"In any case, we need to wean ourselves from mideast oil so OPEC can't hold us as economical "hostages" anymore. It will surely help cut down on money flowing to the terrorists too."

I agree 100% but remember 25% to 35% of our consumption comes for the mid east. By 2015 that will be replaced by oil from sub-Saharan Africa. I support the $.50 to $1.00 a gallon Federal Tax for autos to curb use as long as the proceeeds go into funding private sector alternative energy sources.