Oil prices, and subsequently gasoline prices, have fallen nearly a dollar per gallon in less than a month. Oil prices even fell 5% after OPEC announced a major cut. This is a great example of something that is saving significant cash for poorer Americans, but gets no coverage from national media outlets while they wail about the financial crisis. I am saving probably $25 a week, and I don't even drive that much. People with long commutes must be seeing huge savings. Perhaps this partially explains why the mall is always so crowded. If gas prices stay down or go lower, I could see the holiday retail being much stronger than anticipated, as consumers will have much more cash on hand from gas savings. More details on oil prices here.

This issue is also why it is so vital for the US to develop more oil drilling and refining capacity in the near future. The significant impact on major oil producers cannot be overlooked. Iran, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, and Russia are seeing, and will continue to see, major reductions in their incomes. I think this is a good thing, as it gives the countries opposed to US interests much less money to throw around funding problems for free societies (like terrorism in the Middle East and South America and military buildup in eastern Europe). I would much rather see this money flow to American oil companies (and by extension American stockholders, with an estimated 100 million Americans having investments in oil companies), and also our government, which makes billions off of taxing our oil companies. Keeping oil plentiful and cheap will only benefit our economy while hurting our enemies.