According to the news, McDonald's is planning to install drive-through windows at all its new Chinese locations. A pert woman was interviewed at one of those restaurants, chatting about the convenience because of how busy life has become. Not a lot of time for Buddhist meditation when the fries come so quickly, which is a shame. Besides, every car idling in line is spewing more pollution, and this at a time when more people are starting to understand that global warming may be the greatest threat our planet has to face.

United States President Jimmy Carter, during his time in office, actually had the nerve to tell the public they needed to start conserving fuel. He told them to turn down the thermostat, for example, even if they had to wear a sweater on occasion at home. During his term, U.S. consumption actually dropped, by about twenty percent, aided in part by their first big fuel crisis. For that alone he deserves respect. Besides, what other President has ever been attacked by a rabbit while paddling a canoe, but that is another story.

Then came the Reagan presidency, with the message that it was not only okay but proper to consume. I spent a lot of time in the States during those years, and saw it first-hand. Conservation was anathema as the rich grew richer. The message was that good times were here to stay. That trend did not stop until last year's dramatic increase in fuel prices. It is unfortunate Mr. Carter's message was so soon forgotten. A little more attention to saving fossil fuels might have gone a long way towards easing this past crisis.

We were certainly not innocent on this side of the border either. In such matters, people seem to have conveniently short memories. Now that gasoline is cheaper again, gas-guzzling vehicles have made something of a return to popularity. The problem is that this can't last. Even if there were a limitless supply of fuel, we couldn't keep burning more and more. Our melting glaciers and ice caps tell us that.

It is strange how many people choose to use drive-through windows at fast food joints, coffee shops, liquor stores, and perhaps even barbers or hairdressers. I can understand this if the weather is truly horrible, there is a physical problem involved, or the store in question is in a bad neighborhood, but otherwise it is motor-driven laziness. Now the Chinese are joining in. Could it be that their new prosperity will turn them into the next fat nation? One thing is certain. It won't do much for the air they are breathing.

Think of three of the many major issues facing our part of the planet these days. Obesity is at an all time high, as more and more of today's kids are turning into little porkers. Fuel may be becoming scarce. Global warming is a real threat, and pollution continues to mess up the air we breathe.

How often is it that with one move we can have an effect, however slight, on all three problems? What's wrong with getting out and walking to whatever the shopping destination may be? Besides, with the line-ups we often see at the drive-through, you may even get your food faster.

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