I don't know how old every boby is in this particular forum but I am old enough to remember something that sounds exactly like todays news:
I remember making $ 1.25 an hour and paying $ .35 for a gallon of gas. That was 25% of an hours wage. Today, if you make $ 16.00 an hour and pay $ 4.00 per gallon, you still pay 25% of an hours wage.
Sounds like the more we change, the more we stay the same!!!
Most factory workers make more than that these days. Plumbers, electricians and other skilled trades do alot better. If you can afford expensive sound systems, wheels, low riders etc... then gas should not be a problem expense unless you like a nice sounding, good looking yard decoration.
When your wants out weigh your needs, you probably need to take the bus anyway.