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Letters, 7/16: Stop NASCAR to save gas

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Wednesday, Jul 16, 2008 - 12:40:30 am CDT

We keep hearing that we must conserve gas to help lower oil use and price. They say they want us to drive 55 mph to lower fuel use.

Then why doesn’t the government stop NASCAR racing? Consider all the fuel traveling from one race to another, in their motor homes, the fuel used in qualifying and the fuel used to run the race itself. Also, the fuel used by those fans who go to watch the races.

There must be many thousands of gallons of fuel wasted for each race.

That would reduce American fuel use more than what the normal drivers can save.

Is NASCAR that important to us that we can’t do without it?

Len Hoggatt, Lincoln

Reducing routes bad idea

It has come to my attention that the mayor’s proposed budget service revisions are being heard on Thursday by the StarTran Advisory Board.

It is ironic that the city is once again being asked to make changes to our bus system. I hope this time the City Council and the mayor will listen to public input. The last time these meetings were held, I felt that we were not seriously taken, and indeed they approved a system that has major flaws. However, that said, I oppose any reduction of midday fixed routes.

This would impact people trying to get to doctor’s appointments, work, school, etc. Before changing the system, I would like the City Council members to ride the bus for a month. They would then understand what those of us who are riding the bus are dealing with on a day-to-day basis.

There are alternatives:

* Raise the rates. A 25-cent raise in the bus rate would be amicable to a lot of people instead of cutbacks (you can still keep the Ride for Five program for the poor).

* Start using or buying smaller vans to use in the residential areas. You can transport these people to main hubs.

* Put the bus system on a grid and start using right-turn-only policy like some of the package delivery trucks do. They have found that to be very economical.

The City Council also would be wise to consider that gas isn’t going to go down in price. More people will be forced into using the bus system even if they have never depended upon the system in previous years.

The City Council must start to look to the future. We must start to treat Lincoln as a city. We must have a mass transportation system to move the masses to and from work, school, doctor’s appointments and events in the city.

If you want Lincoln to grow into the city it can be, you need to have a viable transportation system.

Julie Banks, Lincoln

More need bus discounts

This letter is in regard to the proposed change in qualifications for Ride for Five bus passes. The change would allow those with an income level of 200 percent of the federal poverty level to qualify for the $5 monthly bus pass. The current qualification is 100 percent of the federal poverty level. This would allow more people to take advantage of the Ride for Five bus pass. This is a much needed change.

I work for an agency that assists low-income families, and I see the need that is out there for affordable, reliable transportation. Those of us who just hop in our cars and go where we need to go may rarely give a thought to the many families and individuals in Lincoln who do not own a car.

Some drive old and unreliable cars; $4 a gallon gas causes most of us to complain when we fill up the tank, but it is an extra expense that we suck up and pay because we want to drive our SUV or Hummer to the grocery store.

For some, it means no longer being able to drive. Period. Riding the bus may be the only way to get to work, or to school or to a job interview. The regular bus rate of $1.25 per ride, which may be pocket change to you, is cost prohibitive to many of the city’s poor.

Expanding the eligibility to allow more low-income individuals to qualify for the Ride for Five is needed now more than ever. Encouraging bus ridership by making it more affordable is good for Lincoln’s low-income population and good for the environment. It is win-win.

And in response to Councilman Jon Camp’s comment as reported in the Lincoln Journal Star on July 9, please, if you see me hanging around the bus stop smoking a cigarette and drinking a Mountain Dew, don’t assume I am unemployed, poor or don’t own a car. Maybe I am just having a soda and a smoke while waiting for the bus to take me to work.

Tessa Foreman, Lincoln


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Sports Nut wrote on July 16, 2008 5:09 am:
" Right, No NASCAR, No College or Pro-Football/Baseball/Basketball/Hockey etc. All that un-necesary travel. Len lets go all that way, and ban recreation entotal in the US, that will save millions of gallons of oil/fuel in travel and other energy costs. Stop life as we know it, work, pay taxes and sit home, the new American way of life.
Comman sense.....Bush says drill, drill, drill, oil price plummets, because the OPEC types do not want competition, go figure....... "

