV. I can't fathom paying nearly $100/mo to watch TV when there's nothing worth watching on anyway. It's just another way for Americans to zone out and be unproductive. Maybe if gas prices get high enough, we'll stop watching TV and go outside and meet our neighbors again and become a community. "

 m wrote on July 3, 2008 9:06 am:
" Well, Weird Wally, if you think that it's acceptable that your current vehicle only gets 8 miles more to the gallon than your vehicle back in the 50's, then you are weird because I think it's absurd. It's the people like you who don't expect change that contribute to the current malaise in the U.S. "

 Nina wrote on July 3, 2008 9:21 am:
" Many folks do not indulge in the luxuries Wally mentioned, including the Cadillac, but they in fact DO take home less than $300 per week, and they DO work full time. People who have it good sometimes forget how it is for those who struggle, and I hope to never forget how it is to fret about having enough for the basics, and to always remember that most people do their very best. "

 ted wrote on July 3, 2008 9:22 am:
" In California, which I left, Affirmative Action meant that hiring preference was always given to women and minorities first, over asians and whites. They set hiring quotas for police, fire, etc. where hiring affirmative classes was mandatory; and the female firemen could not lift the ladders off the trucks. I attended meetings in my unit where we were told specifically that if we did not hire a minority we could not fill a position. This is all true. "

 Nina wrote on July 3, 2008 9:30 am:
" Stuart's comments ring like great Wm. Jennings Bryan oratory. Mull their truth, take heed, and remember..."destroy our farms and grass will grow in the streets of every city in the country." "

 Wally for president wrote on July 3, 2008 10:13 am:
" What part of non-renewable resource do people not understand? The first energy crisis in the 70's was our wake-up call. Did anyone push for smaller cars or public transit then? Nope. Europe has seen the selfish American overconsumption for decades (already paying high prices for gas).
Our arrogance and self-indulgance has finally caught up with us. Don't blame oil companies, politicians or anyone - but yourselves. Alternative energy sources must be developed now. "

 What the heck wally wrote on July 3, 2008 10:37 am:
" Everyone keep saying right on wally, I don't have all of that new crap either BUT gas prices are too high. The cost of feeding my family without assistance is getting to be difficult. And I don't buy fancy food, just a balanced diet. But the healthy food is expensive. It's frustrating because gas prices are going up making all the other stuff go up. Of course, I'm sure wally would just tell me to eat grass, eh? "

 not true wally wrote on July 3, 2008 10:40 am:
" what about not being able to afford buying a newer car that is better on gas mileage? the only extra we have is a computer with internet at a price of $19.99 a month. so if we got rid of the internet that would only be 5 gallons of gas extra at 14 miles per gallon. we live in a small town and can not afford to live here or to move. 4 years ago it was not a problem. insurance, heating cost, fuel, food, medications, and water have all raised much faster than or wages. Insurance goes up an average of 12% a year and most wages are between 1-3%. So wally it isn't as easy as you think. "

 MiddleClass wrote on July 3, 2008 11:20 am:
" Wally, good letter and nice job describing the "upper middle class" in Lincoln. What do you suggest for the rest of us? "

 Good point Wally wrote on July 3, 2008 11:47 am:
" You know I have never thought of it like that before...I spend about 50 a month on internet and I don't even use it daily at home. I drive a honda and it cost 50 dollars the other day and I was really upset. I drive my car pretty much daily, without it I would have to find an alternate way to work. Makes more sense to buy the gas then it does the internet. "

 Barbara wrote on July 3, 2008 12:21 pm:
" The moment we get uncomfortable, we blame government, big oil, Starbucks, whatever. I'm in my 40's. I've felt "uncomfortable". I've been through the energy crisis, the stock market crash, etc. We just need to learn to live witin our means. If it means giving up some comforts, so be it. Unfortunately, those on the edge already (living check to check) are finding it hard to give up any more. I dont feel sorry for the yutz in Wilderness Ridge facing foreclosure because he/she bought too much house for the money. Same story on welfare row where those with no sense will buy electronics over food. Humans are a hard nut to crack. We don't allow nature to change our ways; we continually try to change nature to suit us, a reverse Darwinism of sorts. We will survive. Hopefully we'll come out of yet another crisis with the smarts to avoid another one like it. "

 I will second that. wrote on July 3, 2008 12:26 pm:
" Wally for President has it right. Americans are ridiculously selfish and arrogant in this world. We have no right expecting cheaper gas "because we said so." We've lost any respect in the world and we're not getting better.

