You are certainly right and as long as we are using a fiat currency (don't misunderstand, I am not necessarily against that) that is a political and economic possibility. The secret is maintaining our freedom of economic activity without undue government hinderence.
There is also the possibility of a reduced dependance on oil. Check out the following: http://www.discover.com/may_03/featoil.html Technology is an ever-shifting and uncertain factor.