 Teresa wrote on July 16, 2008 5:23 am:
" Len: If you want to stop NASCAR then you need to stop truck driving and all other types of racing. That is their way of life and income, just like you, you have a job that you go to each and every day. Why don't you stop your job, your using gas if you drive. This is insane, why doesn't our government do something about it instead. LEAVE NASCAR AND ALL OTHER RACES OUT OF THIS PICTURE. "

 Edgar Pearlstein wrote on July 16, 2008 6:26 am:
" You're right, Mr. Hoggatt. Even better than stopping NASCAR would be to stop Nebraska football. Think of all the fuel needed to transport teams, cheerleaders, bands, and spectators. "

 Sam wrote on July 16, 2008 6:37 am:
" I think Len Hoggatt is just a little out of touch. I don't know who this
"they" is that he refers to (perhaps the government), but I haven't heard "they" or anyone else for that matter tell me to drive 55 miles per hour in a long time. As for stopping NASCAR racing,...well I'm still chuckling over that one. I personally have no use for NASCAR (non athletic sport centered around rednecks), but I don't begrudge anyone the right to watch a bunch of yahoos drive around at high speeds. I get enough of that on my daily commute to work every morning. I imagine a lot of people are going to tell Len what he can do with his rather ridiculous idea. "

 Dan wrote on July 16, 2008 7:08 am:
" Good Idea Len! And while were at it, lets do away with football games. Just think of all the gas wasted going to NU games as well as all the friday night high school games. While were at it, lets not forget basketball, track, golf, bowling and all other unnecessary activities! Last but not least, lets shutter all the churchs. Think of all the gas that could be save if people just stayed home and watched church on TV instead of driving to church. All these fuel savings would solve our energy dependency problem! "

 big brother wrote on July 16, 2008 7:08 am:
" The 55 mph thing is just a gimmick and will have no major effect on prices. Yeah...maybe the government should shut down NASCAR. Heck, maybe they should just shut down cars period. That would save gas. Flying? Forget it. Too much gas. It's horse and buggy time!

Take a look around. There is no gas shortage. Have you ever gone to the gas station only to discover that there is no gas available? Didn't think so. Yes, the price is high. Don't like it? Don't buy it. Ride a bike. That was easy. "

 NASCAR wrote on July 16, 2008 7:18 am:
" They better not stop NASCAR because of gas prices, they aren't stopping boating, golf carts, big tour busses to concerts or for sports teams to travel to other towns, There is NO reason to stop NASCAR...

Unless your going to regulate EVERY sport on a "gas allotment", leave NASCAR alone. "

 mitchy_v wrote on July 16, 2008 7:19 am:
" Stop NASCAR? You could make the same aguement about football, baseball, hockey, basketball. A lot of money wasted there too. Can you do without HUSKER football??? "

 stignob wrote on July 16, 2008 7:30 am:
" Len, why don't we let the gubermint give us all geo's too drive around? That too would save us thousands of gallons of gas. Whoa, the gubermint will save us from the tyranny of capitalism and recreational fun, they and the left of course know what's best for us and don't you question it... "

 Brian wrote on July 16, 2008 7:46 am:
" Len,
Since you are obviously NOT a NASCAR fan, I'll humor your idea, but point out some better alternatives. Why don't we stop ALL sporting events then since the number of gallons "wasted" on the FANS driving back and forth massively outnumbers the amount of fuel used by race teams. Are you doing your part by riding your bike or taking public transportation to work or did you just type in a response to see your name in print? "

 JB wrote on July 16, 2008 7:52 am:
" I think we should end NASCAR because it's dumb. Not because it wastes gas. "

 No more trucks in town wrote on July 16, 2008 8:07 am:
" I'm not a NASCAR fan but it is not the real people who are wasting gas. The real people who continually waste are all the soccer moms with SUV's and the guys with Trucks in town that don't need them. I live on the farm and can't believe all the 3/4 ton and ton trucks I see in town that are all nice and shiny and clean. I myslef have a Ton truck that is only 2 years old and gets a severe beating every week cause I USE IT! I think there soon needs to be restrictions on the types of cars some people drive, cause it is a huge waste of money!!! I'm so glad to see the Hummer brand going down the drain and GM having to get rid of it. These vehicles should have never been built, especially for those who are in the city who think they need a truck because it "snows". I could get around in a front wheel drive 30 mpg car better than any city driver in a 4x4 in the snow.

