I have read all of this with much interest and I can no longer keep quiet. Isn't it a riot (no pun intended) how politicians can lead us into a maze, then leave us to find our own way out? I realize that speaking in general terms is sometimes foolish, but I can't resist. Despite the complexity of this issue (Some say the oil companies are to blame, some say OPEC, some say the Government, etc., etc.) 80% tax on anything is absolutely ridiculous!!!! I don't care how "cheap" petro was when all of this taxation began (I can hear the politicians saying, "we can just add a little tax on this low fuel cost and we can provide "free" healthcare for everyone), the fact is, the public is responsible for allowing the tax to reach 80%. When the majority feel they are "entitled" to certain services, this is what we get. Not only a very expense system, but a poor one to boot.

I hope America still has time to learn a lesson from all of this, but there is enough history and evidence to make me doubt it. I truly believe we are our brother's keeper, yet I can't help but despise turning over my resources to an often very corrupt and always inefficient, bureaucratic government to solve problems. In case I'm losing anyone, what I am saying is that taxation beyond providing for highways and defense is stupid.

I like to think I am an optimist (it may not sound like it above). In fact, I truly believe we will find a solution somewhere down the road (again, no pun intended). It may be an alternative fuel that can be produced at home (ha! no such luck), or it may be a group of pioneers jumping onto a spaceship and leaving for a tax free colony on another planet (beam me up, Scottie!). At any rate, this all promises to bring lots of pain for a lot of folks before the problem is solved. Hey, but with pain comes progress. We will survive!

Jim