What really chaps my hide is where in the world is the innovation? Americans were once the tops in innovation. Now we're lazy, fat and "ME ME ME." So far my family has been quite lucky with the high gas costs, but I would give anything to see an American do something about alternative fuel. "

 Kim wrote on July 3, 2008 12:35 pm:
" I agree with cutting out the unneccsary items, but you're forgetting about those of us who ALREADY have before the gas prices went up. We have nothing left to cut out, so YES the gas prices are hurting. We do not have cable, internet, or a land line. We buy what we need for groceries(no steak dinner here) and we're still falling behind. As long as gas prices keep rising and there is no reasonable public transportation, myself and others like us are going to continue to spiral downward. "

 Don wrote on July 3, 2008 12:41 pm:
" Obama's foot in mouth disease came when he said there were 57 States. Bush may not be a smooth talker like Obama, but unlike Obama most of the time there is some substance to what he says. "

 stignob wrote on July 3, 2008 12:45 pm:
" Wally you're correct, but the problem is the distribution cost which is causing inflation to get out of hand.So in reality it is a problem look at the current economy. "

 Clueless in Lincoln wrote on July 3, 2008 12:47 pm:
" Right on Wally! I was cheering when I read your letter this morning. I wish more people felt like you! I love the way everybody complains about gas prices and expects the world or goverment to come to our rescue. I hope everyone realizes that gas is $8.00 - $12.00/gallon in Europe! Listen to Wally - he has many valid points. "

 My math wrote on July 3, 2008 12:55 pm:
" In 1968 I was a new college graduate earning $10,600 per year and gas was 34 cents a gallon. At $4 a gallon a new graduate would have to make $125,000 per year to meet Wally's "same part of a paycheck" criterion. Not too many of those jobs are available in Lincoln. "

 HowCome wrote on July 3, 2008 2:44 pm:
" How come nobody mentioned a car as a luxury? Once upon a time, we didn't have those either. "

 Wallys Right and Wrong wrote on July 3, 2008 2:45 pm:
" Wally's approach is correct in that it makes logical sense to remove non-essential expenses when faced with higher gas prices. Where his opinion is flawed is that reducing other expenses in turn hurts other businesses that provide those non-essentials. This in turn negatively impacts the economy in lost revenue and the potential of lost jobs/income. It is definitely good advice for individuals but it is not a solution to the problem. Less dependence on oil and an increase in alternative energy sources is the answer. Unfortunately the answer should have been found decades ago. "

 PoorDon wrote on July 3, 2008 2:47 pm:
" There are nine editions of books full on bush mis-speaks. Nine. So 'most of the time there is some substance' that goes into the laughs book. Sorry for the wake up call. By the way, how's 'Mission Accomplished' substance working out for ya? "

 Sue F. wrote on July 3, 2008 3:07 pm:
" Are you kidding me Don. Obama misspoke. He had been to 47 states at that point in his campaign and said 57 instead of 47. "

 ET wrote on July 3, 2008 3:57 pm:
" A Cadillac CTS doesn't get an 'honest' 20 mpg, unless you're going downhill on the highway at 55 mph with a tailwind and the engine off.
I am glad as well that you think people 'should' be able to take home at least $300/week. What world do you live in? Obviously the 'Haves' world that many people do NOT live in. But I suppose that's THEIR fault, right, if everyone can't be as well off as you?
You're a walking stereotype of the rich old man who looks down upon the very people that have made his rich existence possible. "

 Mindless Robot wrote on July 3, 2008 4:57 pm:
" C'mon, he's not Will Rogers. He's selling used cars and you are all buying into it. "

 Anne wrote on July 3, 2008 6:02 pm:
" Wally, Thanks for the reality check. I agree with your letter. We have over indulged in many areas of our lives.

Unfortunately, we can't always go back to the 'before' expenses.

In the 60's, computers were not a household item. In this decade, with college and high school aged children, they would be at a disadvantage without a computer and internet at home. $$$$$

I do not buy my children the 'expensive brand name clothes.' They know we can't afford it. Yet, comparing clothes costs in to the 60's would be another great comparision.

And then there's the food budget. Being raised on a farm, we ate what was available. Living in Lincoln, I can't have cows, chickens, etc. Yet, the increases in the essentials eats away at the budget also.

We need to redefine what are the essentials. "

 Lafferman wrote on July 3, 2008 6:05 pm:
" Wally you need to take econ 101 how much has gas increased to how much the minimum wage has increased? the gas prices don't hurt me that bad i don't go out i take a lunch to work and don't have much fat to cut from my budget. i did this so i could get my student loans paid down faster. but at some point people need to stop just thinking about themselves. i know it's the american way to only think about yourself and since you can afford the prices then who cares. but there are people out there who are barly getting by when they are working 50 hours a week and i think we all should care and want the best for everyone. if the gas price is fine where it is at then there is a huge problem with the minimum wage because it hasn't increased anywhere near as fast as gas has. i should be getting huge raises every month!!! i should run this by my boss and see what he says. i will agree that this shows that big oil has not cared about researching for the future. and lets not forget that the cost of living is increasing much faster than wages in this country
i just can't believe how many people don't understand that the gas prices make everything that we buy more expensive including all the things you can't live without like FOOD! you need to start taking a step back and looking at the whole picture. the truth will become clear. "

 smush wrote on July 3, 2008 11:28 pm:
" Waxing nostalgic. While we're at it: other mid-late 1960's prices I can recall:
10 cents for a candy bar and comic books for 15 cents at Wagey Drug. Pack of cigarettes less than 50 cents. Movies for 75 cents (under 12).

