Why isn’t biking seen as patriotic?
07-22-05, 04:24 PM
#76
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Originally Posted by rjkresse
People who don't 'get' cycling are still going to laugh at you... they're going to laugh at a lot of things they don't understand. They'd probably laugh at us without the lycra and the funny shoes (you may not wear lycra and funny shoes). Hundreds of people probably point and stare at me on the roads thinking, "what an idiot (insert your own explitive here) that guy is." You know what? I don't care. Don't run me over, don't throw stuff at me. That's all I ask.
The thing is though, that they may point and laugh and shout at you... but as cyclists we're no more than a blip on their (rather narrow) radar screens. They don't actually care what we are. They only know that we're in the way (we're not, but that's not how they see it). We're just another thing that inconveniences them. No amount of "hug a biker" or "Bikes are Patriotic, no really they are" stickers and signs are going to fix that.
The thing is though, that they may point and laugh and shout at you... but as cyclists we're no more than a blip on their (rather narrow) radar screens. They don't actually care what we are. They only know that we're in the way (we're not, but that's not how they see it). We're just another thing that inconveniences them. No amount of "hug a biker" or "Bikes are Patriotic, no really they are" stickers and signs are going to fix that.
Other than that... who cares.
07-22-05, 05:20 PM
#77
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2 entries found for patriotism.
pa·tri·ot·ism ( P ) Pronunciation Key (ptr--tzm)
n.
Love of and devotion to one's country.
Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
patriotism
n : love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it [syn: nationalism]
Source: WordNet ® 2.0, © 2003 Princeton University
Activities in one's own self interest eg; cycling, dieting, keeping a clean house and an orderly yard, obeying traffic laws set up for safety are not done for love of country nor are they a sacrifice. People who love thier country might also strive for things like those cited above. The motivation though is decidedly other than patriotism.
Neither are idle displays or demonstrations without real love of country or sacrifice (or willingness to sacrifice) deserving of the label of patriotic. Fly a flag but refuse to vote. The impression created is self serving not patriotic.
There are many among us who have made sacrifices on behalf of a nation they love including those who have sacrificed for the United States.
Let's neither cheapen patriotism nor label cycling a sacrifice.
pa·tri·ot·ism ( P ) Pronunciation Key (ptr--tzm)
n.
Love of and devotion to one's country.
Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
patriotism
n : love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it [syn: nationalism]
Source: WordNet ® 2.0, © 2003 Princeton University
Activities in one's own self interest eg; cycling, dieting, keeping a clean house and an orderly yard, obeying traffic laws set up for safety are not done for love of country nor are they a sacrifice. People who love thier country might also strive for things like those cited above. The motivation though is decidedly other than patriotism.
Neither are idle displays or demonstrations without real love of country or sacrifice (or willingness to sacrifice) deserving of the label of patriotic. Fly a flag but refuse to vote. The impression created is self serving not patriotic.
There are many among us who have made sacrifices on behalf of a nation they love including those who have sacrificed for the United States.
Let's neither cheapen patriotism nor label cycling a sacrifice.
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07-22-05, 05:34 PM
#78
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https://www.samueljohnson.com/qotw02q2.html#0630
"Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel."
-- Samuel Johnson (Boswell's Life of Johnson)
Since September 11, we've seen a huge increase in patriotic expressions here in the United States. As a result, this has probably become the most widely used Samuel Johnson quotation since that date. Perhaps not in mainstream media, but certainly in usenet postings. Many would say it's become the Samuel Johnson quotation most widely misused, too.
It would have been nice if Boswell provided more details about what was being discussed when Johnson leveled this complaint, but he doesn't. The barb comes out of nowhere. (Please see the update below.) But Boswell makes up for this lack of context by making it clear that Johnson was not indicting all patriotism, merely false patriotism. Beyond that, all Boswell tells us is that it was part of a discussion on patriotism which occurred on April 7, 1775.
