Re: Can't Make it Here Anymore..times are bad...best times..right now

On Jan 7, 2006, at 4:54 AM, Robert E. Shlafer wrote:

> Nope. Trust me....they never ever even gave this aspect of their 
> purchase a thought, believe me.

On the contrary, the ability to pay for gasoline is part of the 
"display." In the late 19th and early 20th century, people of means 
cultivated a considerable girth to show that they were well off (think 
William Howard Taft). A century later, the girth goes into the size of 
one's transportation. "I have money to burn" is the message.

Meanwhile, their demand drives up prices for everyone.

Mark