^Agreed, there's no doubt about the drag that high energy prices can put on economic growth. And we all know how cranky Americans can be when gasoline gets expensive. I guess the Republicans have finally found their election issue. But most thinking people understand that there's no short-term fix to this, that we can't bring down gasoline prices by passing a law.
It's a shame that we can't be moved to invest more in public transportation, for the sake of energy independence, curbing emissions, & for all the people who can't drive or can't afford to purchase, insure, fuel & maintain a vehicle. I know the "libertarians" would scoff at this, but all transportation involves subsidies, public support & investment - it's just a matter of political priorities as to which forms of transport get it. Motor vehicles are far & away the most subsidized form of transportation, while in many places there remains a social stigma attached to using public transportation.
That said, who among us would be willing to give up our automobiles? My pick-up truck allows me to go where I want, when I want, in comfort & privacy, to work, in pursuit of my obsessions, or just to wander about. To me, that's the very essence of freedom.