What were the political issues of the day, and what were Johnson's thoughts around that point in time? Well, by that time he had already published his famous political pamphlets of the 1770's, including The False Alarm (1770) and The Patriot (1774). He had also published the fourth edition of his Dictionary, wherein he'd added an explanatory remark to his definition of "patriotism". In both the first and fourth editions, he'd defined "patriot" as "One whose ruling passion is the love of his country." In the fourth edition, Johnson added: "It is sometimes used for a factious disturber of the government." From the original 1755 definition, repeated in 1773, as well as comments in Johnson's various pamphlets, it's clear that Johnson felt that patriotism was a valuable feeling, one which shouldn't be taken lightly. All scoundrels may resort to patriotism, but this doesn't mean that everyone who expresses patriotic sympathies are automatically scoundrels.
"Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel."
-- Samuel Johnson (Boswell's Life of Johnson)
Since September 11, we've seen a huge increase in patriotic expressions here in the United States. As a result, this has probably become the most widely used Samuel Johnson quotation since that date. Perhaps not in mainstream media, but certainly in usenet postings. Many would say it's become the Samuel Johnson quotation most widely misused, too.
It would have been nice if Boswell provided more details about what was being discussed when Johnson leveled this complaint, but he doesn't. The barb comes out of nowhere. (Please see the update below.) But Boswell makes up for this lack of context by making it clear that Johnson was not indicting all patriotism, merely false patriotism. Beyond that, all Boswell tells us is that it was part of a discussion on patriotism which occurred on April 7, 1775.
What were the political issues of the day, and what were Johnson's thoughts around that point in time? Well, by that time he had already published his famous political pamphlets of the 1770's, including The False Alarm (1770) and The Patriot (1774). He had also published the fourth edition of his Dictionary, wherein he'd added an explanatory remark to his definition of "patriotism". In both the first and fourth editions, he'd defined "patriot" as "One whose ruling passion is the love of his country." In the fourth edition, Johnson added: "It is sometimes used for a factious disturber of the government." From the original 1755 definition, repeated in 1773, as well as comments in Johnson's various pamphlets, it's clear that Johnson felt that patriotism was a valuable feeling, one which shouldn't be taken lightly. All scoundrels may resort to patriotism, but this doesn't mean that everyone who expresses patriotic sympathies are automatically scoundrels.
07-22-05, 06:17 PM
#79
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Originally Posted by slagjumper
It seems to me that bicycling should be seen as patriotic. There are just too many good things that come from cycling: If more people biked I think that could affect demand and push down fuel prices in the US. If more folks biked and we bought less gas, the US’ trade deficit could shrink because of how much we spend on gas. If more people biked we could be a more fit country. Since, “the President is an avid mountain biker”, why doesn’t he invite Lance to the Whitehouse. At this point Lance is probably the country’s number one good-will ambassador. If more people biked our beloved country would have far less pollution and road deaths. Americans would be less dependant on Saudi Arabian oil. If more people biked we could spend less on roads. Now I know that there are downsides to moving away from cars like, less money for a few big manufacturers and oil companies. Not only that but at least 9/10ths of voters, regardless of age, sex or economic position are members of the “right foot club”.
During wwII the media was intimately involved with supporting the war effort and pushed things like military super heros in comic books, catroons with war themes, not to mention movies and newsreels.
Rather than that we get NYC freekin out over Critical Mass, even though the taxpayers said let them ride. We get radio talk show idiots complaining about bikes, then resending because they did not know better. We get ill informed newspaper writers complaining about elite cyclist “road hogs”. We get teenagers complaining about irritating bicyclists that make driving momy’s car difficult. We often get lack of support from the police when a car hits someone. We get mega tax breaks for gas guzzling trucks and nothing for bikes, save a few paths that often lack significant planning. And who can forget the good ol boy who yells out the window of his friend’s pickup truck—that person should be praising the cyclists for helping to bring down the price of gas and helping to preserve his favorite hunting ground.
