Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Solving problems

In Copenhagen, the government is actively involved in creating programs and infrastructure to help more people use bicycles. Say what you want about the advantages of cycling with other traffic, but this system has led to 36% of the population of Copenhagen commuting by bikes in 2004.

Back on this side of the ocean...

I can't tell which planet Ontario MPP Gilles Bisson lives on.

"If we had true competition, there would be no need for regulation," he said, claiming major oil companies are putting independent retailers out of business, leading to a less competitive market.

What? High gas prices are the fault of independent retailers? Doesn't he read any news?

So next time there is a period where gasoline supply is tight, where will oil companies choose to sell their product: in a country where the price is restricted at yesterday's low price, or where the price just doubled? If this goes through, this will hurt our economy in a big way, since we'll have no gas instead of expensive gas. I am looking forward to having many more friends on bikes.

On top of that, he claims to be fighting price fluctuations. I think many of us remember when, not that long ago, gas would fluctuate between 50 and 70 cents per litre. That's a 40% increase in price. Now it goes from about 90 cents to 109 cents, about 20%. So let's be honest: people are just pissed off that gas costs what it does.

Regulation won't make a difference. When it's Christmastime and everyone is lined up to buy the new Playstation for $400, do you think you're going to convince the store to sell it to you for $380?

Do something real about it, instead of all this whining.

Darren J 7/11/2006 11:24:00 p.m.

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