The Word is "Excess"
We have a new resident in the University Commons parking lot: the obscenely large tank of an SUV, enemy of all things organic, the one, the only, Hummer 2. I am shocked an appalled.
Apparently, this beast gets about 10 miles per gallon. Yes, you heard right. It also retails for just under \$50,000. (Nearly \$60,000 after car payments for 72 months.) Let's compare this to my '95 Escort LX, shall we? I bought my car for \$2,000, used. I've put less than \$1,500 into it since I bought it, but let's be generous. I still say it's a bargain at \$3,500. What's more, I get 35 to 40 miles/gallon on the highway. It's not much to look at, but it gets me around, and damned if it's not economical.
Quick calculations: assuming 10,000 road miles a year and \$1.55 a gallon for gas, I estimate I spend \$442 a year on gas. The proud owner of the H2 outside my apartment will shell out \$1,550 for the same mileage.
Gah, just needed to vent. Thanks for listening. =P