Progressives should welcome higher gas prices

[BigDaddy44]

Isn't it obvious? We are addicted to oil, and our addiction is fueling other activities that are wreaking a horrible toll on the earth (global warming, increased rate of extinctions, etc.)

The only way to break this addiction is to stop using the product. What we are now starting to go through are withdrawal pains. They're rough now, but will ease over time.

I think we have to adopt macro as opposed to micro thinking. Micro thinking laments how expensive food is, how much it costs to get to work, etc. etc. I'm going out on a limb here, but to me thats conservative Republican thinking. Short term, whats in it for me, I only care about mine, etc.

A long term, macro, progressive view is that we have to radically change human behavior if we're to save ourselves and the planet we live on, and that a small sacrifice right now is worth it to get to that change.

Imagine a US with $10 a dollar gasoline. Less travel. More food grown locally. More small factories turning out locally made goods. Revitalized cities with people walking or talking public transportation. Is any of this bad?

Soooo...... I scratch my head at those who want to man the pitchforks and storm Exxon/Mobil headquarters because gas costs too much. Quite frankly, for our long term survival, its vital that prices stay high so we can tame this addiction once and for all.

Anyone with me?