$10

This prediction better not come true:

Get ready for another economic shock of major proportions — a virtual doubling of prices at the gas pump to as much as $10 a gallon.

That's the message from a couple of analytical energy industry trackers, both of whom, based on the surging oil prices, see considerably more pain at the pump than most drivers realize.

Because if it does, the social order in this country will all but collapse.  I'm serious.  We built an entire nation on the idea that we would be able to drive from place to place.  Yes, there are places where one can live fairly will without a car, but not many.  Our leaders have been dithering since the mid-70's about energy policy and doing essentially squat.  People who warned of energy shortages and price spikes were written off as Cassandras, tree-huggers or windmill kooks.

And now the bill for our national profligacy is coming due.  If payment is demanded all at once--$10 a gallon!--there will be riots in the streets.  As well there should be.