Quarter draws of beer in 1980 on Friday afternoons at Godfather's and other places downtown (with a drinking age of 18; and downtown nightlife was more civilized).

As for fuel-efficient cars there were small and affordable toyotas, subarus and hondas that got great gas mileage as recently as the 1980's. They all started to disappear in the USA when the minivans and SUV's became popular in the 1990's. Meanwhile, Europeans were still able to get small fuel efficient cars during the same period. "

 Bubba wrote on July 4, 2008 6:50 am:
" With high gas prices eventually the USA will have to change. Less global warming gas from us to effect the whole world. We will then be on an even playing level in production and lifestyle with the rest of the world. Democrats unite, we can still change this into a socialist world as long as the gas prices continue to increase. "Oh Happy Day" "

 wally smith wrote on July 4, 2008 11:23 am:
" My point in this opinion on gas and the price of gas is to offer a price comparison to other products and services that have shown the same percentage of increase. So here are some comparisons: 1960 price of apples--10 cents - today 70 to 80 cents --- price of coffee--15 cents - today, 90 cents to you have it --- haircuts--$1 - now $10 mimimum --- a new Buick--1960--$2,850 - today $25,000 --- bananas--9 cents per pound - today - 79 cents per pound. A house I purchased in 1962 for $10,200 will bring $95,000 today and it is 46 years older. Cigarettes--35 cents a pack -- today - $3 to $4.50 a pack. A 15 cent draw of beer is now $2.25 to $2.50 --- and the list goes on and on. And, when I was making $1.10 dollars per hour, some were only making 85 cents to 90 cents per hour. Today, it is still the same, some make $12 per hour and some only make $8 per hour. It is just that these other things took 45 years to go up 10 times and with gas, it all happened in 3 to 4 years. I also have to watch my spending. Oh, and my CTS Cadillac has a small 2.7 V6 engine and I'll give anyone 10 to 1 odds it will get 20 mpg. Do I have any takers? Its all in the math folks. Oh yeah, I had to borrow a computer to write this. One last thing - in 1960 the sales tax was only - oh gosh, there wasn't a sales tax. Have a safe and happy July 4th - God bless Weird Wally "

 TWP wrote on July 4, 2008 2:34 pm:
" Wally, thanks for your attempt to cause people to take a look at some of the things they are feeling and saying. Unfortunately, many of them are not happy unless they are miserable. For the record, I am not enjoying the high price of gas. I hope it comes down. I hope alternative sources of energy are found soon. But, I refuse to act like this country has never seen such dire times before. Not as long as I see new tanning salons going up on every corner. Wally, how much did you pay for a tanning bed session in 1960? How could you live without it?
As for Bob in Weeping Water: Bush is a dead horse. You can stop beating him. That train left the station long ago. You must be disappointed by the few number of responses you received. Try something fresh. Try looking forward to the next four years and give us your perspective on that. "

 Rorscach wrote on July 4, 2008 5:54 pm:
" Yes. By all means, let's listen to a car salesman tell us about how gas prices aren't that bad.

I foresee a car lot full of unsold SUVs and large pick-ups in your future. "

 Wally Change your calculator batteries wrote on July 4, 2008 7:10 pm:
" Let's redo the math. Consided due to the price of gas how the cost of everything has risen, in reality it is costing me about $7/gallon which is more than 1/6 my pay. Since gas is so high Wally I suggest the dollar outlets for batteries, we all have to conserve ya know. "

 DOC wrote on July 5, 2008 7:24 am:
" Okay Clss, we've all had our fun at the expense of Wally, however, there is one thing that Wally did that most didn't, he moved up. Maybe you don't like used car salesmen and lot owners, but he learned how to be better than a minimal wage employee. He made himself more valuable, earned more money and has the income to have the Cadillac. To all the poo-poo writers, what have you done? Have you made yourself more valuable to your present employer and maybe to the person looking for a great employee? When you are on the job are you "there"? Do you give an honest days work for your pay? Have you learned how to be an entrepenuer? This is America. I maintain that if you can read and write, if you can add and subtract, you can be be a millionaire here. We knew that this gas day was coming since the problems back in the mid-70's. If we want to point fingers, we must point them at ourselves for being so stupid as to elect people to congress that wouldn't do anything to get ready. "

 jason wrote on July 5, 2008 10:03 am:
" a calculator required for first grade math? did it come with instructions? re-read the instructions. another "child left behind." "

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