Thing is, look at the distances you have to travel. The USA it the 3rd largest country by land volume, around 4200 miles or 6800 Km coast to coast. The state of Texas (and several others) are larger than whole countries, places like Italy, Britain, or France come to mind. I am under the impression Europeans don't routinely drive from country to country, though I could be wrong. Our whole infrastructure, right or wrong, is geared around our roads.
Where the USA economy goes, the world follows, at least if it is going down. China has been able to stand alone, but I wonder if they can continue to do this if no one is buying their goods.
The good news is there are several possible alternate fuel sources out there, this could be the shove that breaks the oil monopoly (though it will be the oil companies making the new fuels).
I also get the feeling a lot of people forget the taxes on gas are to support our infrastructure. People keep complaining about the government, but there are a lot of services that only they can provide. Texas has been outsourcing some of this infrastructure in the form of toll roads. 25 miles cost around $7 one way, I go around.
Where the USA economy goes, the world follows, at least if it is going down. China has been able to stand alone, but I wonder if they can continue to do this if no one is buying their goods.
The good news is there are several possible alternate fuel sources out there, this could be the shove that breaks the oil monopoly (though it will be the oil companies making the new fuels).
I also get the feeling a lot of people forget the taxes on gas are to support our infrastructure. People keep complaining about the government, but there are a lot of services that only they can provide. Texas has been outsourcing some of this infrastructure in the form of toll roads. 25 miles cost around $7 one way, I go around.