Get rid of large SUV's (smaller compacts/crossovers are getting good gas milage now for those who need to haul 6-7 passengers) and 4x4's in city limits and there is your answer. The only people who have a pass to drive them are those who use them for work in construction, not a construction worker who simply drives it to be a laborer/framer on a jobsite. "

 Sue F. wrote on July 16, 2008 8:14 am:
" Len's letter is the best idea I have heard in a long time. To everyone who's getting their short in a bunch, the worse things get the more we need to laugh! "

 HuskerDemon wrote on July 16, 2008 8:15 am:
" I can't even believe that this is a topic of conversation...this ranks right up there with Cheryl Crow's suggestion to only use 1 square of TP on the can.... "

 Huh wrote on July 16, 2008 8:18 am:
" Why does the LJS choose to print letters like this? Has your credibility been so damaged that this is the best you can do? Nobody wasting their time writing to you anymore? Just curious. However I do think the idea no driving to church in Sunday is right on. Less traffic for me to race to the store for my morning coffee!! "

 MO wrote on July 16, 2008 8:19 am:
" Len,
Do you realize how many thousands of people have jobs directly and indirectly because of NASCAR? Do you think you could find jobs for these people if NASCAR ceased operations? It affects us all the way back here in Lincoln, with all the research that is done at UNL developing the SAFER barrier. The technologies discovered and improved in racing do, in fact, make it all the way down to our automobiles in one way or another. Believe it or not, there is a purpose to racing outside of entertainment. As for me, I'll be conserving gasoline on the weekends by staying home to watch NASCAR. "

 No Sports all together wrote on July 16, 2008 8:26 am:
" Gee, why stop at NASCAR, stop all forms of sports and ALL activities that you drive to. Think of all the 84K fans driving to HUSKER games. STAY HOME and watch it on TV, it will save gas. Better yet, hitch up the team and wagon to go to the games. "

 Mark wrote on July 16, 2008 8:39 am:
" I've send some some wacked out letters/opinions on this page, but this NASCAR letter today comes close to taking the cake. Where do some people come up with these crazy ideas, and why even print them? To think banning NASCAR would have an impact on gas prices..talk about living in a dream world. "

 Entertaining wrote on July 16, 2008 8:42 am:
" I'm with JB. Not only is it a huge waste of fuel, but it's a stupid sport. "Hey lookit, Ma! They's goin' 'round in a circle agin! Woowoo! "

 I agree with JB wrote on July 16, 2008 8:54 am:
" I also think NASCAR is stupid. What a waste. Use some of the knowledge in a better way to reduce the need for fossil fuels. "

 HAHAHAHAHA wrote on July 16, 2008 8:59 am:
" Stop NASCAR, or other things, hahahaha, are you living under a rock. Perhaps you could come up with some other life changing suggestions. hahaha. You should be on the Senate Energy Committee.
How about we wake up. We need to build more wind farms, nuclear energy plants, ethanol plants, develop solar energy, replace worn out home heating/cooling systems(heat pumps to replace old wasteful systems). Also, we need to produce more ethanol, and mandate a blend of 20% ethanol in our gasoline (E20). WE NEED TO BE LESS DEPENDANT ON FOREIGN OIL. $4 gas is killing our economy. We are allowing foreign interests to turn around and use the money we give them for oil to buy our corporations. So, how long until they own us?????????????? "

 Kahnefan wrote on July 16, 2008 9:17 am:
" It's obvious that the majority of those who want to stop NASCAR no nothing about it. I am not a football fan at all but would never go so far as to say the sport as whole is stupid. Others like it, I don't. High gas prices aren't going anywhere, and we have to use it so does it really do any good to complain about it? What does that solve? Either take the measures in your own lifestyle to save the money or shut up. "

