[Steven Lyle Jordan]

Originally Posted by Ralph Sir Edward

I bluntly don't agree with your economics. In 2000, a top of the line stretch P/U cost that. A bottom of the line non-stretch (2 seater) P/U could be had here in Texas for around $10,000 less. I bought (in 2001) a 2001 PT cruiser at $19,000 (and overpaid). Furthermore, I get at least 8 years out of a car. My PT Cruiser won't handle 4'x'8' plywood sheets, but will handle 8 foot 4"x4"s. (the passenger seat folds down and the rear seat both folds down and is easily removeable.) So instead of $8,000 over 5 years, we're talking $2,000 over 8 years, or $250 a year. The Cruiser handles 90 pct of my u-haul needs. even at a 17 MPG differential, the cost (at $3 a gallon) of gas is still cheaper than buying a Starbuck every day at work. (I don't drink coffee)

Actually, I'd equate a PT Cruiser (which I considered buying once, myself) as more of an economy vehicle than a big hauler... closer to my hatchback, which will haul comparable loads as your Cruiser. So try comparing your Cruiser to a $25,000 truck, and you still have about a $6,000 difference in cost. (BTW, I expect to get about 15 years out of my Hyundai, bought at $17,000, so if it's just cost over time you're computing, it still beats out any truck purchase.)

Originally Posted by Ralph Sir Edward

I disagree velhemently with your evaluation. The American people won't settle for limitations. They'll invent their way out of them. They always have, and always will. They don't tolerate being to told to do without.

Yes... we avoided inventing better cars for 30 years, and instead we invented an ongoing war over oil in foreign lands. And as we get more oil-strapped, we'll just keep inventing better arms. Damned clever, us Americans. Maybe we could learn to tolerate a bit more, and kill a bit less. Just my opinion.

Originally Posted by Ralph Sir Edward

I'm concerned about the Smart individually. I have no problem with, say, The Honda Civic. I judge on a car-by-car basis.

As I said, no one's forcing you personally to drive a Smart specifically. The point is, an electric vehicle may be able to satisfy 95% or more of your driving needs, and save you money besides, which is why I'd think most people, seeing this, would be willing to consider buying an electric car. If Honda puts out an electric Civic that you like, by all means, pick one up. (I watch them closely for future purchases myself.)

Originally Posted by Ralph Sir Edward

If people make individual choices on their own, without coercion, fine. If somebody decides to make the choices for them, without their consent. then - evil, evil.

And I do understand that this, indeed, is the real crux of your concern. I see evils Americans put up with, every day, thinking that they are not being coerced into them, that it is their choice. I expect the number of evils to increase, and for most Americans to not recognize them for what they are, and fall right in step. I prefer to see my evils coming, and decide which ones we must accept, and which we must resist.

If putting up with a bit of additional inconvenience by accepting an electric car is an evil, I'll take it any day over the evils we--and our children's children--will have to deal with otherwise.