http://www.thedailylight.com/articles/2008/05/08/opinion/doc4820a7d3b18b5526653916.txtTo the Editor,
The escalating prices of food and fuel are affecting the nation in many ways. Intelligent citizens look for possible causes and solutions of these incredible price increases. Some facts are:
• Gas prices have increased 75 percent since President Bush’s first inauguration. Gas was $1.46 when President Bush was elected. Every one-cent increase costs the American people approximately $1 billion.
• Oil companies are making record profits. Exxon Mobil made $40 billion in PROFIT in 2007. Exxon’s CEO, Rex Tillerson, made $21.7 million plus perks in 2007. Not bad — while the nation struggles.
• The oil and gas industry has contributed over $67 million to Republicans since 2000. Even our own Joe Barton has received $1.8 million from the oil industry and John Cornyn has received $349,780. In 2004, 13 Bush pioneers and rangers were in the oil industry.
• Now, John McCain has proposed a lower tax on oil companies, even though they are making record profits. Is it any coincidence that Senator McCain has received almost $500,000 from the oil industry?
Do the intelligent readers of The Daily Light really believe that our elected officials are serving OUR interest — or those of their masters? Please research your candidates and don’t rubber stamp a vote. Our nation can’t afford it.