O.k. folks, I think we all realize we need plug-in hybrids if we care to rid ouselves of our middle eastern nut-job problems. So why is it that it's taking automakers so long to produce one? After 10 years of limited imports from OPEC, the whole region would be almost insignificant to the U.S. Fact is, we import 54% of our energy from outside our borders, and by 2010 that number will probably exceed 70%. As far as cost goes, it's a bunch of Hoey - we need a good old fashioned "Gubment Subsidy" to defray the cost of the batteries, just like we give to our farmer friends. I've never been much of a political guy, but why are our elected officials not doing more to solve our crisis? C'mon guys (and gals), let's "git-er-done". I personnaly think we need to focus our efforts on developing more hydropower and solar power, cleaning up our coal fired power plant processes (for the short term), and expanding our renewable liquid fuel sources, like cellulosic ethanol.