During the 1970s national gas shortage officials quickly instituted an “odd-even day” gas buying plan, where license tags ending in an even number could buy gas only on even numbered calendar days, and vice-versa.

This cut gas lines by much more than 50% because people were confident that their turn would come every other day, so panic-driven topping off was eliminated.

Today, it’s dog-eat-dog, to the point that people even bring huge containers to fill besides their tanks (this was banned in the ’70s). It is a sad statement about our leadership that it can’t institute a simple, fair plan to address a minor short-term problem like a storm-induced 30% gas shortage.

As I drive around Charlotte, I am amazed at the number of closed stations and the long lines at the open ones, then I remember all the “toppers.” I wonder what the leadership will do when there is real problem.

If this gas shortage is any indication, we could face a panic-driven everyone themselves situation, with no action by the government. Hmmm… where have we seen this before?