Americans were "rattled" by gas prices back in the early 1970s during the first Arab oil embargo. But as soon as the spigot was back on we became un-rattled and quickly forgot just how vulnerable we as a nation were to such disruptions. Now that the world has hit peak oil production -- it's downhill from here -- the situation is permanent. For those of us who yearned for a day of judgment for all those SUV and Hummer drivers on the road -- that day has arrived. Rattle on, you foolish folks.

The story reports on a USA commissioned poll that shows a change in driving habits. There is little substantiation for the expert opinion that this is a permanent change. If experience is any guide, the prices will fall and Americans will resume their former habits. The comment section in the paper seems to support this view, as many readers are suggesting that using as much gasoline as one wants is no big deal.