I don't understand why there is so much fuss over rising gas prices. According to this article, the average price per gallon in California is $2.31.

Do you want to know how much it is per gallon in England? $5.22. Tokyo? $4.24. France? $4.92.

According to a story I heard on NPR, accounting for inflation, this is hardly the most expensive gas has ever been in America. Yet it's all over the news about how outraged everyone is, and how Bush had better do something about it, and can we declare this a national oil emergency? Puh-leeze, people. Who chose to buy a 15 MPG SUV? Did someone hold a gun to your head and say that you had to buy that car and drive it so much? I don't think so.

I know there are a small subset of people for whom this really is a hardship; people who commute long distances in a semi-fuel efficient car who don't have much money, for example.

But for the rest of the people complaining, give me a break. Trade in your car for a Prius; carpool; take the bus--or stop whining when you fill 'er up.