Hello Bradley,

Bradley D. Hansen wrote in a message to All:

BDH>         I have drove a big truck for 20 years.  I have been setting
BDH> a record   paid price for Diesel almost every trip.  That is allot
BDH> of money to   have to come with.  Just one truck from Iowa to
BDH> Cailifornia and back $3500   cash expense.  Now think about 2 to 4
BDH> trucks.  My last Company with just   8-10 trucks.  Had to make a
BDH> $12,000 a day deposit just to buy fuel.  Now   what used to cost
BDH> $140.00 to fill.. is now $1000.00 or more is just not   reasonable.
You got that right!  WE operate a remote audio truck, 19 ft. box on the
back full of audio equipment, and quite heavy. Needless to say, our fuel
prices are outrageous.
WAs talking to a lady at the grocery store whose brother is facing losing
his home. hE's selling his nice PEterbilt, can't afford to run it anymore. 
Pay he gets for hauling loads won't pay his fuel costs; house and truck
payments.

Meanwhile the oil companies make record profits.  No wonder! BDH> What
the heck are we doing?  Why do we keep   paying what
BDH> ever the asking price?  Thank goodness I quit smoking.   Iowa,
BDH> where I live has now taken your right to smoke in public places... 
BDH> Instead of worrying about that *hit why don't they work on the
BDH> price of goods   and services and this unreasonable amount we are
BDH> paying at the pump and are   going to keep paying.. Pretty soon we
BDH> will think $4 a gal was cheap. 

YOu got that right.

ONe place here in the Memphis area, an open all night coffeeshop got around
the smoking ban in TEnnessee. SInce bars and places that don't invite
minors' custom can allow smoking, they no longer welcome children. tHIs way
the late night cabbies, cops, truckers and others who are regulars can
still enjoy a smoke inside with their coffee after eating their food.


I find myself patronizing them a lot more than we used to when we go into
the city, because the coffee's good, refills free, and I can have a smoke
while the wife finishes her food.


btw what part of Iowa are you from?  Grew up in Burlington, lived in Des
MOines most of my adult years in iOwa, and some up north in Mason City.

Regards,
           Richard
--- timEd 1.10.y2k+