[kahljorn]

so basically the American relationship with Saudi Arabia/other countries made it possible for us to get low oil prices? and then other countries that we didn't like were basically paying for 2/3s of our gas -- that, and inflation?

taxes on gas that I've seen are only 36.5 cents. Maybe there is hidden trade taxes or something that isn't seen by the consumer...
i suspect gas prices will be at 4 dollars a gallon by the end of summer, especially if "Supply and Demand" is now in effect...