Letters, Faxes, E-mails

To the Editor:
The last few years Americans have heard of reason after reason for escalating gas prices and slowing economy. However, we have been given very little hope for brightening the future. Washington has thrown Americans tidbits of hope, only to leave the bills in committees, never to be heard of again. In April 2005, President Bush said that he opposed tax breaks for big oil companies: “I will tell you with $55 oil we don’t need incentives to oil and gas companies to explore.”
In January 2007, Rep. Jim McDermott introduced HR 453 — ending subsidies for Big Oil Act of 2007 — only to have it referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means and never to be heard of again. Sen. John F. Kerry introduced S103 — Restore a Rational Tax Rate on Petroleum Production Act of 2007 — and it was referred to the Committee on Finance and left.
We as Americans continue to hear about the bills that are being sent forward on Capitol Hill, all while we watch Americans’ economical behavioral changes, (i.e., carpooling, shortened work week, limited family vacations) to save energy and money.
The continual rise in gas prices is not only affecting the price at the pump but the cost of utilities, groceries, mortgages, etc. Then there is the change in vehicle-buying habits. Instead of individuals buying USA-made Chevrolets, Fords, etc. they are buying foreign-made Toyotas, Nissans ... which in turn hurts America. Where will it stop? When will Washington stop stalling the bills and begin giving Americans relief?
Fellow Oklahomans, we need to get involved and remind our elected officials of the bills that are sitting in committees that need to be revived. Write to Congresswoman Fallin, Sen. Inhofe and Sen. Coburn. Let’s help them make the decisions that are best for us, not the oil companies.
Lori Stacy
Meeker