The cost of fuel is getting completely out of hand recently. There is something we can do. Agreed, some will be equivalent to the horse pulling the train backwards, however some are useful. None are easy, but the more we can do together, the more we will accomplish.

Why are gas prices so high? Supply and demand is the simple answer. Demand is enlarging faster than supply is enlarging due to global pressure for gasoline It would appear the age of cheap oil and gasoline are gone forever.

America has chosen not to produce and refine more oil. The excuses are anyone's guess. It is clearly understood that oil drilling and new refineries will have an ecological footprint; however the impact on the "ice turtle" has to be equaled with the impact to our economy. Many Americans feel the anguish every time they go to the gas pumps. This is senseless. America has the resources to reduce its dependence on foreign oil, but chooses not to use them.

What can you do about high gas prices? Call every elected official you can find a phone number for. Ask them to explain exactly why gas prices are so high. Ask them why the US hasn't constructed a new refinery in 30 years. Ask them why they don't support drilling in ANWR. Short of drilling for oil in your yard, this is the all you can do to affect supply.

So, why are oil prices so high? Demand is the one thing you personally can have some control over. Only 20-30 years ago operating a vehicle required more than just turning a key and going. You had to check your oil every week. You had to change your own flat tire. You didn't have cruise for instance. You had to adjust the choke. To affect demand you will have to stretch your comfort zone.

What does this have to do with high gas prices? You need to be prepared for the price of doubling your gas mileage Eventually auto manufacturers will produce alternative energy cars in 15 to 30 years. You can wait, and continue paying $3.50 a gallon for fuel, or you can do something else NOW.

Alternative energy is not new. People have been using power from nature from the beginning. Think sailboat, water mill, wind mill, hot springs, wood, whale blubber, oil, horses, oxen, and fire. As a means of transportation these all leave something to be desired, especially when you already own a car.

Now it is possible to burn hydrogen gas obtained from water, on an as needed basis, mix it with gasoline, ignite it in your engine, and increase your efficiency. You can construct a device from everyday materials for under $60 that will accomplish this. It will take you a late evening with simple tools to assemble, and under an hour to install it. The hook is, you will have to maintain it, which might take a half hour a month. Are you willing to give up your time to save between $1 - $1.50 on every gallon of gas you buy?

Why are gas prices so high? They don't have to be.