Published: May 10, 2008 12:41 am            

Wishing we could go ‘way back then’

I used to look forward to a nice drive in the country. It was a good way to relax and get away from all the trials and tribulation of the day or the week. I could come home and be ready for more everyday chores.

Now, it is a chore to get in the car and pump gas to go to the grocery store. It is a chore to buy groceries. There isn't much to look forward to today. With gas and milk at $4 a gallon, bread at $2 a loaf and eggs out of reach, how are we supposed to survive?

Do you realize that we built the massive interstate highway system on 50 cents a gallon for gas? Milk was 49 cents a gallon, bread was from 25 cents to 50 cents a loaf, according to the type and brand. The wages were a lot lower at that time; so was everything else. Very true.

Also true, in the 1970s, when some oil executive yelled “gas shortage” we all shelled out precious dollars to get to work and earn a living. Every time gas went up, so did everything else. We paid and continue to pay enormous amounts of money for gas and food and "they" (Texaco and Exxon, the leaders) sit back and laugh at us, all the time stuffing our hard earned money into their pockets and bank accounts. "They"(Texaco and Exxon) took in billions of dollars last year.

I am at a loss for solutions, except to elect a president who is working for the American people, (you and me) and not for self interests. I only drive when absolutely necessary. I make a list of things to be done and try to do it all in one trip.

I hope and pray that a gas tanker doesn't spill its load or there is a fire at an oil refinery or I accidentally spill a little milk or water. The prices will skyrocket, yet again. I also hope and pray that we get a president in November that will stand up to the oil companies and put a stop to this enormous problem.

I would gladly go back to the wages "way back then" as long as the cost of everything else did too. I can dream can't I? That doesn't cost too much.

Or does it?

Betty Griffin

Vinemont

        

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