> From Harry Veeder >>> The world's first gas-pumping robot, described as a >>>'spectacular innovation,' has begun unscrewing gas caps >>> and topping up tanks in the Netherlands. >>> >>> Dutch inventor and Shell station owner Nico van Staveren >>> began work on the robot, dubbed tankpitstop, with a team >>> of engineers in 2005. >>> >>> http://www.tankpitstop.com/ > > ... > >>> "This is really a spectacular innovation," said Maria Van >>> der Hoeven, the minister of economic affairs, at the unveiling >>> in Emmeloord on Monday. >> >> This "spectacular innovation" will not be welcomed in the state of Oregon. > > why? > > Harry
I don't know the specific historical details, but long ago it would appear that the state of Oregon passed laws making it essentially illegal for you to pump your own gas. There are no self-serve gas stations. This was done in order to perpetuate the myth that Oregon's legislative branch was fulfilling it's sacred duty of maintaining the state's economy through the preservation of what essentially turns out to be a class of welfare jobs: Gas station attendants. I doubt Van der Hoven's "innovation" will be welcomed by the Oregon brotherhood of gas station attendants. Perhaps I exaggerate a tad regarding the "welfare" jab. Nevertheless I suspect there is some accuracy to my expressed cynicism. Regards Steven Vincent Johnson www.OrionWorks.com www.zazzle.com/orionworks
