My favorite writing of Lincoln's is the following. "....and yet the human instrumentalities working just as they do are of the best adaptation to effect His purpose..."

This was a part of a sentence, in part of a brief writing to himself in September of 1862.

Oil

Oil prices at this time are no higher than any other time in the 1980's, after adjusting for inflation. It was just that the spike in oil occurred rapidly and the consumer wasn't ready for this. Should the spike have happened. That is up for conjecture. The oil companies are definitely pleased so this is no surprise. Secondly (or maybe this should be first) the "perceived" shortage drove up prices. I do not see lines at gas stations the way they were in 1973.

Just for starters, ration cards should be issued to all motorists. Also, High Occupancy Vehicles should be mandatory. SUV's wouldn't be such gas guzzlers if at least five or more passengers were in each one. These two measures alone would reduce fuel (gasoline) consumption tremendously and the price would be driven down on oil.

It would take a concerted effort, but this is "war" and it can be done.

Reviewers In This Day

Some of the notable car reviewers of this day were the car reviewers of the past. Oddly enough, they liked the "junk" that came out of Detroit that they now disparage. What's even odder is that the cars that come out of Detroit now are 100 times better than the past! It's quite confusing to the consumer, an anomaly, and exhibits the hypocrisy of many if not most of the auto media.

Automobiles

All cars are not created equal. That is why there is a choice, and the consumer has that choice. But for too long now cars here in the U.S. have looked quite similar among the many different car companies.

So really, is there a choice? As far as reliability, maybe; as far as looks, they all look like they came out of the same can.