Dear editor:

Our politicians continue to fail us while we continue to allow them the opportunity. A month ago I asked everyone to call his or her representatives and senators to complain about the skyrocketing price of gas. The latest report indicates that in less than two years petroleum is predicted to reach $200 per barrel or more. Our economy absolutely will not withstand this dire circumstance. Contrary to popular opinion, fault does not lie with the oil companies, but rather our politicians because they will not get out of the way and allow the oil companies to drill more wells and build refineries.

Something must be done immediately. For those of you who have been calling your senators and representatives in Washington each time you fill up, congratulations and thank you. In case you missed it, last week Saxby Chambliss along with fifteen other Republican senators sent President Bush a letter requesting a halt of depositing petroleum into the Federal Petroleum Reserve. Said Chambliss, “I am hearing every day from Georgians about the serious difficulties they are experiencing because of the rising cost of gasoline,” while Isakson commented ?”I share my constituents’ serious concerns with the significant increase in gas and oil prices and its effect on the American economy and on the family budget.” Although it is not nearly enough, it is a start. But much more has to be done. Every day that nothing is done is another day of rising gas prices and lost jobs.

Again I plead, please call your senators and representatives. They do listen to us. And if they don’t hear from us, they think we are fat and happy. I’m not happy, are you happy?

Grady Blankenship

Valdosta