Thank Senator Cantwell for the high price of gasoline

Editor, Seattle Times 6/9/08

Thank Senator Cantwell for the high price of gasoline. The Democrats promised lower energy prices if they were elected in 2006. They were given control and the price of gasoline has doubled since then.

Honorable Senator Cantwell is responsible because she voted for every bill that outlawed or limited US oil production or otherwise caused energy prices to rise and against every bill that would.

There is oil in the US that she is preventing the use of - off Alaska and the US East Coast and several on-shore locations. She voted yes on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR. (Nov 2005) She voted yes to designate sensitive ANWR area as protected wilderness. (Nov 2007)

Senator Cantwell has supported every tax and restriction that increases the cost to the consumer:
- Biofuels - requiring more biofuels allows less flexibility, which raises prices.
- The 2007 energy bill included price controls. Price controls have a perfect record - 100% - for increasing prices. Yes, price controls - despite good intentions cause higher prices.
- Energy Independence means restricting the sources of energy. Restricting sources causes higher prices. She is proud of her own Clean EDGE Act of 2006, which "leads the way to energy independence."
- Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008. Raises taxes on 5 US oil companies, but exempts Venezuela President-for-life Hugo Chavez's Citgo. True. Michelle Malkin. Update.

Question for Senator Cantwell: How does blocking oil exploration, drilling and production in and off-shore of all 50 states reduce our dependence on foreign oil?

Question for Senator Cantwell: Companies pass on tax increases to their customers. How will doubling the taxes on domestic oil cause lower prices to us consumers?

Will Senator Cantwell change and take action to lower, rather than raise, gasoline prices?

Truly,

Ron Hebron
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155