I agree with you that Americans are disinclined to reduce their driving. I remember reading an article (sorry no attribution available) where an econmist suggested that gas prices would need to raise to the level in Europe or higher before it would begin to significantly alter the driving culture we have in America. THis was about thetime gas priceseitherbecamesolidly above 2 bucks, or passed 3 bucks a gallon.

I do think there are a lot of collectors who will limit their activities (or even suspend them). One I didn't mention before-I have not noticed any fundraising activities arising from the membership this year. I am inclined to suspect that contributions to the museum fund are down (but there are certainly others better qualified to pontificate on that point). I hope that the club leaders and the membership in general consider what we can doto maintain tieswith those collectors or members who are on the finacial cusp. Because when the economy improves (and it will) we want to be as strong as ever (I note that hobbies like coin and stamp have survived many ups anddowns in theeconomy)