One of the things I've learned over the last two years is that the media has acquired more influencing power than EVER before.

As I look back I realize that a LOT the economic scare last fall was totally built by the media, and MOSTLY from the left leaning outlets (which in today's world are most).

And now, the scare tactics of the media that freaked people out to think that if the American car companies don't make EVERY car and truck a hybrid, it's game over have been WAY overblown.

But virtually EVERYONE bought it!

This was the headline from today's WSJ:

Oil Industry Braces for Drop in U.S. Thirst for Gasoline

"Demand for all petroleum-based transportation fuels -- gasoline, diesel and jet fuel -- fell 7.1% last year, according to the EIA. This is the steepest one-year decline since at least 1950, as far back as the federal government has reliable data.

Many industry observers have become convinced the drop in consumption won't reverse even when economic growth resumes. In December, the EIA said gasoline consumption by U.S. drivers had peaked, in part because of growing consumer interest in fuel efficiency.

Exxon believes U.S. fuel demand to keep cars, SUVs and pickups moving will shrink 22% between now and 2030. "We are probably at or very near a peak in terms of light-duty gasoline demand," says Scott Nauman, Exxon's head of energy forecasting."

The Spies say it is REALLY scary to see the cause/effect when the popular media grabs onto a cause.

Scarier than the voice of the new Volvo TV commercials! What's up with that?!

Do you believe we're onto something and does the media wield WAY too much power in today's society, with very little backup of FACTS?

And is MOST of the trouble just PERCEIVED and not real, because the media over states the problems?