I just realized something, and now it's getting clear just how paranoid I'm getting.

Item the first: High gasoline prices.

Item the second: Decrease in OPEC production.

Item the third: Bush's ineffectual 'jawboning' to try to get OPEC to increase production.

Item the fourth: General public dismay at the high gasoline prices, as mentioned in #1.

...

Item the fifth: Terror alert! Danger on the highways and in other ground transportation. (i.e., don't travel)

Throw in a small dash of item the sixth: Elementary capitalism (e.g., lower demand equals lower prices)

Anyone but me smell a rat here?