$98 oil and politics

So,oil has hit the $98 a barrel mark and the world take it in stride.A few years ago when oil hit $50 a barrel it seemed everyone thought it to be the end of the world,so why doesnt $98 oil seem to matter now?One would think that the politicians in the US would try and at least use the buying power of the States to at least bargain down the price of crude on our behalf,seeing that we are the worlds largess buyer(and user of course).Or is it a forgone conclusion that that everyone is at the mercy of the Big Oil companies and the oil exporting countries and will pay whatever the market dictates?Also,where is the push thats needed for more alternative fuels?OIL will RUN OUT one day,and then whats to happen to the worlds economy then?