With all of the good things that come from cycling, and all the bad that seems to arise from oil and cars it almost seems like a conflict of (the county’s) interest to not actively support cycling. Sure things are not the same as back in the 40s but still there are overwhelming, benefits to the country to support cycling it is strange that these don’t seem to be perused. Why do you think this is and what can we do to change that?
----
How it was. This is from:
https://www.60wwii.mil/Presentation/E..._homefront.cfm
In spite of increased production, many items became scarce as the war effort tapped America's resources. For example, canned goods were rationed throughout the war because steel was essential in the production of planes, ships, tanks and other military equipment. The same priorities forced consumers to forgo the purchase of refrigerators, washing machines, alarm clocks, bed springs, hair pins, metal office furniture, lawnmowers and residential oil burners. Consumers had to apply to their local rationing boards for the special certificates necessary to purchase typewriters or bicycles. Scrap drives for tin, iron, rubber and newspapers linked local neighborhoods to the boys on the front lines. Even used cooking fat was "recycled" into glycerine for explosives. Gas and food were rationed and walking or riding a bike became commonplace.
https://www.gettysburg.edu/~mbirkner/fys120/ads.html
"Three cheers for you, Mrs. America, and all the things you're doing at home to help win the war. Without bugle or roll of drums you're in stride with the march to victory--you're setting the thermostat at 65 degrees, saving money to buy bonds, serving less meat, keeping the children well, turning off lights and radios, defrosting the refrigerator, doing Red Cross work, saving metal, rubber, tin cans, taking First Aid, sharing cars, writing letters--anything to win."
During wwII the media was intimately involved with supporting the war effort and pushed things like military super heros in comic books, catroons with war themes, not to mention movies and newsreels.
Rather than that we get NYC freekin out over Critical Mass, even though the taxpayers said let them ride. We get radio talk show idiots complaining about bikes, then resending because they did not know better. We get ill informed newspaper writers complaining about elite cyclist “road hogs”. We get teenagers complaining about irritating bicyclists that make driving momy’s car difficult. We often get lack of support from the police when a car hits someone. We get mega tax breaks for gas guzzling trucks and nothing for bikes, save a few paths that often lack significant planning. And who can forget the good ol boy who yells out the window of his friend’s pickup truck—that person should be praising the cyclists for helping to bring down the price of gas and helping to preserve his favorite hunting ground.
With all of the good things that come from cycling, and all the bad that seems to arise from oil and cars it almost seems like a conflict of (the county’s) interest to not actively support cycling. Sure things are not the same as back in the 40s but still there are overwhelming, benefits to the country to support cycling it is strange that these don’t seem to be perused. Why do you think this is and what can we do to change that?
----
How it was. This is from:
https://www.60wwii.mil/Presentation/E..._homefront.cfm
In spite of increased production, many items became scarce as the war effort tapped America's resources. For example, canned goods were rationed throughout the war because steel was essential in the production of planes, ships, tanks and other military equipment. The same priorities forced consumers to forgo the purchase of refrigerators, washing machines, alarm clocks, bed springs, hair pins, metal office furniture, lawnmowers and residential oil burners. Consumers had to apply to their local rationing boards for the special certificates necessary to purchase typewriters or bicycles. Scrap drives for tin, iron, rubber and newspapers linked local neighborhoods to the boys on the front lines. Even used cooking fat was "recycled" into glycerine for explosives. Gas and food were rationed and walking or riding a bike became commonplace.
https://www.gettysburg.edu/~mbirkner/fys120/ads.html
"Three cheers for you, Mrs. America, and all the things you're doing at home to help win the war. Without bugle or roll of drums you're in stride with the march to victory--you're setting the thermostat at 65 degrees, saving money to buy bonds, serving less meat, keeping the children well, turning off lights and radios, defrosting the refrigerator, doing Red Cross work, saving metal, rubber, tin cans, taking First Aid, sharing cars, writing letters--anything to win."
NO NO NO NO
Your wrong, patriotic means owning the 3 biggest SUV's made, and never ever touch dirt or ever pull anything! Thats patriotic.
