Common $ense
Despite our self-proclaimed Ivy-League pedigree, Penn students are no less susceptible to get caught up in incredibly silly, yet popular trends.
This past summer, the influx of Facebook albums entitled “Party Like a Rockstar” almost made me move to Amish country and give up electricity. Getting buzzed at a bad frat party and heading back to the Quad at 2 a.m. is by no means rockstar behavior.
If I hear one more person even utter the phrase “Superman that…,” I make no promises as to what I will do. (Warning: I am surgical with the sharp edge of my Penncard).
But the granddaddy of all unnecessarily popular movements has been the “Green Movement.” This is a timely issue to revisit with oil prices cracking $80 a barrel.
According to anonymous sources (aka, the Facebook Newsfeed), many Penn students are members of groups entitled “Help Make Gas Prices Go Down (This could really work),” and other similar offshoots. The groups’ creators give specific instructions for buying strategies on how to “stick it to the man” and lower prices at the pump.
Offline, Kings Court/English College House’s new “environmentally friendly” roof recently graced the cover of The Daily Pennsylvanian.
Despite these well-intentioned efforts, I can assure you that the price of gas is going higher and there is nothing you and I (or the cute penguins from Happy Feet) can do about it.
Now before you label me a cold-hearted tree killer, I urge people to think with their pocketbooks, and not so much with their hearts. While I am naturally inclined to be skeptical of any cause with such strong celebrity backing, people need to remember exactly what moves the price of oil in the first place.
Supply and demand.
As much as Penn students tout themselves as being internationally minded, the belief that our individual behavior could single-handedly lower prices is an extremely America-centric way of thinking. Global demand, as well as buying from the major investment firms, has an enormous impact on where prices are heading. It will take years for energy companies to increase their collection capacity, increase supply, and thus ease prices.
So with the year barely underway, let me save some environmentally-conscious undergraduate precious time. Instead of complaining about high energy prices, buy some stock in energy companies such as Apache Corp. (Ticker: APA) or Exxon Mobil (Ticker: XOM).
If you still aren’t convinced, turn off CNN and turn on CNBC. Sadly the march towards $85 a barrel will not soon be derailed by celebrity concerts, hybrid cars, or dancing penguins.
Common $ense appears every Tuesday and Thursday.
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September 18th, 2007 at 8:16 pm
But is investing in these companies going to help us reduce our “addiction” to carbon based fuel? If anything, oil prices should go much, much higher to make renewables more attractive to the market.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
Great article, Penn needs more common $ense.
September 19th, 2007 at 9:26 am
“Buy some stock in energy companies”? If Penn students truly want to rectify the myriad problems posed by these oil companies (global warming, dependence on foreign oil, etc), the last thing they should be doing is investing in the actual perpetrators. Simply because we can’t control the supply and demand of the market doesn’t preclude Penn students from trying to make a difference. Indeed, students could invest in alternative fuel technology, to help get the ball rolling for ordinary American citizens. The opportunities to go green are endless — you make it seem like our only recourse is to invest in these corporations.
September 19th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
I love to see the dialogue and debate on the blog and I want it to continue. Just to clarify to readers–I am in favor of alternative energy methodologies, however I cannot deny the attractive investment opportunities in traditional energy companies. Given the reaction from readers both on and off the blog, future columns may be needed to further explore this issue. Stay tuned!
September 20th, 2007 at 11:15 am
It’s not the belief that our “individual behavior” could “single-handedly” do anything. It’s the belief that if you spread awareness and many people come together and start making changes it can make a difference. How can you say it is America-centric when America alone is responsible for more than 25% of the entire world’s oil consumption?? If any single country can make a difference when it comes to the demand for oil, surely it is America. Perhaps you should open your mind a little and check your facts better BEFORE spouting off your opinions, othewise people might believe you are ill-informed. As a side note, I also have to laugh a little at the fact that you refer to Al Gore as a “strong celebrity.” Perhaps I’m mistaken, or a little naive, in believing that part of being a politician is lobbying for changes and causes by raising public awareness. Although, you know, maybe we have something in common after all, since I happen to be awfully skeptical of George W. Bush using his “strong celebrity” position to start a war that has more to do with oil than terror, but maybe that discussion is for another blog…
November 3rd, 2007 at 10:44 am
Hi there…Man i love reading your blog, interesting posts ! it was a great Saturday