At Least He Didn't Wear a Sweater

Today, President Bush asked Americans to
cut down on gasoline consumption, including forgoing "non-essential" trips.

Since the current Commander-in-Chief now seems to be taking pointers from the 39th president, perhaps White House staffers should brush up on his notorious 1977 energy address -- where he appeared before the TV cameras in a sweater (seated next to a fireplace) and invoked the "moral equivalent of war" when asking Americans to turn down their thermostats.

Can America really wage a "war on conspicuous energy consumption," especially since it is now fighting at least two wars abroad (Iraq, Afghanistan) and two wars at home and abroad (Terror, Drugs)? Having Americans curtail their consumption may be the longest, hardest slough of them all. The only likely result is an increased amount of protracted public annoyance with the political class, which may be an ultimate benefit for a short time -- until such public earnestly gives the next glib poseur the keys to the extravagant jalopy of American government.

This Californian, who just made a round trip from Los Angeles to Phoenix for the sole purpose of watching the St. Louis Rams "triumph" over the Arizona Cardinals, will continue to guzzle as much gasoline as he wants (and can afford) -- whatever the pronouncements of selected politicians.

And does it occur to anyone that all of the President's Air Force One trips -- that are designed to give rise to the appearance of active leadership -- consume a tremendous amount of jet fuel at a time when many airlines are flying with tanks that are only partially full to cut costs? It is akin to Arianna Huffington railing against SUV's while she transports herself around the country in a private jet, only on a greater magnitude.