Energy crisis - what can/should we do?

[Gary - K7GLD]

The vast majority on this board and across the nation are complaining and concerned about fuel costs - most of which are controlled by OPEC - the Arabian nations - along with major oil refining empires, with government support and approval.

A few on this board have been critical of the verbal expressions of concern, and rightfully ask what is to be gained merely by whining and griping about prices.

My response has been:

"I have been increasingly tempted to start my own small letter writing campaign, focusing upon irritation over seeming irrational pricing of fuels at the pump.

At first, I thought a large number of letters arriving daily on the White House doorstep would get some attention - but THEN I realized even MORE action and attention would result if those bags full of letters were written as "open letters to the current administration", and sent to NBC, CBS and all other major media headquarters - they are always looking for new ways to embarrass Bush, and would likely jump at the chance to place these letters prominently in their newscasts - and that MIGHT generate more focused attention to the issue - maybe even some action...

Yes, I feel that the more and longer we LOUDLY and OPENLY make our anger and frustration known, the more likely we are to obtain results - and that complaints direct to the parties responsible for setting policies and pricing MIGHT not be as effective as the same complaints directed to mass media in an effort towards generating greater public outcry and support - after all, letters to government and oil companies mostly just get swept under rugs and disappear.

OR, we can just sit quietly, and "hope it all gets better..."

Strong and focused public expressions on various issues throughout past history have motivated significant changes in political action and direction - I feel it CAN happen in this case as well!

Along the lines of the above, I have originated a sample letter that some might use as an outline for their own letters (feel free to copy mine if you like!), and send them on to you own local area newspapers and other appropriate media outlets.

A search here on the Internet will provide access to the major networks - and some members might suggest other direct sources.

Here's my personal letter - already sent to the local paper, with others yet to be sent out:



An open letter to the Bush administration, and future political candidates:

I have become increasingly concerned - and angry - at this country's continued dependence upon foreign sources for the lifeblood of our nation - energy!

I am appalled at the apparent indifference and lack of intense focused action and programs by our country's political and industrial leadership to greatly reduce or eliminate that dependence, and return the sovereignty and independence this country once possessed.

The wheels of our industries, transportation and agriculture turn on availability of economical energy - and steady deliberate political and corporate reduction of our economical access to reasonably priced energy is as much an act of effective terrorism, and as damaging to our survival as bombs in subways or planes flying into buildings!

I hold the past, and current, administrations responsible and accountable for our current and future survival as a free and independent nation, as well as those in industry more interested in profit than the continued survival of our nation.

I fully expect and demand that our national leaders and various energy heads begin an aggressive and vigorous program to promote increased energy production within our own borders, in the form of oil, natural gas, coal, agricultural based (bio-fuels), solar, and others as yet undeveloped or unexploited.

As a voter, I want it known that the fuel independence and programs proposed by the next candidates for my vote will rate exceptionally high in my decision as to where my vote goes - regardless of party affiliation.

Along with those issues, is my expectation of prioritized governmental application of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Sierra Club influence in deciding far-reaching issues affecting broad areas of the well being of our society. Trading the tranquility of Spotted Owls and obscure tree frogs for the health and existence of humans must end, or be decided by priorities rather than unfounded emotion.

We must return this country's self-sufficiency, and our political/corporate agenda of blood and lives for fuel, and profit, MUST come to an end!

Signed-------

... The above might not be much, and WON'T be unless it gets wide use - but it beats nothing at all...