FREE CHOICES
Your large home isn't the reason for high power costs like my SUV is not responsible for high gas prices
BY HEIDI HARRIS

Heidi Harris is co-host of KXNT 840 AM's morning show with Alan Stock. Listen to her Monday through Friday from 5 to 9 a.m. Other stories by Heidi Harris

When gas prices go up, why are SUV owners suddenly viewed with disdain? I guess it's easier than actually talking about the real reasons behind the high oil prices, like increasing world demand, taxes and the ridiculous U.S. restrictions on exploration, drilling and refinery building. Nope, it's strictly the fault of evil SUV owners! Why do we really need those monstrous vehicles, anyway? How dare we drive larger vehicles than we need? 

Who should decide what my vehicle requirements should be? Should I be the one to determine how large your home should be? Growing up in Las Vegas, I lived in a 1,600-square-foot house. At the time, ours was the largest model the builder made. Somehow our family of four lived quite comfortably in that house. Although families are having fewer children than in generations past, houses have gotten larger. Smaller homes are still on the market, but people overwhelmingly choose larger homes, and they're willing to pay the higher mortgage, utility and maintenance costs associated with them. 

Should SUV owners feel guilty about their choices? If I choose an SUV because it suits my lifestyle, why should anyone else care? I need a vehicle large enough to accommodate a husband and two large dogs on day trips, and frankly, I like being able to see over smaller cars. I know it's going to cost me more for gas, but that's a choice I am free to make. Then again, I don't choose to spend a fortune on a mortgage payment. Like all Americans, I make choices as to which items take up more of my budget. Some people are forced to drive "economy cars" because they're ridiculously overextended on their mortgage. Do I try to make them feel guilty? All I ask is that they not become self-righteous about their small car, when they're really angry at the fact that they can't afford a Hummer! 

Every summer our Nevada Power bills go through the roof. If you choose to live in a larger home, you're going to pay more. Should I blame a person with a larger home than mine for driving the price up by increasing demand? For many people, the status symbol of a larger house is more important than having a larger car, and unless you have a huge income, you're going to have to make a choice. 

Why do some brands of sneakers cost $100? Because there's a demand for a specific style or manufacturer's products. Personally, I think it's insane to spend that much on sneakers, but I see people doing it all the time. What if I really like a style of sneaker, but I'm upset that they cost so much? Should I blame those who willingly pay $100 for driving the price up by increasing the demand? 

I actually see people wearing high-priced sneakers and listening to I-pods while waiting for CAT busses! For some people, status shoes and electronics are more important than personal transportation. Once again, a choice they freely make. 

Everything we buy is priced according to supply and demand, and when more consumers demand hydrogen powered cars, you can be assured that they will appear at a dealership near you. I'd be happy to buy one, if they were safe and reliable, but not because my SUV is destroying the planet. I'm just not arrogant enough to believe that human beings have that much power over God's creation. 

Just to keep the peace, as gasoline and power prices soar, I propose a compromise: I'll keep my SUV, regardless of gas prices, and I won't criticize you for having a larger home than I do, regardless of power rates. 

And just to prove how magnanimous I am, I won't even point out the trash and cigarette butts you toss out the window of your "ecomony car," while you curse SUV owners in traffic. LW