The chorus of screams and moans about the rise in gas prices has not been too surprising. People don't like pain. But you know what they say: no pain, no gain. Average fuel economy for cars has dropped over the last 10 years. The life expectancy of Americans has dropped for the first time ever because of rising obesity rates. Increased prices for gas is actually good for us. It makes an increasingly valuable commodity look like one. It encourages us to be careful with an important resource. Already I see encouraging signs that Americans are responding to the new reality. Get out of your car and walk or ride a bicycle. Take public transport where possible. Drive at 55 instead of 65 mph for about a 25% increase in mileage. Some of you are upset with oil company profits. I say: hey, thanks for doing us a big favor, Exxon! We are finally starting to face up to our addiction, and we will be making a lot of changes.