The New York Times today covers General Motors' apparent shift toward smaller engine vehicles -- and even the possibility of selling its Hummer division -- after yesterday's news that the Detroit automaker was slashing production of its SUVs and pickup trucks as a result of declining sales. The national average cost of fuel recently reached $3.98 a gallon, and the fallout could not have happened more rapidly, with car sales surpassing truck and SUV sales in just the last few months. It's the first time since 1992 that a sedan has been the country's top-selling vehicle.

Three-quarters of the public, in a recent Gallup poll, believe the continuous rise in gas prices represents a permanent change more than a temporary one. And majorities (71 percent) say they have seriously considered getting a more fuel-efficient car the next time they buy a vehicle.

Our Confidence in U.S. Foreign Policy Index shows seven in 10 Americans say they worry "a lot" about the rise in the cost of gas and fuel, outpacing any other concern by a significant margin. That's a 16-point jump from six months ago. The public has been making a stronger connection in recent months between energy independence and national security. Nine in 10 (89 percent) say becoming less dependent on other countries for our supply of energy would enhance our security, with six in 10 saying it would help "a great deal" -- now the public's number one security strategy.