When gasoline prices reach $5 per gallon...
 

You will see people scratching their heads in disbelief and complaining about the cost of the head of lettuce that had to be trucked in from California to their local market. The economy will become completely unstable because the working class can no longer afford to commute to their job that pays them just enough to live paycheck to paycheck.

Then there is the other (more likely) scenario. The US occupies the weakest middle-eastern nation in order to satisfy our lust for petroleum. This will be OK with Mr and Mrs Smith in the suburbs....after all, how can we take little Bolly to soccer practice without the gasoline that we deserve?

1984.

fascinating commentary.