There was a saying when I was in my teens that everything and everyone is connected in one way or another.  It was similar to “If a tree falls in the forest and nobody is there, does it still make a sound?”

There is no right or wrong answer to either question, however, everyone seems to have an opinion and a viewpoint of their own for each question.  As we look at the global economy, these questions come to mind. 

During the past few years, we have watched as oil prices have skyrocketed from double digits to over $4 per gallon in the U.S., and higher prices in other countries, with the forecast of prices going even higher before long.  As a result, we have seen a substantial rise in food prices, a decline in stocks, a large increase in layoffs and lost jobs and families losing their homes more than ever before in history.

These issues are so important that both the Democratic and the Republican National Conventions spoke about them in the past two weeks. 

Looking at the bleak situation, there are connections between many of the problems.  Let’s start with the fuel crisis.  The cost of fuel has become so high that many people are leaving their cars at home and opting to take the bus to work if there is a bus line available.  The problem is that many cities, including major cities such as Denver, are eliminating bus routes just when people need them most, because the cities can’t afford the gas to get to some areas.

The fuel crisis has affected manufacturing to the extent that many auto makers have laid of thousands of workers because the demand for luxurious gas guzzlers of a few years ago has evaporated.  There are talks of converting plants to start manufacturing hybrids and other fuel efficient cars, but that will take time, money and training.  Meanwhile, people are out of work.

Adding just one more thing, farmers and truckers are being hit hard, as well.  It takes fuel to plant and harvest crops and it takes fuel to transport them to the market place.  With costs going up, some trucking companies and farms have gone out of business while others are simply trying to hang on and wait it out.

There is no need to go into the rest of the story.  We all know what’s up.  What is important to think about is the answers to the questions at the beginning of this article.  If we are all connected – even by a small, thin thread – it is time to work together to find solutions to this crisis.  Even if we each do one tiny thing – recycle, conserve, carpool – it could add up to the difference between a trucker or farmer staying in business or having to close their doors.

One of the signs that things have changed with relation to fuel and fuel prices is the fact that fuel-guzzling vehicles are no longer in demand.  In fact, in many cases, because of huge fuel price increases, it is hard, if not impossible, to even give them away. 

SUV’s and large trucks that do not get good mileage were status symbols not long ago.  Within the past year as fuel prices have continued to rise, prices for these vehicles have continued to drop.  Vehicles that cost $20,000 to $40,000  less than a year ago are being sold – or as some people say, given away – for well under $10,000. 

These are signs that things have changed and are continuing to change when it comes to the way we view transportation and fuel.  Not only are individuals, families and consumers realizing this, but so are car companies that have been producing those large and inefficient vehicles.

As a result, auto makers are changing the way they do business and changing their factories to match.  They are making adjustments to coincide with the adjustments that have taken place in the vehicle market due to the fuel crisis.

Ford Motor Company, for example, has begun to change many of its truck factories and adapt them so that they will be able to produce smaller, fuel efficient vehicles, such as the Ford Focus.  The factories will be retooled and this retooling will begin in November. 

These adjustments are important because they are intelligent.  This retooling will cost million of dollars, but save thousands of jobs.  It will help the economy by providing a product that people need and a product that will conserve fuel and energy and ultimately help the environment.

Other auto makers are looking at following Ford’s example in similar ways.  This makes sense for them financially – why keep producing products that won’t sell when you can produce more products that you already produce that you know will sell?  In addition to making financial sense for the auto makers, there will be benefits to the country and its citizens as we have already discussed.

So, one more sign that it is time to deal with the fuel crisis head on is the fact that politicians are talking about it and industry – including automakers – is actually doing something about it. 

With some concerted effort, there can be progress, and with progress, we just might get through this crisis and change the way we look at and use fuel forever.