It doesn't take being a "very poor folk" to feel the bite of high gas prices.
It affects far more than simple mpg and tank filling.
It's a huge working class squeeze right now. The higher price of fuel to transport goods and consumables is driving (har) the cost of groceries up and up also. I imagine that when one has to feed a family, make it to work and pay the higher fuel costs for energy, it leaves little doubt in my mind as to why more families are no longer able to pay their mortgages.

We are so out of it, living where we can be so close to work.. and fortunate!