Can the country pursue a common goal?

[d-ray657]

Having a trip computer in the Astra really makes me aware of things that affect gas mileage. Trying to drive 70mph really takes a toll on fuel efficiency. Accordingly, I have decided that there is no need to drive at the speed limit when the car operates much better at a lower speed. If we as a nation used fuel more efficiently, we would get that much closer to achieving energy independence.

I know that any attempt to impose a new national speed limit would be political suicide. I can just hear the tea baggers now complaining that the government is taking away their freedom to drive the speed they want to drive on the government funded super-highway system.

The President does, however, have the Bully Pulpit. Does anyone think that a nationwide emphasis on a voluntary 55mph speed limit would have any success? I think that if it was sold as a national security issue, it might at least get the attention of some people. I mean if people were OK with the president violating their Fourth Amendment rights in the name of national security, do you think they would be willing to take part in an effort to decrease the flow of our wealth to the middle east?

Green technologies and fuel efficiency mandates on new vehicles will have some effect on fuel consumption, but it will be a slow process getting the existing gas hogs off of the road.

It seems like the American people have not really come together for the common good since 9-11. Perhaps people can come to understand that part of the threat to their security comes from sending our money to the oil barons in the middle east. One can't really doubt that some of that money finds its way into the hands of terrorists, and some of it is spent on educational programs that foment hatred of the US. If everyone could realize that if each if them made a small sacrifice, they would be taking part in the fight against terrorism, it might cause at least a flicker of interest in the greater good.

I have always admitted here to being an incurable (and insufferable?) optimist, but there is at least some logic to this flight of fantasy, isn't there?

Regards,

D-Ray