LETTERS 08/17/08

Congress, let’s start drilling

Your editorial “Drilling is no quick fix for high gas prices” (8/13, Opinion) underestimates the effect on oil prices of increased U.S. production. Prices are determined by supply and demand in terms of both current and expected, or future, supply and demand. Our stated intent to develop our country’s oil reserves, including shale, will have a dramatic effect on today’s prices if Nancy Pelosi’s Congress allows it to happen.

One other aspect that is seldom discussed, including in your recent editorial, is the fact we are transferring $700 billion a year now to countries that typically don’t like us. This is insane, and increased U.S. production is needed just to reduce this outflow of our capital.

I hope to live long enough to see the day when America can tell OPEC, “No thanks. Take your oil and go pound sand.”

George Hunsucker

Kearney

Like many others, I am feeling the effect of high gas prices, yet I feel compelled to respond to the seemingly countless letters advocating offshore drilling to help immediately reduce the cost of gas.

Please, U.S. electorate, say it with me slowly: “Offshore drilling will have no effect on the cost of gasoline for years to come.” There, now don’t we all feel better?

Oil is traded on an international market. Supply and demand are created on a global scale. Whatever oil is found offshore would probably make it to market no sooner than eight to 10 years from now.

Understand that the call for drilling is a Republican talking point that resonates within our stupid political discourse and is being dishonestly trumpeted to get voters to take their eye off of the ball. That ball, so to speak, is seven-plus years of failed neoconservative policy that has done potentially irreparable damage to our country and our standing in the world.

Make no mistake: John McCain represents four more years of that failed policy. Please vote accordingly.

Matt Nelson

Roeland Park

If you repeat a lie enough times, people will begin to believe it. I laugh whenever I read letters stating as fact that opening up the ANWR and outer continental shelf to drilling would magically bring us cheap gas. At most, oil from these areas would add a couple of million barrels per day (2 to 3 percent) to the world’s supply.

Without serious conservation, we cannot solve the energy crisis. Conservation gives us the best investment return of any option, and its impact on prices is almost immediate. At the same time, we must develop technologies that will replace the world’s shrinking supply of fossil fuels.

Go ahead and drill, but don’t insult my intelligence. Just remember, the politicians promoting this are the same ones who told you that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, that we would be greeted as liberators, and that Iraqi oil would help pay for the war.

Mike Mendon

Gladstone

The current Republican leadership should listen to Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger: “The direction our nation needs to go in, and where California is already headed, is toward greater innovation in new technologies and new fuel choices for consumers. That is the way we will ultimately reduce fuel costs and also protect our environment.”

It looks like there is one Republican leader who has read the studies that say energy diversification means more than drilling.

Shanna Loewen

Overland Park

Loeb Granoff defends the indefensible (8/11, Opinion, “Israel was forced to impose tough border controls”). It is wrong to seize people’s water, farms, businesses and homes, then prevent them from freely moving in their own land; to prevent them attending schools and universities; to limit food and fuel and medicines so that many die; to bomb and strafe and shoot and maim; to kill randomly; to imprison and torture.

Mr. Granoff might want to take a closer look at the historical record of the conflict before he begrudges Yaser Wishah’s visit to his ailing father in Gaza. Mr. Wishah threw stones as a youth. He tried to fight soldiers who pinned his mother on the floor, then was sent to jail for 10 months.

Would Mr. Granoff not defend his own mother if someone attacked her? Would Mr. Granoff not defend his own house? Would he not pick up something, anything, to throw at an intruder?

Andrea Whitmore

Fairway

John Burroughs (8/1, Letters, “Signs of tough times?”) finds signs of prosperity in America as reflected by millions of dollars spent on big-name entertainment, dropped at horse races, and other extravagant activities. I suggest he should be looking for other “signs.” These signs read “House for sale or rent,” “Car or truck for sale” and “Looking for a job.”

Letters from food pantries flood my mailbox for donations, as their resources are stretched to the limit. Unemployment figures today are the highest in six years. Every week at least one more “House for sale” sign appears in my lower middle-class neighborhood, as well as a nearby upper middle-class neighborhood.

I wonder if Burroughs has heard of the “haves” and “have nots?” I am glad he and his “haves” can have their fun and spend money they received from the extravagant tax breaks of the current administration the past eight years.

