Energy crisis

We must increase supply

I was delighted to turn on C-SPAN last week and see U.S. Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) talking about common-sense solutions to $4 gasoline.

The Democrats whom Price was debating only wanted to talk about reining in price speculation or going after price gougers. The only gougers in our midst are those Democrats who can't offer real solutions to expensive gas prices.

Price clearly articulated that the current oil prices are due to supply and demand. Democrats don't understand basic economics. We need to increase the supply of energy. We need access to deep-water oil, improved oil shale technology, and increased refining technology to process heavier crude.

If you need evidence of what increasing supply will do to prices, just look at what happened when President Bush announced he would remove the offshore oil moratorium. Crude future prices dropped. Price understands this, but it's obvious the Democrats just don't get it.

GREG WILSON

Marietta

Freedom lies in cheaper oil

The U.S. is succeeding in bringing democracy to the Middle East. The monarchs who rule other parts of the Middle East are trembling in their boots and know the only way to stop democracy is to try to bankrupt the U.S.; ergo, very expensive oil.

This is a battle we have to win. Humbug with the greens. Let's drill, build nuclear power plants and show the monarchs and dictators that people in a true democracy can overcome any obstacle thrown at them. They may temporarily mess up our wallets, but not our quest to give others freedom.

DONALD KENNEDY

Johns Creek

Offshore drilling suits GOP base

President Bush lifted the executive ban on offshore drilling and is asking Congress to follow suit. This presents a unique opportunity for Bush's "have-and-have-more" base in the GOP strongholds of Palm Beach, Fla.; Greenwich, Conn.; Hilton Head Island, S.C.; and Huntington Beach, Calif.

Bush's supporters in these and other wealthy coastal communities can show their solidarity with the president and set the example for the nation by calling for the first new rigs to go up off their coasts.

KEVIN FOLEY

Kennesaw

Sad to see King family in discord

Since their mother's death, I have read articles on the behavior of the King children. Their parents were the staple of unity, peace and deference, yet the three of them are now in a legal battle swarming with accusations of misusing family funds.

Martin and Coretta King would be disappointed with their children being estranged from each other, especially over insignificant issues. The King Center was created to remind us all of the struggles and ultimate sacrifices the Kings and other civil rights leaders made, not to be thrown in the middle of a public mudslinging fest among siblings. It is unfortunate the court system has to be the mediator to determine who is using funds for the King Center appropriately.

JENNIFER L. SIMPSON

Smyrna

Show appreciation for troops' sacrifice

I see many cars and trucks with magnets and bumper stickers that say "Support Our Troops." But when I encounter one of our fine soldiers in uniform, why am I the only one who takes time to walk up to them, extend my hand and thank them for their service? Even after showing my appreciation, people around us act like we are not there.

If you can't take the time to show your appreciation and support for their sacrifice and commitment for our freedom, then you're just giving them lip service. Stop, acknowledge them, thank them, really show that you care. They do appreciate your support.

STEVE DUDLEY

Stone Mountain

Think ahead with an additional lane

Jim Wooten's column "Development must hinge on road capacity" (@issue, July 17) raises excellent issues. With many of the work/live/play developments, storefronts are located right next to the street with only a small sidewalk easement, which leaves no room to widen roads even if the city/county/state had funds to do so.

I urge government officials to consider adopting a plan whereby developers are responsible for adding an additional lane in front of all new developments, including downtown multi-use developments, as well as new subdivisions. This lane could be used as a turn lane or for temporary parking to accommodate deliveries, etc., until the government is ready to widen a road.

The result is road expansion at a reduced cost to the taxpayer, the matching of cost with the developer who is putting additional traffic on the road, and temporary relief by providing for a loading zone so that traffic problems are not compounded. I have seen this plan work well in other communities and would encourage us to consider this option throughout metro Atlanta.

JOHN STEBBINS

Smyrna