 Lindsay wrote on July 16, 2008 9:18 am:
" How about a better way of putting it: what kind of mileage do NASCARs get? What exactly is the makeup of the fuel? I think it would be better to find that out than just saying "let's ban a sport I don't like!." "

 neck-car fan wrote on July 16, 2008 9:21 am:
" Len, do you realize how many jobs exist because of NASCAR? and other racing series? The effects of eliminating racing would be far more damaging. Most of those jobs don't even require travel from track to track. It would even affect people right here in Lincoln, because of the research performed at UNL on the SAFER barrier. There's a lot of technology developed in racing that makes it to our passenger vehicles. It's not just for entertainment. As for me, I'll be conserving my gasoline by staying home all weekend and watching racing. "

 mitchy_v wrote on July 16, 2008 9:24 am:
" Not entertaining? How many football players have died while playing the game. How bout baseball or any other sport. These drivers put their life on the line ever weekend. Anybody can run up and down the court. How many of you could handle a 3400 pound car at 200mph for 500 miles. Probably none of you. So to say NASCAR isnt a sport or entertaining is ridiculous. "

 vice magnet wrote on July 16, 2008 9:25 am:
" Julie, you wrote a good letter! I wish more letters in the LJS were like yours. If you are going to raise an issue people, please suggest a solution. Nearly all public transportation in all major cities lose money. The rising cost of fuel is not going to put them in the black but raising rates helps to narrow the gap. If drivers have to pay more at the pump, shouldn't the bus riders? "

 Larry the Cable Guy wrote on July 16, 2008 9:44 am:
" How can you say NASCAR wastes gas?? I can prove to you that NASCAR actually saves gas. What else can keep a nation with millions of rednecks off the streets for 3 hours? "

 Short Memories wrote on July 16, 2008 9:53 am:
" I see most people have short memories or are too young to remember the gas shortage of the '70's. Indy 500 was shortened a couple of years because of gas shortage and they limited the amount of fuel they could use during the race so the race cars had to conserve fuel or run out. I believe NASCAR did the same, cut the distance on some of their races to conserve fuel.

Maybe they don't need to cancel NASCAR but maybe shorten the races by 50-100 miles and limit the amount of gas the teams are allowed during the race. Each car would be allotted the same number of gallons. If you can't make it to the end on that, you don't get any more and you cannot get any from another car. That would promote fuel efficiency and make racing much safer.

Maybe then, the public would decide to get rid of those big trucks that haul nothing and get fuel efficient vehicles instead. "

 gee wrote on July 16, 2008 9:56 am:
" What I found most interesting today is that of the three letters printed, the one generating the most comments (Nascar) is the one I took to be sarcastic and the one which has least impact on real life in Lincoln. What about the bus routes? Should we just get rid of them all together? Should we go for a rate increase? Cut routes? Get smaller buses? Come on Lincolnites, let's talk about something that might be of value to our future. "

 Yet another reason... wrote on July 16, 2008 10:09 am:
" to believe ole Chris has done NOTHING for this city. I really can't understand how people this this man has done anything good for this city. Probably the people who voted for him and are trying to save face. "

 Ryan wrote on July 16, 2008 10:16 am:
" The way to stop oil prices from exporting countries from going up and to make them significantly drop is increase a bushel of corn and wheat to what a barrel of oil costs. This is just for those exporting countries. We'd see how fast the price would be cut in half if all of a sudden their imports from us went up in price. Seems simple. Everyone needs to eat and most everyone relies on oil for something in their lives. I'll bet this would do the trick. "

 The point wrote on July 16, 2008 10:26 am:
" It sounds to me like Len wrote a sarcastic piece that almost every person took seriously. I think the point was that experts (who I assume are the "they" Len refers to) are saying that we need to conserve fuel and expect the common person to do so, while others, those involved with NASCAR for example, do not because using fuel is their profession. But perhaps I am the one that missed the point... "

 RL wrote on July 16, 2008 10:32 am:
" Exhibit A (as to why NASCAR is not a sport): that Tony Stewart guy

Have you seen how fat he is in that one commercial?! "

 Bob Swanson wrote on July 16, 2008 11:18 am:
" 55 mph has little effect on gas mileage according to my own experimentation. My can has a digital miles-per-gallon display. While driving on the interstate from Grand Island to Lincoln, I changed my speed and then hit the reset button, then drove for 10-15 miles. My mileage improved each time I lowered my speed 5 mph (80-75-70-65-60 mph)until 60 mph. At 60, there wasn't a noticable improvement in mileage. Turning off my air conditioner improved mileage but made me miserable. (I started turning it back on while going downhill). Slowing down does help, but only to a point. "

