Shall I flick it or put it out?

I’m sick. I’ve been home since last Tuesday, and I’m going strong with feeling crappy every day. It’s Bronchitis, and I haven’t had this beast in a long time – about 2 years. This is actually ironic in a way, because I got sick around this time two years ago when I first met my wife in person, and our first meeting involved a lot of tissue, water, coughing, and a very sore throat. Must be something about spring. But I digress. I went to the see my doctor again today, and so was going to pick up my prescriptions from CVS. As I park the car, Ligia calls me, and we’re on the phone for a few minutes. This big group comes out of a restaurant next door, and the nicotine addicts have to get their fix before they take off in their Cadillac – at least they’re being respectful to a nice car So it’s like a marathon…puff puff, drag drag, they’re antsy to leave, but they haven’t had their fix yet. Finally the driver gets into her vehicle, and the passenger is forced to follow suit, so she needs to do something with her cigarette! What do you think she did? Did she flick it, or did she put it out and save it?
You see, in a better economy we drove Escalades, and Range Rovers, and V8′s were raining from the skies like Manna in ancient times. We threw away half-drank bottles of pop, and we didn’t think twice about jumping in our enviro-killer and driving anywhere and everywhere we wanted to. But today, is a different story. Today, people put out their cigarettes! Oh yes! They put them out, make sure that ember isn’t burning anymore, and then stow them away in your jacket pocket (as disgusting as that is). Today, fewer of us are still driving the vehicles, which make Saudi Sheiks rich. Today, there are small cars in America, than I’ve ever seen. It seems only the haughty, and the defiant are clutching to their gas guzzlers as if they’re clutching to Jesus himself – or those who just can’t afford another car payment – ah but wait…you’re gasoline bill *is* a car payment! And personally, I have a bone to pick with those of you who say you just don’t feel safe in a regular car…but I digress again!
Are the American consumers learning that they need to save? Is that $5 a pack price tag for cancer sticks burning their pockets? Are we finally realizing that we can’t continue to live high on the hog, and be as wasteful of a society, as we’ve been? Do people really need 3000, 4000, 5000, or 6000 square foot homes? Do people really need monstrous SUVs just to commute to work, or a minivan for less than 3 kids? Why is the rest of world able to live with less, and make it, and be happy? Why is it possible for Europeans to hitch a pop-up camper to a Volkswagen and strap excess luggage on the roof to go on vacation, and we can’t? Why can the rest of the world live in dwellings which are in many cases a fraction of the size that Americans are used to, and be fine – oh and not to mention, able to turn the heat up an extra couple of degrees without breaking the bank?
I look around, and I’m optimistic at the changes I see in people’s mentality. More and more, I see people packing lunches, and hear about people cooking at home, and keeping their money in their pockets. It’s a good sign. I think that one of the bones the rest of the world had/has to pick with Americans, is the apparent defiance of Americans. Life is expensive everywhere in the world, and resources are scarce. This country has been wasteful, and disrespectful of those resources for far too long. It angers Europeans, and Asians for example to see that. Perhaps it will take $5-$6 per gallon of gasoline, and taxes for engines above 2000cc, and food at twice the price of the U.S. for people to finally realize what excesses they’ve been living in!