Is expensive energy a bad thing?

Please don't respond to this post in knee-jerk fashion. Consider what must change if prices for gas (cars), natural gas (heating, etc.), petroleum products, et.al. remain at high levels. Is the change good or bad for society? I think the answer(s) can be surprising.

Why Should I Help?

We've created a pretty cushy life for our kids, and I want to make sure they realize that the world is larger than their video screen. So we've been looking for some charity to adopt as a family. Today, though, I found out both mine and my wife's cars were burglarized last night. Nothing major - just some change and my wife's license. I've never had that happen before. Yes, I was angry and felt violated and all that. But more than anything I find that my charitable feelings have been, uh, dulled. Why would I want to reach out and help some people, when people would do this to me? Help me find my/our way...