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Eschaton Now?

"I heard the news today, oh boy," five dollars gas by 4 July. What does this mean? Well, probably the beginning of the end of a short age. The trouble with expensive gas means not only more expensive transportation, but also nearly everything will rise in cost. Already food shortages in places like Haiti have caused havoc and those are indirectly related to rising petrol costs. We have by virtue of its abundance and low cost become so dependant on the liquid that to extricate us from its use will require years of sacrifice, expense, and discomfort. What politician is seriously talking about this? Where are the statesmen? They aren't running for president this year.
On a more selfish note, what does this mean for my agrarian dream? Is it wise to look for property in Manchester (or Washtenaw County) at this point? If we already had land purchased or building started that would be one thing, but considering we live about an hour from a plot we like. . . how smart is that to purchase something that we might not be able to reach? I need to also factor in my unemployment status now as well.
I know voices out there are more optimistic: after a short, painful period advances in technology will solve this problem. But then, we haven't dealt with our overconsumption, we've only looked to the gods techne and gnosis to save us from ourselves once again. The trouble with solar, fuel cells, wind turbines, etc. is that they all require an infrstructure of petroleum to put into place. What happens when petroleum is only something the suprariche can afford?
I am not Hamlet, but man, I feel like brooding.
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