Bush’s proposal is like putting band-aide on a broken leg. Our time and money should go toward researching ways to produce clean energy–cars that run on hydrogen or are electric, or perhaps function on something else entirely. I have complete confidence in our research capabilities to find a more efficient way to fuel our country. I wouldn’t be opposed to expanding domestic oil exploration if it were packaged with an agreement to increase funding for alternative fuels and came with regulations that would protect certain areas such as wildlife preserves. Even as Bush and others call out for more oil exploration, I doubt they would like an oil refinery in their town. If I were in congress, I’d call for the next refinery to be in Crawford. It’s one thing to say we need more exploration to bring the cost down, and quite another to take care of all the fine print that such a decision entails.

For the first time in a long time, Americans are all angry about the same thing. Many times during our nations short history, different segments of society have grown hostile over one thing or another. Race, religion, war, and politics have all engendered passionate responses from some, but gas prices have made oil a four-letter word.

I say this confidently because I’ve been conducting a little experiment for the past couple of months. When filling up, instead of looking at the ground or watching the digital numbers rise in unfair proportions, I look around. I observe the other customers. Every single one is disgusted, many audibly. The response is the same no matter the age, race or gender of the driver.

On top of this far-from-scientific evidence, there’s the story of my sister and her husband, a happy couple whose financial livelihood depends on the oil and gas industry. In 2007, they bought an SUV, and in 2008, they are researching hybrid cars and looking to make a trade-in. All ironies aside, they too are adjusting to the changing market. While I resent the growing proportion of my paycheck that goes to flammable liquids, I have to say at least two of the side effects are positive.

For one, we’re a united people. The pain of high gas prices reaches across every economic, social, and geographic sector of our varied land. Maybe this universal angst can be channeled for good. Maybe not. But at least we as a people of a greatly diverse nation have one thing in common besides our citizenship.

Secondly, people actually care about how much they drive. Although it’s not necessarily because they care about the earth, it’s not a bad by-product. Driving less helps the planet, period. Car companies are also going green in an attempt to meet the demands of fuel efficiency. When gas hovered around $2 a gallon, Hummers and SUVs ruled the road. In a shocking role reversal, Kias and Hondas are now king. 

No matter how selfish the reasons may be, the result is less pollution, more responsible engineering, and perhaps even more exercise for some. This whole catastrophe could even spur lawmakers on to expand public transportation systems. I’m purposefully leaving out all the crappy things about high gas prices. What can I say, I’m trying to see the silver lining.