«leftbraned

I keep hearing people complain about how expensive gas has become. More significantly, I’ve heard several news programs report that “thousands of motorists” are choosing not to travel this holiday weekend, due to those high prices.

I don’t get it. Are Americans mathematically challenged or something? (Oh, wait, I forgot–we are!) Here’s a little puzzle for all you prospective fuel misers:

Q: Should Alice and Bob consider cancelling their long-anticipated romantic weekend getaway due to “high gas prices?”

A: If they think with their televisions, then yes. If they think with their brains, then no. Here’s why:

800 miles (round-trip), at 25 miles per gallon, will require 32 gallons of gas. An increase of 40 cents per gallon means that they will spend an “extra” $12.80 on gas this weekend. Consider the cost of dining, lodging, and New Jersey auto insurance rates, and $13 doesn’t seem like much of a showstopper.

Since people are, by nature, very logical and intelligent beings, it must be the case that those “motorists” who would cancel their weekend plans would do so only because they drive eighteen-wheelers or Sherman tanks. (Or is it Lincoln Navigators and Hummers?)

So relax, do the math, and go enjoy your weekend as planned. And buy a more efficient car, dammit.

P.S., While I’m on the subject: gas should be expensive. I wish it cost $4.00/gallon.