Fuel...VS. The Economy

I was excited today when I was able to top-off my tank for less than $40.00. I was happy to pay only $2.98/gal at the pump! I blame OPEC for the recession as I have seen first hand the devastation caused a few years back when gas prices literally doubled in the course of a couple of months.  I had friends that had nice homes, nice cars and nice jobs but were required to commute more than an hour to work. Perhaps they were strung a bit tight but they were happy at $1.50/gal. You can blame war, the government, the banks and several other factors for the economic situation but don't forget that everything you buy at the grocery store got there in a truck powered by motor vehicle fuel. It has been a larger factor than anyone is willing to admit. I don't drive without a pressing reason like I used to anymore. I know we'll probably never see $2 a gallon again...but what a stimulant that would be to our ailing wallets!!