2006-09-04 06:06:02 · 10 answers · asked by tarro 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Civic Participation
Perhaps the simplest reason that Americans are not concerned is that we only see what we are using ourselves. "Gee, I only use this much gas", or "I don't drive that often to contribute to the problem" all indicate that I do not see that millions of others say the same things. And when these millions are added together, we have a real problem.
The real question is, HOW do we encourage each individual to see that every wasted barrel of oil counts? I have no answer.
Why don't we demand renewable energy sources? Because we can get what we need there is no urge to find anything else! If Americans believed there WAS a shortage, there probably would be a cry for new, renewable alternatives.
So, in a sense, the answer to both parts of this question is that most Americans do not really believe there is an oil shortage.
2006-09-04 06:21:30 · answer #1 · answered by Don H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because if a problem doesn't impact someone's daily life in a measurable way, very few people will spend any time on that problem. It's less effort to just pay the cost of gas and complain than to actually do something about it.
2006-09-04 06:09:06 · answer #2 · answered by coragryph 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would love to have a better alternative than oil. But, people care more about other things. For example, sombody wants to put 20 something wind turbines in Vermont. But all the people don't want them becasue it will destroy the nice ridge they want to put them on. So they are OK about paying middle eastern countries money as long as they can look at a nice ridge. Come on. You are going to have to sacrifice something.
2006-09-04 06:22:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
misinformation distributed by the oil and auto company. good advertising by auto companies to entice consumers into buying the fast/big/loud car with the huge engine which gets bad gas mileage. i think the media/advertisments/etc. have convinced people that a car is a fashion statement, instead of a tool.
2006-09-04 06:19:17 · answer #4 · answered by what? 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because in about 10,000 years, long before we run out of oil, the earth's magnetic field will go away, and life on earth will cease to exist as we know it.
2006-09-04 06:12:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Because most people are lazy and selfish, plus the majority of Americans are dumb enough to reelect a president that owns half the texas oil fields, then ask him to lower the price of oil ... DUH
2006-09-04 06:16:13 · answer #6 · answered by Johnnyb 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
selfishness,creed and spoiled rotten we are, and yes before I get a nasty reply, that includes me
2006-09-04 06:18:25 · answer #7 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ignorance is bliss...
2006-09-04 06:08:36 · answer #8 · answered by serenity113001 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
1 - Why should they be? Please give some examples.
2 - Who says we aren't? Please give some examples.
Rhetorical "questions" are occasionally amusing but it's more useful to ask real questions.
2006-09-04 06:09:09 · answer #9 · answered by Walter Ridgeley 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
because we are lazy.
2006-09-04 06:14:55 · answer #10 · answered by Mr.happy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