Lately I've been contemplating the conundrum of rising gas prices and the need to get to work in a timely manner. What is a hard working American to do? In my city it would take me 4 buses and 3 hours to get to work if I were to try to cut travel costs by commuting using public transportation. That would mean getting up 3 hours sooner to walk a mile and then getting home 3 hours later to walk another mile. While the walk might do me good, the lack of sleep and time with my family just doesn't make it worth it. I'm spending $50/week out of my little $300/week check. This means I've taken a pay cut in a job where I'm already overworked and underpaid. I can't afford to go out on the weekends anymore to a movie or even for a drive. Vacation this year is out too. How am I and the rest of the country going to recover?