Rising Oil Prices, Changing Lifestyles and Consumer Choices

The spiraling cost of gas is hitting hard everywhere. Truckers and fishermen in Europe are protesting prices that have reached $10 a gallon. As hearings were held in the US Senate today about whether oil prices are being manipulated by speculators, General Motors announced that it is closing four SUV and pick-up plants, along with plans to roll out more fuel efficient vehicles. What kind of long-term changes are in store? Have Americans reached the tipping point in terms of their consumer lifestyle? Will suburbs be forced to transform into small towns?