From Classbrain.com

Political Cartoons
Gas-Pedal
By Cartoon: John Darkow, Columbia Daily Tribune, Missouri
Project: Nora Kirkeby
May 7, 2008, 21:42 PST



© John Darkow, Columbia Daily Tribune, Missouri, 2008


Gas-Pedal

Gas prices have been rising steadily for the last few years. Recently, gas prices have been rising at an average of a penny a day. Already causing people to cut back on their time in the car, the price of gas has risen to the point where it is causing an all out financial crisis for many people.

Gas prices are as much responsible for the growing interest in green cars as global warming is. People are switching to hybrid cars, and alternative fuel vehicles. Many people have switched to public transportation systems, which are cheaper and often more environmentally friendly options.

There are many places in the world (from Amsterdam to Beijing) where cycling and walking have made their populations significantly less as dependent on their cars. Walking in many cases proves to be difficult for Americans because of how spread out our suburbs are, but cycling could be a feasible option for many.


Questions to Ponder

  • Are there any places that you go on a regular basis, that you could see yourself riding your bike to, if it would lead to spending less on gas monthly, and contributing less to pollution?

  • How do American cities, suburbs, and towns differ from those in Europe or Asia. Does this make it harder or easier for cycling and walking to be a viable option in America?

  • Should cities expand their designated bike lanes like Vale, Colorado, to promote cycling?

  • How much money would your family save monthly if the kids all rode their bicycles to and from school each, and the parents rode their bicycles to work?

  • Will high gas prices eventually have to be regulated by the government so that the country can function, or will people adapt to the higher prices by reducing their dependence on gasoline?


Learning Links

Battling Fire at White House office building forces evacuation
Source: LA Times.com

Flames at US government building
A fire has caused damage to US Vice-President Dick Cheney's ceremonial office in Washington DC.
Source: BBC News

Andy Borowitz: Attempting to Destroy CIA Tapes, Cheney Burns Down White House (SATIRE)
A satirical look at the recent fire, and the problems surrounding Cheney and the CIA tapes.
Source: Yubanet.com





© Copyright 2004 by Classbrain.com