Lots of people do it, all over the world, and even in the the days of putting ANYthing in your tank for $0.99 (or even $1.99) / gal are probably over. The point of alternative sources is not that they are cheap, but that they will be cheaper than gas in the decades ahead as the easy sources of oil begin to run dry and we have to turn towards more expensive sources.
Why should they? They have a stellar business model. They have what others are willing to pay a lot of money for. Capitalism at its finest. You want to develop other sources of energy, get a bunch of investors together and start your very own alternative energy company. But then when you've sunk a bunch of your own money and sweat into the company in a very risky venture to develop another source and start actually making a profit, get ready for the PITbulls will be knocking at the doors of Congress saying the price on what you sell should be "regulated."
I absolutely blame the American public for making poor lifestyle, policy and planning decisions over the decades that has led to the outrageous oil consumption in the U.S. (which in turn leads to disastrous foreign policy in the Middle East, among other problems). We went through the EXACT SAME THING in the 1970s, and learned absolutely nothing.
OK, see, as I explained above, the reason "other sources of energy [haven't been] achieved" is because of low oil prices. If you force gas prices to remain artificially low through "regulation," that will delay the development of alternative energy sources even longer. As PineyBob explained, having high oil prices will hasten the day when we actually have those alternative sources available.
Our entire petroleum-dependent economic structure is certainly headed for change. If we don't start making changes to our lifestyle and living closer to where we work, or at least making where we live and work more amenable to public transit, yes there will indeed be tough times ahead. But we're a clever people, and it can be done. On the other hand, policies like what you are suggesting -- keeping gas prices lower than what the market dictates -- would indeed lead to the collapse of our entire economic structure. We need to start planning NOW for $5 or $10/gal gas or whatever alternative source you are thinking of.
If you're using four gallons of gasoline per day, you really have some changes to make in how you live.
Ok. I can agree with some of what you are saying, as you make a rational argument.
BUT, choosing employment where you live is really and truly totally myopic. You really are looking at folks that would have to live in a city or next to their plant.. And that's just not going to happen. Finding livable employment is hard enough, and manuafacturing jobs is dwendling faster than any other form of employment. So, its slim pickens, other than working at your closest fast food chain for min. wage which is on just about every corner where anyone would live. I'm sure we are not talking Lee R. Raymond, (Exxon) David O'Reilly,(Chevron CEO) Senior Corporate Exec types, lawyers, physicians, surgeions, Hollywood folks, sport players, Oprah, Eisners, Buffets, Gates, Perelman, Johnson, Bush, Cheney, Congressmen, Senators, Hilton, Ikahn, Parker, Glass, Crellin and those types of wealthy in the world, right?
When you speak of 4 gallons of gas a day, you are talking about approx 80 miles round trip from where you live to work and back. Most folks live closer than 80 miles round trip, but "standing" in traffic at 7:30 am and 5:00 pm eats about 2 gallons.
Just about a year ago, gas was approx $2.10. I don't think its unrealistic to go back down to those levels. Again, you must agree, THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF FUEL. JUST AN ABUNDANCE OF GREED.
In our "system", we surely can't control that! No siree! It's just plain OUR friggin fault. Heck what were we think'in, cause "greed is good" and doesn't need to be checked...just our attitude towards greed and move closer to where we work...
So, what have you been using for fuel, donkeys, and water?
I would rather see you in Armor!
Gee 700, as that all you can imagine? Yea, I think I'll buy some metal tomorrow