I assume you are a “have”? If so, get out of comfortable Overland Park and drive around the Kansas City area. Then be grateful for what you have. But don’t forget about the needs the rest of us have.

Nancy J. Cramer

Kansas City

Lloyd Hellman (8/11, Letters) implied that John McCain’s campaign is “trying to convey to southerners and the older white audience” that Barack Obama is “an uppity ----- (you fill in the blank).”

I think Mr. Hellman needs to get his facts straight before making any suggestions that the McCain campaign is race baiting. It was Obama who started this whole shtick about how the Republicans were going to “try to scare” voters by saying he has a funny name, he doesn’t look like past presidents and he’s black.

Nobody on McCain’s side has implied those sorts of things. They know what hysteria that would cause. They are looking beyond skin color.

It’s Obama’s side that has started using his race as an issue. Bill Clinton even said that he thought it was unfair that Obama was “playing the race card” during the primary.

As far as portraying Obama as a shallow rock star, that’s the persona he’s created for himself. Until he comes up with something besides tire gauges and “hope” and “change” slogans, that’s all he’s going to be.

Mark Haskell

Olathe

Dear Sen. McCain:

I am not now, nor have I ever been, your “friend.”

I am not now, nor have I ever been, a “Georgian.”

Please check with me the next time you wish to speak so presumptuously.

Vince Milum

Lenexa

I am amazed and ashamed at all the negative ads and letters and videos going back and forth between not only our presidential candidates, but also those running for the Senate and the House of Representatives. They should all have more dignity.

Both Democrats and Republicans are to blame. Maybe that’s why Congress never gets anything done. They are all still quarreling like kids in elementary school. And they want us, the citizens of this great country, to vote for them in November?

Maybe, in light of John Edwards’ recent mishap and many others before him, they might want to clean up their acts. I am not sure I want to vote for any of them at all.

Perhaps they could take some cues from our athletes in Beijing. They are competing against one another but are quick to compliment their opponents.

Barbara Irish

Prairie Village

Shannon Glasford (8/8, Letters) would never vote for a pro-choice candidate. He says a candidate who cannot be trusted with the “easy” decision of defending innocent human life should not be trusted with complicated issues such as war, the economy and education

What is easy about abortion? I don’t think anybody thinks the abortion issue is a simple thing. I personally do not support abortion, but I also believe it is a personal choice that government should stay out of. I believe that other issues facing this great nation of ours need greater attention.

I guess it is OK for thousands of children to die in war? What of the thousands of children who are not wanted or cared for by their parents?

Abortion is just another wedge issue that is brought up every election to divert our attention and divide us as a people. It really is a personal matter and not a national priority, nor should it be. Try health care for those children born and the families struggling to put food on the table to feed those children. I could go on and on.

John Seeley

Independence

It is quite refreshing to see decency championed in times such as these. Leonard Pitts has shown that the art of political discourse is one of balance and tact (8/12, Opinion, “The mentality of those who see politics as war”). As Mr. Pitts aptly pointed out, far too many nameless bloggers engage in foolish banter designed only to satisfy their blood lust.

Once again, many thanks to Mr. Pitts for an insightful and all too overdue perspective.

Jess Hall

Lenexa

The enjoyment of television viewing has become greatly diminished by the frequency and repetition of commercials. This problem is further compounded by the replaying of unimaginative and negative political announcements.

Based upon my personal activity, I anticipate an increase in carpal tunnel syndrome resulting from constantly pressing the “mute” button.

I don’t advocate increased government controls, but something must be done.

Steve Katz

Leawood

I was at KU recently and wanted some oversized copies at the Spencer Research Library. Their copying machine was broken, and they didn’t think it would be fixed or replaced.

Then I heard that the basketball coach will be earning $3 million each year for 10 years (8/7, Sports). Poor KU.

Norma Tharp

Lake Tapawingo

I took my wife and three children to the zoo last Sunday and was pleasantly surprised by the great customer service we experienced upon entering and throughout the course of our visit. The young lady in the concession stand even made it a point to thank us when we left the patio area.

The grounds were well maintained and clean. The animal exhibits were displayed well. All in all, it was a fun family day. If you are looking for a great place to take the family, you may be pleasantly surprised as well. Thanks.

Frank J. Licausi

Kansas City