Recession or Depression

What is going to happen? Will there be a recession or a depression? The gas prices around our area are horrible. On the low side, you can get regular unleaded with an 87% octane for $3.21 per gallon. On the high side you can get super unleaded with a 93% octane for $3.58 per gallon.

Now let's think about this a minute.

The average price of gas per gallon is $3.395.
Let's say that the average vehicle gets 20 miles to the gallon.
The average person has to drive 20 miles one way to work. And drives to work 5 days a week.

With me so far? Good!

In one week, the average person drives 200 miles round trip for work.
In one week, the average person uses 10 gallons of gas per week just driving round trip for work.
In one week, the average person has spent $33.95 on gas.

Now let's examine this a little more.

While the average person drives to work and back home, there are stops along the way. Stops meaning, stop signs, traffic lights, errands, waiting in traffic. All of these burn extra fuel. Just for kicks and giggles, let's throw in an extra 10 gallons of gas. I know it may sound like a lot, but when you think about it, it really isn't. Another 10 gallons of gas is gonna cost another $33.95.

I know some people don't drive, they take the bus. Yes the bus that gets right about 6 miles to the gallon. And you can get a bunch of people on one bus. What about the times you see the bus go by and there are only 3 on it. Hmmm...

What about all the semi trucks that are averaging 6 miles to the gallon? Diesel averages $3.60 per gallon. Figure that the average semi will travel an average of 1000 miles. Large fuel bill!
What about the fire departments, ambulance service, law enforcement. Ok - so they get their fuel at a discounted price. Darn good thing they do. Our local Sheriffs Office used over 16,000 gallons of fuel last month. Try paying that fuel bill.

I haven't even touched the price of a gallon of milk. On average, we pay $4.50 for a gallon of milk. Our family goes through 6 or 7 gallons of milk in one week. 6 gallons times $4.50 = $27.00 just for milk.

So many things that I have not even calculated. Really, I just touched base on 2 things, fuel and milk. Those are 2 of the most important things that I can think of besides water. And just you wait, with the higher usage of water and the less availability of it, I'm sure it will be on the list very soon.

Are the wages going up enough to keep up with the rising prices? I don't think so. What's going to happen? There are a lot of foreclosures going on right now too. Where will people live? Will the crime rate increase? Are we all in danger?

Only time will tell...