We're a nation that's obsessed with gas

"Free gas for everyone" is the hottest ticket in town, but what are they really selling us?

Everything from car dealerships to banks and even presidential nominees has offered us a better deal at the pump in exchange for something.

When will the gas promotions and offers end or do we even want them to? Radio stations and home-builders are giving away free gas cards quicker than you can say "I'm out of gas."

No need for focus groups, surveys or demographic profiles. The retailers and advertisers know just what we want; it's on everyone's mind.

At some point, you begin to think that all you really need is gas. Sick, hungry or tired-there's no doubt about it, free gas is the new cure for all your ailments. "Just sign by the dotted line and I'll be back with your free $10 gas card and your new president."

It's like the entire world (aside from the Middle East) is strung out on gas and if we could just afford that next hit, we'll be all right. But we never are.

We just keep driving and driving and driving until finally there's no where left to go.

We've become a nation obsessed with gas and because of influences like the media, we'll do anything to get it.

Sometimes we fill up when we don't even have anywhere to go.

Drive slower, check your tire pressure, turn off your air conditioner, lower the volume on your radio - anything to save more gas.

I heard an advertisement on the radio just the other day offering free gas for life. How ridiculous is this?

Everyone knows that we'll be off the gas as soon as we all complete our 12-step program.

William J. Booker

Chicago