Summary

The article "An Open Letter to Drivers" on the undefined website is a commentary on the American public's reaction to rising gas prices, advocating for resilience and adaptation rather than complaint.

Abstract

In the midst of an oil war and rising gas prices, the author of "An Open Letter to Drivers" addresses fellow drivers, particularly those with gas-guzzling vehicles, to adapt to the situation with dignity rather than succumb to the discomfort of higher fuel costs. The author, who identifies with the struggle due to their own large vehicle, draws a parallel between the current situation and historical rationing, emphasizing that while previous generations may have endured hardships quietly, today's society is more vocal about its discontent. The article suggests learning from children who overcome the loss of a favorite toy by moving forward, and from younger generations who are finding ways to live without reliance on traditional fuel sources. Practical suggestions are offered to reduce gas consumption, and the author encourages supporting alternative fuels and electric vehicles. The piece concludes with a call for civil dialogue and personal responsibility, reminding readers of the importance of adapting to change in a country that values both cheap gas and guns.

Opinions

The author sympathizes with the frustration of rising gas prices but criticizes the lack of resilience shown by drivers today compared to past generations.
There is a sentiment that the current generation is not suffering in silence and does not want to experience rationing like the Greatest Generation did.
The article suggests that Americans are too dependent on their cars and trucks and need to learn to live with less reliance on cheap gasoline.
It is implied that the pain of having something beloved taken away, such as cheap gas, is akin to a child losing a favorite toy, and that people should learn to move on from such losses.
The author points out that the affordability of American gas is a result of global conflicts and the actions of powerful nations.
The piece advocates for practical measures to reduce gas usage, such as remote work, using scooters, carpooling, and supporting alternative fuels and electric vehicles.
The author humorously advises against reviving hitchhiking as a response to high gas prices.
There is a critique of the American public's reaction to conservation efforts, referencing the one-term presidency of Jimmy Carter, who advocated for energy conservation.
The author encourages civil conversations about gas prices, suggesting responses that reference historical rationing and the potential purchase of an electric car.
The article ends with a reminder to remain calm and drive less, while also acknowledging the prevalence of gun ownership in America.

OPEN LETTERS

An Open Letter to Drivers

Stop kvetching about gas prices, it’s pathetic

Dear Gas Guzzling Friends,

I am one of you. I have a huge car that gets 20 mph, because I want (need?) to take a fabulous road trip this summer.

Here we are in the midst of another oil war. When I fill up at the pump, I don’t feel patriotic, rich, or optimistic. So far I’ve kept from complaining, however.

It hurts to have things taken away, just like it did when I was five and some grubby preschooler (I haven’t forgotten, Jay Jablowski!) grabbed my raspberry-colored crayon. That was MY crayon, you little SOB.

It’s uncomfortable to have cheap gas removed, like that midnight siphoner who sucked 8 gallons from my crappy Toyota Corolla. What kind of thief steals from a broken down, working class vehicle?

My point is this: we aren’t the Greatest Generation. We aren’t suffering in silence, and we don’t want rationing.

The Greatest Generation (born about a hundred years ago) might’ve kvetched about meat and gas rationing, but they were blue-collar in a time when gas wasn’t a necessity. They were not asked to give up the ability to drive to work or drive their kids to work, er, I mean school.

They weren’t as dependent on their cars and trucks as we are today.

So let’s figure out how to live with having something we love — cheap gasoline — snatched from our clutches. If we cannot adapt, at least we can retain our dignity.

Perhaps we can begin with observing how children learn to overcome the trauma of having their favorite toy stolen? Child psychologists and parents around the globe recommend one surefire way to help the child recover.

They say:

“Kid, get over it! Life is full of hard knocks. You need to toughen up and fly right, pipsqueak.”

Or:

“Get your candy-ass outside and play in the fresh air.”

If we want cheap gas, then we’ll need to watch innocent victims get shot and bombed by Russia and the US and whoever else has the firepower.

Let’s remember why American gas has been so affordable.

Fellow Boomers and Gen Xers and Echo Boomers — let’s take a lesson from the Greatest Gen and from Gen Z. They managed and are managing to live perfectly good lives without the constant flow of fuel. Sure, Greatest Gen didn’t need cars but it looks as if Gen Z is figuring out how to live without them, too.

Here are a few practical suggestions for cutting back on gas use. Let me know in the comments if you think any of these have a snowball’s chance in hell of working.

— Stop requiring office workers to commute and if you are asked to commute, tell your potential employer you got a better job offer

— Stop whining about how Scooters suck because you are too old to balance on one

— Share your ride

— Accept high gas prices as a means to cut back on driving and flying

— Support efforts for alt fuels and electric vehicles with your purchase power

But please do not start hitchhiking again.

Remember the ’73 oil embargo? If you recall, Jimmy Carter tried his damndest to get Americans to conserve and they rewarded him with a one-term presidency. We haven’t changed.

On a practical, micro level we can have civil conversations, so when your neighbor moans about how much gas costs, try these simple rejoinders:

“The Greatest Generation had gas rationing and they got by.”

“It hurts when something you love gets taken away, doesn’t it?”

“I’m buying an electric car, I guess.”

If nothing else, you are in for an interesting and highly engaging dialogue. Just make sure to check if your neighbor is carrying a gun, because this is America and the only thing we love more than cheap gas are cheap guns.

Keep Calm and Drive Less,

Karen Susan McGuzzler

Since joining Medium in March 2019, I’ve learned so much more about comedy writing and producing readable stories — leading to nearly 7K followers and better articles. Other funny writers also helped me hone my humor writing. If you are not a member, sign up by clicking the link below. For just $5 a month you’ll find so much terrific content. To get my stories in your inbox, click here.