$1.20 per litre!

Today's gas prices have risen dramatically due to the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Katrina to oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. Analysts say hurricane Katrina is expected to have caused enough damage to pipelines, storage tanks and refineries in the Gulf of Mexico that it could take weeks, or perhaps months, before operations return to normal. Nevermind the fact that crude oil has now spilled everywhere in the Gulf.

Knowing this, one can understand why the price of gas is so high. However, last week when we were cursing Shell for the 99¢ per litre we were pumping into our vehicles, we only have ourselves to blame. Sure, we need to get to work and to the mall, but do we need to get there in gas-guzzling SUVs? Do we need to drive 20 seconds to the cornerstore when we could walk? Why don't we take public transportation or car pool?

We need to realize that there's a finite amount of natural resources on this planet. We take it, use it and waste it like it has the magical ability to replenish itself. Once it's gone, it's gone. It's never our problem; our grandkids will deal with the loss of natural fuels. Wrong! We need to deal with it now before $1.20 becomes the norm. Don't have the gall to complain about gas prices while filling up your Denali. Don't complain about the cost of heating or cooling your home while you keep the furnace/air conditioner on all day ... even when you're not home.

I'm trying not to preach. All I want is to make people aware that we are the ones who push crude oil prices higher and higher with our negligence and care-free attitudes.