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07-22-05, 06:18 PM
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Originally Posted by hi565
NO NO NO NO
Your wrong, patriotic means owning the 3 biggest SUV's made, and never ever touch dirt or ever pull anything! Thats patriotic.
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07-22-05, 07:50 PM
#81
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Today I saw a big truck with what looked like testicles hanging below in the back. I'm not kidding. The guy fashioned some faked testicles for his truck.
Patriotism today has nothing to do with the definition above. Patriotism today means, I ain't afraid of no terrorist, I gots me the biggest, baddest testicles of all and my big truck proves it.
Patriotism today has nothing to do with the definition above. Patriotism today means, I ain't afraid of no terrorist, I gots me the biggest, baddest testicles of all and my big truck proves it.
07-22-05, 08:03 PM
#82
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All I can say about patriotism is that one should be wary that it doesn't slip into blind jingoism.
I used to love this country (I served it for 4 years in the 101st), but the recent USSC ruling regarding the expansion of eminent domain has just reinforced my suspicion that my country has long left me.
I used to love this country (I served it for 4 years in the 101st), but the recent USSC ruling regarding the expansion of eminent domain has just reinforced my suspicion that my country has long left me.
07-22-05, 08:04 PM
#83
Sophomoric Member
Originally Posted by webist
2 entries found for patriotism.
pa·tri·ot·ism ( P ) Pronunciation Key (ptr--tzm)
n.
Love of and devotion to one's country.
Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
patriotism
n : love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it [syn: nationalism]
Source: WordNet ® 2.0, © 2003 Princeton University
Activities in one's own self interest eg; cycling, dieting, keeping a clean house and an orderly yard, obeying traffic laws set up for safety are not done for love of country nor are they a sacrifice. People who love thier country might also strive for things like those cited above. The motivation though is decidedly other than patriotism.
Neither are idle displays or demonstrations without real love of country or sacrifice (or willingness to sacrifice) deserving of the label of patriotic. Fly a flag but refuse to vote. The impression created is self serving not patriotic.
There are many among us who have made sacrifices on behalf of a nation they love including those who have sacrificed for the United States.
Let's neither cheapen patriotism nor label cycling a sacrifice.
pa·tri·ot·ism ( P ) Pronunciation Key (ptr--tzm)
n.
Love of and devotion to one's country.
Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
patriotism
n : love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it [syn: nationalism]
Source: WordNet ® 2.0, © 2003 Princeton University
Activities in one's own self interest eg; cycling, dieting, keeping a clean house and an orderly yard, obeying traffic laws set up for safety are not done for love of country nor are they a sacrifice. People who love thier country might also strive for things like those cited above. The motivation though is decidedly other than patriotism.
Neither are idle displays or demonstrations without real love of country or sacrifice (or willingness to sacrifice) deserving of the label of patriotic. Fly a flag but refuse to vote. The impression created is self serving not patriotic.
There are many among us who have made sacrifices on behalf of a nation they love including those who have sacrificed for the United States.
Let's neither cheapen patriotism nor label cycling a sacrifice.
Another point is that the standard definition of patriotism as "love of country" may not accurately describe some forms of patriotism. In some cases, people feel a nationalistic love toward a smaller unit than their nation-state. For example, I have read that many Kurds in Iraq feel patriotic toward "Kurdistan," a nation that doesn't even exist, but don't give a hoot about their country of Iraq. Other people feel loyalty and love similar to patriotism toward a larger entity. For example, many love "Planet Earth" and make sacrifices for the sake of the planet. I think quite a few cyclists would fall into this category, including me.
07-22-05, 08:17 PM
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Originally Posted by sbhikes
Today I saw a big truck with what looked like testicles hanging below in the back. I'm not kidding. The guy fashioned some faked testicles for his truck.
Patriotism today has nothing to do with the definition above. Patriotism today means, I ain't afraid of no terrorist, I gots me the biggest, baddest testicles of all and my big truck proves it.
