It is of course true that in the US, we "have to" drive much greater distances than residents of other countries. Part of this (such as the building of far-flung suburbs) is because we have been spoiled by artificially low (or, at least, temporarily low) petroleum prices.

The problem is redoubled for some folks, because the same individuals who enjoy their high-salaried high-pressure jobs and move to the most distant (and most lily-white) suburbs are the same people who are compelled to display their wealth and conspicuous consumption by buying the most ostentatious gas-guzzling vehicles. Now they're paying $50-60 or more, twice a week, to fill up!

While I've always kind of looked down my nose at this type of person, some folks that I know and even somewhat like (e.g., some of my co-workers) definitely fall into this category, and I find myself feeling a little bit of sympathy for their poor misgiuded selves. Just a little bit!