Ugly Ass Opinion

Yes, that was ‘hesh.’ not ‘hush.’ Now hesh up and let me ramble. A few more thoughts on reducing emissions the good ol’ common sense way:

Police officers leave their cars running almost all the time. (Sweeping generalization based on my own observations, you understand.) Why? I get that they don’t want to lose any precious seconds in the pursuit of a twisted criminal who suddenly flees the scene. But doesn’t a running car also present an obvious escape possibility? Tell me no police cars have ever been boosted by criminals and I’ll hesh up on the point.

I’m just saying.  

Even if they need to leave cars running when going after evildoers, why do I see police vehicles running in the parking lot when they’re getting coffee and chit-chatting inside? (I will not crack a donut joke…I will not crack…) I’ve seen cop cars running in the bank parking lot with officers standing in line inside. C’mon, people. We shouldn’t need legislation to tell you to shut off that gas sucking 400 horse engine when you stop at the post office to mail a package to Aunt Pearl.

Another thing that irks me about police vehicles –I’m almost done with you guys, I swear– is the occasional officer flying by at 95mph with no siren blaring and no disco lights going. Just what do you think you’re doing? Besides the obvious safety issues, I can only presume if you’re using no lights and no siren, you have no business driving 95mph. Your car gets 14 miles to the gallon and taxpayers foot the expense–be late for work like the rest of us!

Ok, I’m all done picking on police officers. (Appreciate what y’all do, by the way. Just wish you’d suck a little less petroleum while doing it.)

How about utility company vehicles? Every phone, gas and electric company repair vehicle that has ever arrived at our door stayed running the whole time it was here. What the hell for? Shut ‘em off! Unless you have to move the vehicle in the next 3 minutes, there’s no sense in killing off the ozone. Granted, with gasoline topping $3.55 a gallon and diesel at $4.55 around here, somebody in accounting may just figure this little tip out right quick. Let’s hope so.

Here’s a thought, one that could be implemented by city, county, state AND federal entities. (Non-government companies, too.) Each department that oversees company vehicles should offer a monthly bonus to the employee who either uses the least amount of fuel or reduces fuel expenses by the highest percentage in his or her company car. There’s no extra cost; the savings on gas could pay for the bonuses. Think about how many tens of thousands of company cars are in use in the country. If all those folks made a concerted attempt to conserve fuel, Mother Earth would be happier than a tornado in a trailer park. 

Which brings me to us. (Brings us to me? Brings I to them? You to him? Her to them?) We can ALL do our part. Seriously, it’s not that hard. Don’t ‘warm up’ the car unless there’s snow on the windshield. Hike it inside instead of idling in an endless drive thru. Make one less ‘run to the store’ a week from now on. We have to do something (yes, that means you and me), because face it–we all like to breathe.

Our great-grandchildren will, too.

This article is an original post from www.UglyAssOpinion.com © Kelly L. Trainor 2008 All Rights Reserved