For those who can easily make ends meet or who have short or no commutes, the dramatic increase in gasoline prices are a nuisance. For those who are less fortunate, they can be life altering. In a place like Southern California, the lower-middle class, and even the middle class must make difficult decisions in terms of where they live versus distance from work. Typically one or both parents (if both work) have to commute some distance to work - 20 miles, 40 miles, or even more. The increase in gas prices over the past couple years can remove the discretionary income for a family like that. At $4.00 per gallon, a car that gets 20 miles to the gallon, and a 30 mile one-way commute means $3,000 per year in commuting related cost.
For the working poor, this can represent 5% or 10% or more of their total income. In Los Angeles county the median household income is less than $45,000 ref at the median - this represents about 7% of income. And for those with even lower incomes it is worse. And what are we doing about relief for the poor? I am not talking about those of use who can afford it. I am talking about those of us who were fine, but now are being stretched beyond capacity.
In my self preoccupation, I had not thought about this angle. But it was brought to my attention multiple times recently. I don’t know the solution, but I know as a Christian we must find a way to moderate the excesses of the market on the most vulnerable in our midst.
I am curious - have you thought about this? What do you think is a Christian response?
