High oil and gas prices were an important factor in driving our economy into a recession and in keeping us in this recession. People can't stop buying gas and oil just because the price is high. They have to drive to work in inefficient cars because reasonably priced energy-efficient models don't exist and because public transportation systems are poor. They have to heat or air-condition their houses in inefficient ways because cheap energy-efficient methods don't exist. Is it time for government to start regulating the oil industry, and controlling the prices of oil and gas until consumers have good alternatives to consider? I for one am not comfortable with the power the oil industry has over our economy and our day-to-day lives. Can we consider regulating prices until good alternatives exist? Can we put the consumer back in control?