Ah, the Joys of Life in the Fast Lane

* In keeping with the moronic mentality that anything reminding our fast-lane Southern Californians of the past must be eliminated, the June 5 article “Running on Empty, He’s Tanking It,” provides yet another sad chapter in our race to all modern mediocrity.

Sure, the beautiful, historical vintage gas pumps collected for years by David Chorak have now been “discovered” by a trendy short-order diner, finally fulfilling their purpose in this trend-starved society.

The burger and fries will taste much better being washed down with bottled water while staring at a 1920s Marathon Gas pump. And, Chorak’s neighborhood--the oldest in California--will now have room for a strip mall with desperately needed nail salon, T-shirt shop, gift store, film drop-off booth and doughnut shop.

To many of us old enough to know (and remember) what exactly the word nostalgia means, however, we are well aware of the true reasons the old, vintage gas pumps are fading away forever:

They were not computerized nor listed on the Internet; were made in America, not imported; provide no multicultural value or benefits whatsoever; only relate--and bring smiles to--Americans over 50 years old; only pumped real gasoline with no trendy additives or performance propaganda.

Lastly, they dispersed a product that sold for 14 cents a gallon, while water nowadays costs 89 cents a pint. Ah yes, the joys of life in the fast lane.

BILL LAWSON

Costa Mesa