Central Ohioans and rising gas prices

The news stories yesterday worked very hard to gin up a problem with travel and the economy, but I don't think they pulled it off. My e-mail always comes up with a news story, and it was something about the dark mood of the American consumer. The reporters in the airports couldn't seem to find anything except orderly, patient crowds, and millions were traveling despite gloom and doom stories (like the lady who was only going to fly to Atlanta once in 4 weeks). And then today the shoppers are jamming the parking lots on "black Friday" spending like there would never be another Christmas.

They took a survey in Ohio about high gas prices, and it was reported in the paper today.

73% said they were very or somewhat concerned about the rising price of gasoline for their own family.

But. . .

64% said they weren't cutting back on travel as a result of gasoline prices.

83% said they hadn't bought a new car to get better mileage.

59% said they weren't going to avoid long distance driving.

61% said NO to carpooling.

Remember when a few liberals wanted a $1/gal "patriot tax" on gasoline after 9/11? What did they think it would do? They're having a global warming conference in Bali and the private jets are jamming up the airport. Have these guys never heard of telephone conferences or I-see-U-see on the computer? I wonder if they plane-pooled?

Yesterday I saw gasoline for $2.99/gal on Rt. 33 south of Fishenger.