 Grumble wrote on July 16, 2008 11:21 am:
" That's a good idea to do away with football games and other sports. Then the population would have to find something worth while to concentrate on regarding living vicariously through the University. Like maybe academic accomplishment, research breakthrough and new business and jobs to keep smart people here. (the horror -- the horror) "

 Chad wrote on July 16, 2008 11:22 am:
" I'm no fan of NASCAR but last time I checked, the league paid for the fuel. They can do with it what they choose. That's the free market people. Obviously enough people are entertained by NASCAR to justify the fuel costs. "

 wrote on July 16, 2008 11:23 am:
" Maybe we could also shorten the football seasons. Less traveling would save gas. Each team would be allotted the same number of gallons. If you can't make it to the end on that, you don't get any more and you cannot finish the season. "

 Jake wrote on July 16, 2008 11:28 am:
" NASCAR is a waste and has nothing to do with being athletic. Take a look at a few of the top drivers: Tony Stewart? Mark Martin? Kyle Bush?

You got guys that are nearing obesity to senior citizens to string beans listed as your top "athletes". In no way is this a credible sport and it does nothing but make people sit on the couch at home or waste gas and sit on a bench and drink beer for four hours. No wonder the mid-south continues to have a lackluster economy. "

 Barry Walker wrote on July 16, 2008 11:44 am:
" When are our governments going to really start looking at alternative fuels? High gas prices are here to stay. Couldn't our gov be doing something to spur research for alternative fuels? All Bush wants to do is open up off shore drilling, what about speeding up the deployment of plug-in hybrids that run off of elictricty for the first 40 miles. I know a lot of people that could save tons of fuel by driving those to work each day. To make up for the increased electricty usage we could put more wind-powered electricty to use. Nebraska is always windy, especially in western NE. We need to do something! "

 no more bus freebies wrote on July 16, 2008 11:55 am:
" No we don't need to give out more 5 for 5 discounts. The whole bus system is already a major welfare handout. If the city council members had to ride the busses for a month, they would be about the only ones on it. I have seen those giant busses at rush hour with 1 or 0 people on it. Nothing like spending hundreds of thousands of dollars for a single rider. How about you get a taxi to take you to your destination. Not only is this cheaper on those of us with jobs, but you get there much faster as they come to your door, and drop you off at the door. We can talk about "programs" for poor people for taxi service then. Taxies are cheaper to buy, operate, and since the city has about 10 people who ride busses, it won't impact the other taxi riders that much. "

 Mike wrote on July 16, 2008 12:00 pm:
" While its is easy to laugh-off this absurd suggestion, it is also troublesome because there are actually people in our city not only willing to give up our freedoms, but actually ask the gov to do so!
Some people just can't grasp free-enterprise and needs the Gov to tell them what to do. If that's the case--catch a plane to China "

 fan wrote on July 16, 2008 12:11 pm:
" Baseball 30 teams + 162 games each = 3960 regular season games. Average 50,000 fans per game. Nascar 43 races a year. Let's get rid of "America's favorite pastime" instead of Nascar. "

 whats next wrote on July 16, 2008 12:11 pm:
" While i have zero interest in nascar, i do have great interest in keeping this country from moving closer to a socialist state. Our rights are continuing to dwindle under the guise of 'what's best for us'...well, i would rather be able to make my own decisions on how to save gas...or not to, than have the government dictate it. Len may find comfort in the neighborhood association who is asking for increase in property and personal income taxes, for it sounds like they share many of the same socialist philosophies. "

 fan wrote on July 16, 2008 12:16 pm:
" i will give up nascar if you give up your stupid husker football they waste gas going from game to game and think of all the fans driving from all over the state to see the game wow we could save alot of fuel by getting rid of all college sports. HMMMM mr len hoggart sound pretty insane huh? Leave Nascar alone "

 mitchy_v wrote on July 16, 2008 12:30 pm:
" "senior citizens to string beans listed as your top "athletes"" How is that different than any other sport. Name another sport where you don't get a break for 4 hours. To me, driving 200mph in a car that is 150 degrees for several hours speaks tremendously about their endourance. "

 Exibit B wrote on July 16, 2008 1:04 pm:
" NFL has 300+ pound linemen. Tony is a toothpick compaired to them. So based on size, the NFL is not sport?? "

 Don wrote on July 16, 2008 1:06 pm:
" We could also save gas by cancelling the State Fair, altogether. That would also solve the problem of where it should be. "

