Imposing a new national speed limit is a patriotic move.
Since I’m as patriotic as an American can be, I heartily endorse the proposition made last week by U.S. Sen. John Warner R-Va., who requested a federal study on the impact of a 55 mph limit.
Solid science clearly shows that a 55 mph national speed limit will save gas and make us less dependent on foreign oil.
Unlike the classic rock song says, you can drive 55.
I do it all the time. Each day behind the wheel is an exercise in following the rules and obeying the law.
And with gas prices soaring as the world’s natural resources become more and more depleted, saving gas and oil must become a national priority.
Americans don’t like national priorities.
Can’t we just invade somebody’s sovereign nation and take their oil? Sure we can. We’ve already invaded Iraq but we haven’t taken their oil. Besides, rational world leaders frown on such a move, as well they should.
We also haven’t asked for sacrifice on the part of American drivers who believe the world owes them a favor.
Americans owe Americans a favor. Reducing our national dependence on foreign oil reduces our dependence on foreign governments. Becoming less dependent on Saudi Arabia makes perfect sense for any freedom-loving American citizen who easily recognizes an oppressive regime masquerading as an ally.
I’m no fan of the Saudis. I’m not terribly impressed with Iraqi leadership, either. Same goes for Iran.
I’d be lying, though, if I said I have any greater respect for Texas oil man George Bush and the terrible bind in which he has placed most Americans, patriotic and otherwise. Bush makes us more dependent on oppressive governments.
Bush helps us forget that we are, indeed, special, as long as we hold fast to our national values of liberty and justice for all. Thankfully, Bush’s terrible tenure is almost over. He can go back to the ranch and invest in oil without average Americans clamoring for him to do something about the well running dry.
Average Americans must do more for average Americans.
That means conservation.
A modern-day national conservation corps along the lines of the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) is something that we should consider – a Gasoline Conservation Corps (GCC). That national work relief program of old can guide our 21st Century gas relief program.
I’m not quite sure what a contemporary conservation corps would accomplish or how it would work. Maybe the federal government could establish national gas stations run by young GCC workers who pump discount gas for Americans who sign a loyalty pledge to drive 55.
Maybe state police could then employ special GCC patrols comprised of newly trained GCC cadets who offer a zero-tolerance approach to this new national security policy. Drivers who sign a pledge and then speed lose their GCC card and pay hefty fines – maybe even lose their driver’s licenses after a first offense.
People who refuse to sign the pledge and continue to pay top dollar at the pumps will also be watched as well, particularly truckers who now say they endorse a national speed limit of 55 mph.
Americans need a serious challenge to see how serious we are as a society that, like it or not, depends on each other for stability and progress.
Rich people can buy all the gas they like for whatever they choose to pay. But non-pledge signers will risk having their vehicles impounded if they are written up for speeding three times.
Enforcement is the calling card in a nation of law. And America is first and foremost a nation of law.
While we wait, police must approach speeders with the same zeal normally reserved for the war on drugs. In some way, oil consumption is more dangerous for the American Way than illegal drug consumption.
The Hummer driver is more destructive to our nation than the occasional recreational pot smoker who is too often treated like a cartel kingpin. The speeding gas hog SUV driver is more akin to a cartel member than America’s average pothead.
Nobody should drink and drive. Everybody should think and drive.
Driving 55 is as good a public policy idea as I’ve heard proposed lately.
Sue Henry
