For real, though, this all started (I think) with the idea that auto mfrs are forced to sacrifice optimum performance from their product to satisfy mandated environmental regulations, which we can all agree is the case.
It's not as much about being forced to buy things you don't want as much as not being allowed to buy the things you do want.
Right. And my question is, since most of these requirements were already being met prior to the govt stepping in (airbags as the core example as it adds so much weight and cost) it seems to me that consumers, not the govt, is forcing to hand of the carmakers. The govt codifies things that are already in play in the marketplace.
Regarding the toilet. Great example. Thinking about it now, who the hell would buy a toilet that takes 5 gallons to flush piss today (certainly not enough to drive a manufacturer to tool up a line to start building them again in any meaningful way). Beyond that, before Bush enacted that toilet regulations, commercial buildings were already, many times, installing lower flow toilets.
Great examples. Thanks for being willing to engage in non caustic dialogue.
