Peristent high oil prices can indeed trigger a recession. Problem is with our massive credit and real estate bubbles plus HUGE debts, plus lack of pent up demand for cars and housing, the next recession likely will be far worse than the last one.
“The things that will destroy us are: politics without principle; pleasure without conscience; wealth without work; knowledge without character; business without morality; science without humanity; and worship without sacrifice.” Mahatma Gandhi