Watching MSNBC this morning, I discovered that American Airlines is raising fees and cutting flights. This move by AA is symptomatic of high oil prices and very revealing of class differences as suddenly, only the wealthy can afford air travel. Its unbelievable. My wife and I bring home good dual incomes but are thinking twice about paying for a flight to New York next month. Several years ago this flight to see mom and dad cost $250, now we can expect to pay over $500!
Raising travel costs are only one example of pressure being placed on the middle class. But what about the poor? If the middle class can't travel, what can't the poor do; eat? We already know that feeding the poor has become more difficult because of food costs. Rice alone - the most common source of nourishment - has tripled in price (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23832071/)! What has influenced this price increase? Namely, oil prices.
I'd like to start a debate (discussion) about the importance of cheap oil in relation to global poverty and world hunger. I think one key factor in solving these major issues requires cheap oil, which in part means drilling new oil sites. Drilling new oil sites will require "green" organizations to move out of the way. Think about it, could the fight to save our planet actually be stifling humanitarian capacity to end global hunger? Shouldn't these two good agendas work together?
Before all the idealists jump on the glaring problems with my argument, lets discuss pragmatic solutions. I already know that if America had solar powered cars that oil prices would be less. But we don't on a mass scale and won't for a long time. I also know that America produces enough grain and other food products to end world hunger but the cost of shipping keeps it from making around the world. Companies and the will of people do not allow for food exports to take place because of oil prices.
Discuss.
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