Patriotism today has nothing to do with the definition above. Patriotism today means, I ain't afraid of no terrorist, I gots me the biggest, baddest testicles of all and my big truck proves it.
07-22-05, 09:04 PM
#85
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Originally Posted by cosmo starr
And eminent domain, yeah. Thank god for the 2nd amendment because we're gonna need to use it soon. Either that, or start practicing your goose step. (p.s. I don't own a gun, but I don't own property, either.)
07-22-05, 09:07 PM
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Originally Posted by rjkresse
...Those in power lie to us, and we either believe it, challenge it, or get so tired of being lied to that we just don't care anymore...
... patriotic ...
... patriotic ...
07-22-05, 09:47 PM
#87
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Originally Posted by amahana1
I agree with the poster that said that trying to judge peoples "patriotic index" by what they drive or how they look or whatever is so stupid its beyond rediculous! I couldnt care less how my patriotism is percieved.
I am going to Iraq in Sept for 8 months (second tour) and I would love to drag some of these people with me .
I am going to Iraq in Sept for 8 months (second tour) and I would love to drag some of these people with me .
07-22-05, 09:53 PM
#88
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Originally Posted by sbhikes
Today I saw a big truck with what looked like testicles hanging below in the back. I'm not kidding. The guy fashioned some faked testicles for his truck.
07-22-05, 10:04 PM
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Put a word in with the new pope, Catholics should bring back Gluttony and Sloth.
What ever happened to all that physical fitness stuff..?
Or "Buy American"?
Or just that post depression work ethic of walking/riding to work to save 5 cents. Or not buying a super sized Big Screen because it would look too pretentious?
What ever happened to all that physical fitness stuff..?
Or "Buy American"?
Or just that post depression work ethic of walking/riding to work to save 5 cents. Or not buying a super sized Big Screen because it would look too pretentious?
07-22-05, 10:06 PM
#90
Senior Member
Originally Posted by sbhikes
That's exactly what I saw. Revolting, really.
And eminent domain, yeah. Thank god for the 2nd amendment because we're gonna need to use it soon. Either that, or start practicing your goose step. (p.s. I don't own a gun, but I don't own property, either.)
And eminent domain, yeah. Thank god for the 2nd amendment because we're gonna need to use it soon. Either that, or start practicing your goose step. (p.s. I don't own a gun, but I don't own property, either.)
07-22-05, 10:30 PM
#91
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Well, I think it is my turn to talk about my bicycling and patriotism. As a Vietnam Veteran, I sometimes think the ones who are trying to show patriotism are doing it inappropriately. Let me give a "for instance."
I was bicycling on a busy street, when I came across an American flag on the roadway. It was one of those antenna flags, and it had apparently come off someone's car or truck. Its trailing edge (the stripe vertical edge) was frayed from the wind it had to endure. Now it was on the ground. When I saw that, I couldn't let it go, so I stopped and picked it up. Later, I replaced my recumbant's triangular red flag with this American flag. I rode it to work, and one of my fellow workers saw it and said, "John has gone patriotic." Well, in was close to a national holiday, and I told them the story of seeing the flag on the ground. I kept it until it started unraveling more due to that wind damage, and I folded it up and put it away.
I see the flag being flown from cars, put on stickers and mounted backwards (yes, there is a correct way to have a patch or sticker--with the blue field forward), worn on clothes, etc. Those being flown on cars and trucks are probably the worst offenders. The flag is essentially subjected to a gale wind every day, and wears out fast, but is not replaced.
I ride many days a week to keep from burning gas. I don't want to enrich the Saudi princes, and I don't want to add too much CO2 to the atmosphere either. I don't like the idea of our soldiers being in Iraq, and we are not asked to sacrifice one bit. I do think that bicycling is at least in part a patriotic act. This is the first war in memory that we have not been asked to make some sacrifice (remember, in the Vietnam War, there was this thing called a draft).
Concerning the discussion immediately above, these people who hang them on a truck probably have on their own anatomy organs made of the same substance. I find those highly offensive.
