We all want that what we use shall be as cheap as possible, this way it will have no interference with our lifestyle.

If we shall reduce something, then we all agree upon that, as long as it is our Neighbor that shall do it, I will always have needs that must be fulfilled and can't take a reduction.

When we move a bit higher, to the politicians, then they have a responsibility to have a bit bigger view then just theme-self, and then we might start wonder about the prices on gasoline, especially in a "develop" country like USA.
Do they look more on the opportunity to get another period, then to take unpopular decisions that has an impact on the whole world, themselves included.
If you study the list of gasoline prices, then you will see that USA among other are almost down on prices for under developed countries.
Look at the prices in Europa, In Norway, and we are a big producer of gasoline, the price is now almost 11$ a gallon.
Is it because of "greed" from the government?  Nope....it is a way to make people to rethink.
Do a family on 4 have the need for 3 or 4 cars.....do we need SUV.....when a mini would do the same service....is it better to give "support" to more regular "public transport" that will decrease our use of fuel and so on.

We all know about our pollution of our environment, we know that it among other thing are a part of our climate change. We have seen that the crops fail because of rain/or heat.
We know that the poles melt, we know the ocean become higher, we know that much of the fertile soil are placed in the low land and might be engulfed from the sea.
We know that this will lead to migrations, lesser food, unrest and maybe in the end war.

We know that our two biggest nation (India and China) and many other are increasing their use of fossil fuel, can we say..."You must not"....or must we decrease our own use, and since we have had good times from it, be willing to pay for technology to those countries, so their impact on Nature will not be as high as our own start?

The change will not have so big impact on you or me, but maybe your Grandchildren will have a lesser life, because of our need to to pay least for our use of Nature.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasoline_usage_and_pricing