 Dee wrote on July 16, 2008 1:10 pm:
" To no more bus freebies -- you are obviously a Republican, because you are just as out as touch with reality as W and Phil Gramm. Take a taxi? It would cost me $50 a day to take a cab. I'm employed full-time at $11+/hr. If I can't afford it, I seriously doubt many other people can. "

 Renewable wrote on July 16, 2008 1:14 pm:
" Len's idea is a bit over the top, but perhaps NASCAR could go to an alternate renewable fuel like ethanol rather than burning fossil fuels? I'm not a big racing fan but believe other racing segments have done so for years. "

 R wrote on July 16, 2008 1:43 pm:
" 1st. Most of the buses I have ridden on (route 44, 47, 41) have been quite packed. Perhaps you saw a bus that was just begining its route I'll graciously give you that. So I suggest you Ride the Bus before critizing it. 2nd. Taxi's are not cheap and there is no way in the world anyone on a limited income could afford one, but the next time I need a taxi I'll have then send the bill to you. Last time I took one several years ago, I went from North 27th to Target on R street, Cost 19.75 one way. So that would be 39.50 round trip. In additon many of the people on the Bus are Working. We use the bus to transport ourselves to our jobs. Next time you write a comment in here do your research first. "

 Jason wrote on July 16, 2008 1:52 pm:
" I don't like NASCAR, but you should look harder at your facts and save the stereotypes. Have you even looked at most of these peole you mention? Mark Martin is probably THE biggest advocate and example of fit NASCAR drivers and wrote an entire conditioning program book (no, it didn't require "12oz. curls". If I'm HALF as fit as Martin, I'll be happy. Yes, there's plenty of tubbies in every sport: Baseball (the greatest Ruth - was a fat slob), Football (looked at an O-line?), Basketball (Shaq), GOLF (John Daly, even at his prime)...but you nor many other people can do what they do. There are plenty of very fit drivers in NASCAR as well. Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards are all people who take fitness pretty seriously in NASCAR and it's becoming a requirement to win. "

 Lincoln Loves Rednecks wrote on July 16, 2008 2:04 pm:
" Wow. Who would have expected so many NASCAR defenders in the Lincoln newspaper? Isn't Lincoln supposed to be full of high-brow intellectuals, government workers, university professors, etc.? "

 matt wrote on July 16, 2008 2:41 pm:
" Look if I want to drive my 02 chevy 8.1 liter truck around and get 8 mpg, last time I checked it was my choice. I don't complain about it and niether should you. I am the one that pays for it not you. So stop telling me how to spend MY money. It is my right to do what I want with in the law.


Nascar is looking into using different fuel instead of gas. So has the Indy race league. Give it time, there are certain effects that different fuel have on a 800+ horse power engine. "

 mitchy_v wrote on July 16, 2008 2:42 pm:
" NASCAR is a little behind. They just switched to unleaded gas about two years ago and are working on ethanol. One more reason to watch. Nebraska will power the cars "

 jl wrote on July 16, 2008 2:45 pm:
" Sorry Don, you won't save gas by cancelling the State Fair... nobody goes anyway.


And once it moves to G.I. it's only going to get worse. "

 Joe wrote on July 16, 2008 3:05 pm:
" I say let them keep their day jobs. You let NASCAR drivers on the everyday road and you're going to death rates on the road go up. It's also an easy way for police to catch and ticket drunk rednecks that also believe wife beating should be in the next Olympics. I say let them drive their toys in circles and have a few deaths a year until you're gov't can find a better way to get rid of these yockles. "

 Big Chief wrote on July 16, 2008 3:31 pm:
" Len Hoggatt may be onto something. However instead of getting rid of NASCAR outlaw politicians seeking office and Al Gore from flying around the country in their private jets. Make them drive or stay at home. "

 Im not a fan of Nascar wrote on July 16, 2008 4:09 pm:
" but obviously there is something great about it otherwise they wouldn't have 100,000's of fans coming to each race. Biggest spectator sport in the world. Personally I think it is boring but I watcht he last few laps and I really think I just need to go to one to see all the buzz. And for those passing judgement on people who watch it, grow up. I know millionairs who LOVE it. "