John
I was bicycling on a busy street, when I came across an American flag on the roadway. It was one of those antenna flags, and it had apparently come off someone's car or truck. Its trailing edge (the stripe vertical edge) was frayed from the wind it had to endure. Now it was on the ground. When I saw that, I couldn't let it go, so I stopped and picked it up. Later, I replaced my recumbant's triangular red flag with this American flag. I rode it to work, and one of my fellow workers saw it and said, "John has gone patriotic." Well, in was close to a national holiday, and I told them the story of seeing the flag on the ground. I kept it until it started unraveling more due to that wind damage, and I folded it up and put it away.
I see the flag being flown from cars, put on stickers and mounted backwards (yes, there is a correct way to have a patch or sticker--with the blue field forward), worn on clothes, etc. Those being flown on cars and trucks are probably the worst offenders. The flag is essentially subjected to a gale wind every day, and wears out fast, but is not replaced.
I ride many days a week to keep from burning gas. I don't want to enrich the Saudi princes, and I don't want to add too much CO2 to the atmosphere either. I don't like the idea of our soldiers being in Iraq, and we are not asked to sacrifice one bit. I do think that bicycling is at least in part a patriotic act. This is the first war in memory that we have not been asked to make some sacrifice (remember, in the Vietnam War, there was this thing called a draft).
Concerning the discussion immediately above, these people who hang them on a truck probably have on their own anatomy organs made of the same substance. I find those highly offensive.
John
07-22-05, 11:39 PM
#92
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Originally Posted by John C. Ratliff
I ride many days a week to keep from burning gas. I don't want to enrich the Saudi princes, and I don't want to add too much CO2 to the atmosphere either. I don't like the idea of our soldiers being in Iraq, and we are not asked to sacrifice one bit. I do think that bicycling is at least in part a patriotic act. This is the first war in memory that we have not been asked to make some sacrifice (remember, in the Vietnam War, there was this thing called a draft).
Concerning the discussion immediately above, these people who hang them on a truck probably have on their own anatomy organs made of the same substance. I find those highly offensive.
John
Concerning the discussion immediately above, these people who hang them on a truck probably have on their own anatomy organs made of the same substance. I find those highly offensive.
John
Certainly the plastic balls are offensive, crass and in really bad taste. But deserving of a chuckle nonetheless.
07-23-05, 10:14 AM
#93
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Originally Posted by slagjumper
How is going to someone else’s country and stealing oil patriotic? Cant tell me that we are paying for all the gas used in the 2 mpg war machines. Remember we are there because Sadam was a threat, we where defending our country against him.
Is it patriotic to act in ways that make other countries worried that you might go there next? Seems to me that we are setting up for the fall—instead of dividing and conquering we are instigating and uniting the enemies of the USA. We are increasing the likelihood that terrorists will attack. And when they do they will kill far less than cars do.
I do not believe that USA = The consumerist car culture of the right foot club. I do not believe that our country is under any significant attack from Bagdad. Yet somehow going with the president on this thing is seen as patriotic— and doing things that would decrease the national debt, decreasing our dependency on oil are mostly being ignored.
Rhetorically speaking you always want to say what the people want to hear as your justification, even if there are other main reasons. A doctor doesn’t say “National health care is bad because I will get paid less”, no they say, “National health care is bad because your quality of care will go down.
Is it patriotic to act in ways that make other countries worried that you might go there next? Seems to me that we are setting up for the fall—instead of dividing and conquering we are instigating and uniting the enemies of the USA. We are increasing the likelihood that terrorists will attack. And when they do they will kill far less than cars do.
I do not believe that USA = The consumerist car culture of the right foot club. I do not believe that our country is under any significant attack from Bagdad. Yet somehow going with the president on this thing is seen as patriotic— and doing things that would decrease the national debt, decreasing our dependency on oil are mostly being ignored.
Rhetorically speaking you always want to say what the people want to hear as your justification, even if there are other main reasons. A doctor doesn’t say “National health care is bad because I will get paid less”, no they say, “National health care is bad because your quality of care will go down.
