Why There's No Rental Cars (Anchorage, Fairbanks: home, to move, estimated)

[Sockeye66]

Originally Posted by roadwarrior101

They're also not the ones who are directly impacted by these outrageous prices. Out of sight, out of mind I suppose.

Nobody wants big government unless it actually helps them. School bonds are typically rejected by Senior citizens. Young people complain about paying for Medicare or social security costs, since they can't use these until they're in their mid-60s. I could go on all day.

...you could go on all day and night, it will never be received well on this board. Their are two types of Alaskans, those that welcome gvmt intervention and those that fiercely reject. Those that welcome don't post here.

[Metlakatla]

Originally Posted by Sockeye66

...you could go on all day and night, it will never be received well on this board. Their are two types of Alaskans, those that welcome gvmt intervention and those that fiercely reject. Those that welcome don't post here.

BS. FTR, I'm an establishment Democrat who has absolutely no issue with the concept of government regulation when a common sense approach is part of the picture, including in my own industry. In fact, businesses like mine benefit from them in a big picture way, and I think you probably know that. I just don't think the rental car issue in Alaska warrants it at this time; there are too many variables involved that are out of the control of these particular business owners (and it's my understanding that these smaller car rental places are trying to stay alive rather than trying to "take advantage of consumers!!!"). I sure as hell wouldn't want to to deal with their profit margin on significantly reduced inventory.

In simpler terms, if a grocery store decided to jack up prices on basic food staples and other actual consumer essentials just because they can during a disaster-related supply shortage, I'd be all for the government swooping in and putting the kibash on it. This, not so much. Let's give these businesses a chance to get their bearings back after the significant economic blows they've been dealt in the past year and a half. And no one's forcing anyone to use their services.

ETA, and I voted for the local school bond even though I don't particularly care for children. Not everyone is incapable of seeing the bigger picture, but that works both ways.

[riceme]

Originally Posted by roadwarrior101

They're also not the ones who are directly impacted by these outrageous prices. Out of sight, out of mind I suppose.

Nobody wants big government unless it actually helps them. School bonds are typically rejected by Senior citizens. Young people complain about paying for Medicare or social security costs, since they can't use these until they're in their mid-60s. I could go on all day.

We are, though.

We don't have good (or any, in some places) healthcare here, so it is very common to have to fly to Anchorage for medical care. I just had to fly to Anchorage for surgery three weeks ago. There were no rental cars to be had and the cars on Turo were over $250/day. I had to figure it out. Didn't have a choice. It was not a vacation -- which is, in fact, a luxury -- for me. I rented a UHaul, and I was not the only one there who was not renting to move, but just for transportation.

It definitely impacted me, and the last thing I want is more government intervention even if it would "help" me, as you say. This is the result of a perfect storm of supply and demand. Econ 101.

[roadwarrior101]

Originally Posted by riceme

We are, though.

We don't have good (or any, in some places) healthcare here, so it is very common to have to fly to Anchorage for medical care. I just had to fly to Anchorage for surgery three weeks ago. There were no rental cars to be had and the cars on Turo were over $250/day. I had to figure it out. Didn't have a choice. It was not a vacation -- which is, in fact, a luxury -- for me. I rented a UHaul, and I was not the only one there who was not renting to move, but just for transportation.

It definitely impacted me, and the last thing I want is more government intervention even if it would "help" me, as you say. This is the result of a perfect storm of supply and demand. Econ 101.

I guess I just can't understand the mentality of complete self reliance. I do understand that those who live in rural areas have to fend for themselves more for basic services (which is not unique to Alaska). But, some degree of government controls are necessary for a functioning society. If you are able to live completely off the grid, I get it. However, as you point out, you depend upon certain healthcare and basic infrastructure, even if not on a regular basis. So, you're harming yourself in defense of some esoteric principle? That's what I can't comprehend.

[roadwarrior101]

Originally Posted by Sockeye66

...you could go on all day and night, it will never be received well on this board. Their are two types of Alaskans, those that welcome gvmt intervention and those that fiercely reject. Those that welcome don't post here.

And why do liberal Alaskans not post on this board?

[riceme]

Originally Posted by roadwarrior101

And why do liberal Alaskans not post on this board?

As they are rarely accurate, I have little interest in such labels, but several do. At least two of them have responded to this thread.

[elcajones]

Originally Posted by Sockeye66

Dude.
Clearly didn't realize them was fightin' words, did ya?
Hop over to the Arizona forum and tell them they need to enact stronger gun restrictions, see what that gets you.

I've known a lot of Alaskans, great people to pitch in and provide community support, but one shared trait is they don't welcome outsiders disparaging their community.

Do what you have to do, this Arizonan lost his in a "boating accident"

[OneDawg]

Originally Posted by AKStafford

It's not just an Alaskan problem... try finding a rental car in Hawaii or Las Vegas right now and you'll find the same issue.
Supply & Demand...

Heck, try finding a moving van! When I moved my stuff from Montana to Georgia I was quoted $1200 +++
ended up buying a cargo van for $759 and sold it on the other end for $800

[Frostnip]

Originally Posted by roadwarrior101

And why do liberal Alaskans not post on this board?

I'm basically a socialist and I think your demand is unreasonable. The basic fact is that this isn't an Alaskan issue, it's happening all over the US and it's related to international supply chain issues. There's not much our state or local governments can reasonably do to correct the rental car shortage.

[Metlakatla]

So I'm counting four known liberals in this thread so far.