Does U.S. have the resolve to respond to new oil crisis?

Does U.S. have the resolveto respond to new oil crisis?
EDITOR:
The price of gas and energy is once again at the top of the list when Americans are asked what issue is the most pressing. We must be slow learners at best and possibly too dumb to understand the dynamics of commodities that are finite in nature.
In 1973, the nation saw its first glimpse of the impending oil shortage. As usual, the U.S. was woefully inadequate in its response. By 1979, while managing a gasoline station, I witnessed first hand the results of Arab states withholding oil supplies. The subsequent rationing of gasoline, shortages, and price spikes showed the potential to severely hamper the American economy. This time, the U.S. response was a little more robust. Automakers were forced to improve fuel economy standards and conservation first came to the forefront.
But as usual, Americans have short memories and our thirst for oil and its byproducts continued to climb with the advent of the SUV. Nothing is more indicative of our pure denial of reality than the large SUV being driven by the Soccer Mom with cell phone in hand. I can count on one hand the number of times I've seen an SUV full of passengers or off road; nearly always, they are piloted by the solo driver with the air of invincibility and false perception of safety.
Now we've reached a new milestone in the global oil market. Growing economies in China, India, and throughout the world are straining global supplies. The world produces 80 million barrels a day and uses 80 million barrels a day. The response from the conservative right is so predictable it's tiresome, drill more. While drilling might be the typical Band-Aid solution that Americans prefer, the real solution is to get tough on consumption.
Heavy taxes on large gas guzzling vehicles with exemptions for "necessary" large vehicles, tax credits for people who purchase hybrid and other fuel efficient cars, and raising the CAFE requirements for automakers would be a good start. Providing more government money and tax credits for research and development of alternative fuels would hasten them to market.
Our leaders have an opportunity to take us down the right path. Do they have the ability and will to address the issue head on? Will they put the greater good ahead of politics and reelection?
This time, the current price spike and shortage isn't going away. Will America step to the plate and do what's best? Or will we drop the ball and continue to send billions of dollars to the Middle East and other countries with regimes that are anti-America?. Are we willing to sacrifice our youths by using military force whenever we don't get the oil that is the lifeblood of our economy? Or will we change our mindset and do the right thing? If history is a barometer, get ready for more wars and higher energy costs.
BILL JOHNSON
Boardman
Help is delayed; children die
EDITOR:
Another innocent baby is gone. That little boy will never know what growing up is about. A mother who delayed helping her baby should know what it is like to suffer. Why didn't anyone in that family seek help for little Javonte? As was said on the news, this was an ongoing problem. Childrens Services, as always, only shows interest after it is too late.
On the South Side I called police about a 18 month old boy being hit and screaming. This baby was only in a diaper being allowed to run free. Police told me to call Help Hotline which I did. They took my name and number and said C.S.B. would get the information.
As far as I know they didn't come to this house. Today this child was seen again barefooted and screaming. How many innocent lives must be lost before the agencies that are supposed to help do?
JOHANNA MORRISON
Youngstown
Fitch kids put on a show
EDITOR:
My wife and I are fortunate to have been among hundreds of senior citizens who attended a dinner at Fitch cafeteria on April 26. We had a fine meal and were entertained by Fitch Jazz band and Fitch choir, and we must say the service by the cheerleaders was excellent.
These talented students certainly crush the fable that all teenagers are troubled.
JIM and DOROTHY DITATA
Austintown