Having money to buy a car or else cycle commuting is not the question. One can be better off than the next driver while joyfully riding one's bike with full rights. The thing is that one shouldn't interact with the thugs. Any attempt at talking them into the respect of other users of the roadway is a waste of effort and time. They don't want to understand. They need that rage outlet. Let them so. Just unyieldingly smile at them.

On the other hand: how come that there are so many commentaries about drivers' ruthlessness, pettiness and aggressivity over there in the United States? Don't want to draw the wrong impression here; I'm sure the vast majority of car-bike interactions are smooth, lawful and right, and that only the despicable ones come to the forums. I've been riding in Skokie, near Chicago, and around Cisne and Swansea (or something similar) Natl Park in Kentucky some ten years ago and I didn't find a nickle of disrespect or rage on the drivers' part... quite on the contrary: exquisite behaviour and manners.

My experience in Spain is that no one would dare telling off any cyclist of riding their bike. Some drivers may despise cycle commuting or whatever, but no one would make it loud let alone have it expressed in their behaviour on the road.