The realization that the people will suffer when their homes become worth less than what they paid for them is "ridiculous?" We must have different definitions of that word.

More the idea that suburbia is temporary and the resources are misallocated because of it.

As to your argument, before the cars were available people had to keep those they didn't value out of their neighborhoods through Sundown clauses and outright threats of violence. As soon as additional mobility became available, these clauses were seen for what they are, racist. Therefore, no, the tech did NOT predate the situation.

Oh come on now. You're now ignoring my point in favor of more government action masked as market activity. Stop it.

No, it isn't. We had civilizations before we exploited oil's energy, and we could easily have civilizations after the oil dwindles. (Oxygen, yes, is less optional.)

I suppose if we want to go back to a pre-oil age, sure. That would be really, really, really dumb, though.

The key is to step off the horse slowly and avoid the more devastating effects of withdrawal. We can't do that if we refuse to cut back our use until the last drop nigh.

Or, conversely, use the progress we've made.