 Adam wrote on July 16, 2008 4:18 pm:
" To No more trucks in town: Last time I checked it was a free country, and I was allowed to buy and drive pretty much any car/truck/suv I wanted to. It's my choice if I want to drive my truck around town during the week. I use it plenty to haul things for my home from the Store, to take a mower to my parent's house to mow, to put dog kennels in to go hunting. if you want to come to the City and challenge this driver to a competition, me in my 4X4, you in a FWD, I say bring it on. Stay on the farm. Your comments make you sound like an ignorant country hick. "

 Red wrote on July 16, 2008 4:42 pm:
" Lincoln needs to improve and expand public transpotation, not reduce it. Again, bike racks on buses make sense, and as Julie pointed out - gas isn't going to get any cheaper, ridership stands to increase, but StarTran needs to look at servicing beyond central Lincoln. As more businesses are locating on the outer edges of the city, public transportation needs to accomodate. On our country's dependance on foreign oil....maybe we should use the oil we are drilling here instead of selling it overseas....but that would cut down on the profits for W and all his cronies... "

 Nina wrote on July 16, 2008 5:05 pm:
" It's really easy to get one's self called a socialist in these and other LJS comments. Several countries have strict rules about controlling one issue or another, and are still democracies, not communistic. I mentioned I'd like to see the US' disparity between the rich and poor lessened, and was called a socialist. We actually had less disparity in the past, and we were called a democracy then, too. We were also called pre-Bush. So I recommend reserving such 'McCarthyist' monikers for when it is actually the case, instead of crying wolf all the time. "

 Scott wrote on July 16, 2008 5:14 pm:
" Putting an end to NASCAR, all sporting events, and not driving anywhere is about the most rediculous and unthoughtful idea I have ever heard. These types of ideas and thoughts do nothing in offerring any real solutions to the issues that we face in terms of energy issues. They only irritate people. What needs to be done is exploration for additional oil reserves should be expanded. (Let's see if Congress allows this now that the drilling ban has been lifted.) Further research and development of alternative forms of energy need to be increased at a faster pace. Additionally, we need to build a few more oil refineries. This is something that has not happenned in the United States in 30 years plus. "

 Vicki B wrote on July 16, 2008 6:09 pm:
" After reading the letter form Len about NASCAR it is obvious that he is out of touch with reality. For one, there are 1000 of workers that would be out of jobs just in the NASCAR systen if the races were cancelled. I wonder if he has ever been to a race and seen the amont of money that the races brings into an area - from campsites, hotels, restaurantsm, grocery stores, airlines, car rentals, and even gas stations. This is to say nothing of the amount of driver memorabilia that is purchased with sales tax for the city and state. I just hope that he was not serious as there are many other sporting events that also use many gallons of fuel by spectators and by teams in getting to their games. "

 Cost of everything wrote on July 16, 2008 6:22 pm:
" What I find amusing is that it seems that bloggers seem to know the price of everything and the value of nothing.
The FEDS have devalued your dollar by printing more of it and you folks think that the price you pay for gas is high? Wait for upcoming democratic stimulas packages, bank bailouts and bailout's of preditory home borrowers and watch the price of everything go up!
Print more money and it devalues thus costing you more....wake up! "

 I can drive Im an athlete wrote on July 16, 2008 6:49 pm:
" Mitchy V, you like Nascar, I get it, but I'd sure like to see you run up and down the court a few times for an entire BBall game, since anyone can do it. "

 DR wrote on July 16, 2008 7:19 pm:
" NASCAR will stop when there is no profit. Capitalism, right?
I'll stop going to Husker football when I can't afford the gas, tickets, and hotdogs. If Len, or any one, is having trouble with $4 gas just sit down and think it through. Make a list of your personal luxuries (NASCAR and NU Football included) and decide which LUXURY you are going to forgive. Daily, I had to give up a six pack of beer and a chocolate malt. Too bad, so sad. This fall I will retire from Pheasant and Quail hunting for the first time in 45 years but I recognize it as the luxury it is. The days of cheap fuel and the dollar being the most valuable world currency are over. Our National Debt and the crazy printing of the near worthless currency have come home to roost. For those who cannot think clearly and feed their brain with information that is more opinion than fact...welcome to third world America. For those who can think clearly and act appropriately...what a grand oportunity. Crisis for the masses creates opportunity for the remaining few. "

