low oil prices, have got to be killing our "dear leader" (Mr 5buck a gallon prez...)
Good.

I've been to England a few times to visit the wife's family, also been to France and Scotland while there. High fuel prices there are roughly half tax, Scotland and England's roads are okay but not great considering what they pay for fuel, Frances roads though are absolutely brilliant.
The european model of public transportation can never work in the United States. England proper isn't even the size of Michigan, and while I can get anywhere in England from her aunt's house using their public transportation, it's not that easy nor affordable if you have to go very far. It was actually a tad cheaper to fly to Inverness from London on Easyjet than take the train, not to mention about 14 hours quicker. I can get from Felixstowe (her aunts) to London on our own, requires a train trip, get on a bus to another station, then back on the train, then end up in London, takes about twice as long as driving it, easier and actually costs less just to buy one of her cousins a tank of petrol.