Hybrids: the Catalyst for Positive Change

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Originally posted by Bob
[br]I'm sure when the auto lobbyists first got the hybrid exemption passed, they never bothered to tell the legislators that in a few years they would be looking at hybrid sport utes. Also that the hybrid technology can be used for EITHER higher milage OR better performance, or a mix of both. Now the legislators have got a big problem if they dont end the exemption. Hopefully they have come up the learning curve but dont bet on it.

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Bob,
Legislators have even a bigger problems if they don't extend the exemption. Nearly all are on record for supporting it. Have you found even one to go on record for ending it?

It would be a little interesting if they did extend the exemption. They would extend it, a huge flood of new hybrids would be purchased within weeks, and then the legislators would find the need to un-extend the exemption.

What if everyone were treated fairly by our government? What if you were not discriminated against because you made a different buying decision? I can't afford to buy a hybrid, does that make me some kind of a second class citizen? In the world today it does! Wake up, its marketing! Hybrids are not the answer to our fuel/traffic congestion/smog problems! Hybrids are marketing, that's it! They are a way for auto companies to add to their product line and appeal to "green-thinkers" with a manipulation of facts argument.

Sorry, but as long as the lanes say HOV-3, a single passenger hybrid will not be HOV-3. Exemption = discrimination! HOV-3 should stay HOV-3! Why? Because it works, its free, its already there, it encourages smart decisions, it solves several problems, it is a good solution! But NOOOOOOOOOOO! Everyone has got to look for ways to mess with a good thing.
Politicians: "...hey, they're riding for free, we can make some money off them!"
Auto companies: "...hey we need more products for people to buy, lets make some stuff up and get political buy in."
Green wanabees: "...this is cool, I get to buy something and don't have to carpool to use the HOVs. I feel green."

Get smart people! Hybrids are a scam. HOV exemptions discriminate. HOT is both a scam and discriminates, and it screws the very people the HOV lanes were designed to serve.

Raymond,

You forgot the oil companies: Hey, mpgs are headed south, time to work up a new international story to justify our outrageous increases in gas prices.

All the while continuing the great American dependency on oil products rather than considering diversifying into products that actually support America's interests and policies (if our elected officials would think comprehensive strategies, instead of trust fund earnings).

NoSb

SOV because you can, HOV because you care!

Hello Bob, how are you today? Well I hope. I have a suggestion that might help your situation… Increase the circle people you speak with. It may help make for a more interesting and informed life. I slug 3-4 times per week (every day for the last 3 weeks) and I find that sluggers are about 50/50 on the subject. I also found it interesting that about 15% of us own hybrids. Try getting out a little more, enjoy yourself.
Raymond, No you’re not a second class citizen. As for affording a hybrid, that’s a personal problem, one you have control over. You’re right that hybrids are not THE answer, but they are a work in progress and a step in the right direction. Our Escape is the right vehicle for my family and now that I can buy one that averages over 30 mpg, I’m in. This is just the first step toward much greater technology. We need the incentives for the people and manufacturers in order to grow and change, otherwise, you’d be riding a horse. Giddie up.