How stupid are Americans to think that Gas prices are our top problem?

Question

So gas goes from $3 to $4, and the average american uses 600 gallons a year (12K miles at 20mpg), that means only a difference of $600 at the end of the year.

So $600 is the top economic concern of americans? Please tell me that something's wrong with the intelligence of the average american.

reference:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080429/ts_alt_afp/usvoteenergyhealtheconomyinflationpoll

Answer 1

Who says Americans think that?  Did you take a poll or something?  I surely don't think so.  Don't throw us all into one basket please.

Answer 2

I don't think it's our top problem, but I do think that the problem extends beyond the average gas consumption per year of 12,000 gallons - which is MUCH less than what I go through as far as I live from where I currently work.

There's also the problem of rising prices of practically EVERYTHING that is shipped, especially food. Gas prices affect the prices of other things, because it takes gas to move those things, something that is figured into the cost of most products.

Also, if you're like many people who are living week-to-week, an extra $50 a month can be a big deal. That's a typical electric bill for me except in the dead of summer. That's a cable bill. That's a week's worth of groceries for me.

Answer 3

Americans are very stupid

Answer 4

Of course it's not the worst we've got but it's the closest to 'home'.

Answer 5

Gas prices affect the entire economy, not just the gas budget for the personal car. It becomes a domino effect on everything that is produced and sold. It adds up to overall inflation.

Answer 6

Its the trickle down effect though.  Everyone raises there prices to cover the added fuel costs so that $600 per year is only for gas, then add another $600+ for food, another $600+ for clothing..etc.  Yes there are a lot of other problems, but at the rate all the problems are snowballing up, it can be traced back to the little snowflake called gas prices

Answer 7

And gpf74's intelligence is just glaring......

Answer 8

well gas is the only think that the media covers! ahaha

Answer 9

how old r u not 2 be able 2 figure out the domino effect this gas price is causing and will cause a LOT more hardships on everyone.