I managed to find somebody yesterday who is optimistic about the US economy! . He owns a print shop and has a masters degree in economic studies. And what he said did make sense to some degree. He says that the crash of the dollar means that the US can export goods again and be competitive and that this will usher in a new era of revitalized manufacturing in America and ultimately cause a financial boom. I hope he is right. I am not so sure. But it was at least good to meet someone who has an optimistic viewpoint about the American economy and where it is headed. If one steps back and takes a deep breath and looks at the shocking increase in gas prices then they can apply this same brand of optimism. .



There is a particularly great advantage of the high price of oil which should be a cause of celebration amongst the environmental organizations: it is giving many people reason to look into renewable fuel sources, this is so much the case that the soaring price may usher in a major wave of renewable fuel source projects which could, in turn, lead to greater scale economies and perhaps the movement of alternative fuel sources into the mainstream. This would be a great outcome.

Overall, the high price of energy is having some pretty bad effects -- but if a shift to saner energy solutions results, this silver lining may end up being an amazing turning point in history.

The longer fuel prices remain at prices most people consider unacceptable, the greater the significance of potential consumer drift. A rise of ten percent in gasoline prices lowers consumption by just 0.6% in the short term, but it can reduce demand more significantly over a longer period of time

As folks make major spending decisions, such as where to live and what is the best vehicle for them to own, they are beginning to consider the price of gas into the equation. Some are opting for smaller cars or are relocating nearer to their offices to lessen drive time.

The current situation "crisis" has delayed or impeded many new subdivisons, high gas prices have lessened consumption and restrained purchasing of gas-guzzlers, and soaring construction costs are limiting new coal and gasoline refineries.

At the same time, economic incentives are generating a frenzy of new renewable energy construction.

But the truly amazing thing is that all that is going on while the real workable method to reducing of gasoline usage and helping the environment through cleaner emissions is RIGHT HERE AT