I happen to be going with an civil engineering unit and will be building things like schools, fire stations and hospitals.
Have you even been to a neighbourhood in central Baghdad? Have you ever visited a school in Tikrit? Have you ever had to push away crowds of people who are grateful to you because they could watch any channel they wanted on their new satelite dish without fear of their life? Oil is not the ONLY reason we are there.
So next time you feel like you need to lump every person who serves, "with the president" think again. I and the others in my unit go to Iraq to serve the Iraqi people NOT the president.
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In his surreal surroundings among the clouds, this was his flight! Until, he saw the master caution light.
In his surreal surroundings among the clouds, this was his flight! Until, he saw the master caution light.
07-23-05, 10:19 AM
#94
serenity NOWWW!
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This thread got WAY off topic.
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In his surreal surroundings among the clouds, this was his flight! Until, he saw the master caution light.
In his surreal surroundings among the clouds, this was his flight! Until, he saw the master caution light.
07-23-05, 12:37 PM
#95
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Originally Posted by amahana1
... Have you ever had to push away crowds of people who are grateful to you because they could watch any channel they wanted on their new satelite dish without fear of their life? ...
07-23-05, 01:04 PM
#96
another cat...FAB!
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Originally Posted by slagjumper
I think that Patriotism comes from the things you do and say. Bicycling could be portrayed as a positive thing that helps to defend the US from economic dependance on oil for example.
That said, it's again a matter of spreading the word until gas prices exceed $3, when many more will come to us for cycling advice. $3/gallon if the tenuous refinery distribution network even hiccups; we'll probably see San Francisico having almost $3/gal by summer's end.
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07-23-05, 01:29 PM
#97
Banned
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The problem with raising gasoline prices to $3 or $4 is that it's extremely regressive given that most consumer goods will be jacked up as well due to rising transport costs.
I think a better idea would be a two tiered pricing system.
Commercial gasoline/diesel back down to $2/gal
And consumer gasoline/diesel jacked to near $5.
Also... how about some tax breaks for buying +50mpg compacts?
I think a better idea would be a two tiered pricing system.
Commercial gasoline/diesel back down to $2/gal
And consumer gasoline/diesel jacked to near $5.
Also... how about some tax breaks for buying +50mpg compacts?
07-23-05, 03:38 PM
#98
feros ferio
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Perhaps my "team USA" red-white-and-blue made-in-Greenville MS Schwinn needs a yellow ribbon and an American flag. 
To me, bicycling is about freedom, "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness," as is this country. That's patriotic enough for me. What I love about our sport is that it lets me reduce my adverse environmental impacts, it saves me money, it gives me TRUE freedom of mobility, it reduces my frustration on the road, it promotes my cardiovascular fitness, it gives me enjoyable mechanical projects, it lets me see the world in a unique and wonderful way, and it is just plain FUN! My VW Passat does deliver Fahrfegnugen, but nowhere near as much of it as any good bicycle.
To me, bicycling is about freedom, "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness," as is this country. That's patriotic enough for me. What I love about our sport is that it lets me reduce my adverse environmental impacts, it saves me money, it gives me TRUE freedom of mobility, it reduces my frustration on the road, it promotes my cardiovascular fitness, it gives me enjoyable mechanical projects, it lets me see the world in a unique and wonderful way, and it is just plain FUN! My VW Passat does deliver Fahrfegnugen, but nowhere near as much of it as any good bicycle.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
07-23-05, 10:58 PM
#99
I'm fine.
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Originally Posted by John E
My VW Passat does deliver Fahrfegnugen, but nowhere near as much of it as any good bicycle.
I get lots of Fahrfegnugen from my bike seat on long rides. Wait... does Fahrfegnugen mean a numbing feeling in the nether regions? I only got through one year of German in high school.
07-23-05, 11:20 PM
#100
Senior Member
I think it has something to do with "Bicycle Smile".