 Al wrote on July 16, 2008 9:46 pm:
" finalyy a voice of reason. NASCAR should be stopped due to its wastefulnees. The owners should be put on trial for crimes against humanity for their part in global warming. Their fortunes should be seized and used to buy carbon offset credits. I am not joking "

 Scott wrote on July 17, 2008 7:51 am:
" I'm sorry, but I don't know that anyone who wants to talk about their big 4 x 4 truck that gets 8 mi to the gallon really has a right to call other people a redneck. Does this truck also have a sticker in the back window that says "get in, sit down, shut up and hold on."? Or perhaps Calvin peeing on osama? Sorry gentlemen, you need to point your redneck locator the other direction...you know....toward yourselves. "

 mitchy_v wrote on July 17, 2008 7:55 am:
" While your are at it, farmers should be put on trial for crimes against humanity for their part in global warming, cow produce a lot of methane.

I have played many sports over the years, football, basketball, volleyball, golf, and racing. They are all physically challanging, each in their own ways. Driving your car around town is like playing horse in basketball. If it was so easy, then why do NASCAR drivers do strength training throughout the week. "

 Stephen wrote on July 17, 2008 10:58 am:
" Yes Len. And imagine how much more gas we could save by cancelling professional football, baseball, and basketball games. Let's not stop there. Look how much travel college sports require. And weddings, funerals.... I think you are on to something. "

 Great Idea wrote on July 17, 2008 11:49 am:
" How about we just end NASCAR because its BORING. For added entertainment just move closer to Interstate 80 and watch everybody drive by - isn't that the same thing as NASCAR? Big trucks and cars driving really fast? You can sit on your house, car, motor home and the steady stream of cars never ends so you NASCAR fans will be heaven!! "

 another great idea wrote on July 17, 2008 1:32 pm:
" Isn't watching kids playing catch the same a going to a MLB game? Same analogy. "

 MAC ATTACk wrote on July 17, 2008 2:16 pm:
" If nascar and all other racing should & want to contune racing they should have to take week take a week off and a weekend too.just like vacation exact like everyone else whose that have job. It would help some on problem. And YES I am fan of nascar my favorite was Jeff Gordon "

 Jon wrote on July 17, 2008 3:35 pm:
" That was some stinky bait you used there Len. What a stringer of fish! My hat is off to ya. "

 Its still a great idea wrote on July 17, 2008 4:00 pm:
" Any driver can press the foot pedal to the floor and drive fast. Unless kids can top out the radar gun at 100 mph then no it's not the same. MLB is a sport. NASCAR is not. Except at a speedway your are more likely to see mullets - which if that's part of NASCAR's stats then they will win hands down. There isn't any gas involved with mullets. "

 Hamon Righ wrote on July 17, 2008 10:14 pm:
" Wow. I'm amazed at how many people got upset at the suggestion of canceling NASCAR. It was a sarcastic point made in the vain of "A Modest Proposal". Let's put Len's comment with a serious fram of mind. Many of you are saying, "Why don't we cancel other sporting events?" That's comparing apples to oranges. No other sport mainly relies on the consumption of tens of thousands of gallons of gasoline for a few hours entertainment? Gasoline with is special formulated specifically for those types of cars; cars that get about 3 miles to the gallon. Bo Pelini ran on steaks and milk last time I checked. "

 Right on Len I agree wrote on July 18, 2008 9:13 am:
" NASCAR is a redneck "sport" watching idiots drive around a circle wasting gas. Getting rid of it would help save gas and our environment. This is the best idea I've heard in a long time--I'd rather get rid of NASCAR than drill in our wildlife areas. Finally, a letter that makes some sense. As far as getting rid of other sports to save gas, I didn't know football players ran on gas while playing their sport--hmmm... "

 To cost wrote on July 18, 2008 12:47 pm:
" Wait for economic stimulus by dems to drive costs up? I thought trickle down (tax cuts for rich) was supposed to be the answer. Must not have been cause quicky thereafter we got rebate checks then years later (after much more evidence it didn't work) an economic stimulus check. By the way, the government is broke (9 trillion in debt) so they just printed more money to cover those checks too. We have to wait for nothing friend, costs are already out of control thanks to your guys. "

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