READERS WRITE

GAS SHORTAGE

Prices too low to limit demand

After passing eight closed stations and then waiting 20 minutes in line, I arrived at the pump to see gasoline selling at the absurdly cheap rate of $3.97 a gallon. I filled up the car with over 18 gallons of gas. I had no incentive to limit my consumption.

During this past week there have been many accusations of price-gouging made against gas stations. The problem was not that price-gouging occurred, but rather that gas prices were far too low to effectively limit demand.

One recent morning, I witnessed lines of 50 or more cars waiting to enter the few remaining open stations. If gas had cost $10 a gallon this past week, then today there would be no shortages and no lines.

RONALD P. MENICH

Dunwoody

State leaders should be ashamed

We are so discouraged with the leadership of the state with the critical gas shortage. This is so out of hand. We have been there before with Hurricane Katrina, and thought there would have been plans to avoid this kind of crisis again.

It indicates that state leaders have no idea what to do in any emergency, and citizens will have to fend on our own. How very sad. We thought that is why we elect officials, to lead and take care of the people they represent.

The idea that the governor would leave the country at this time shows us that he is not willing to face up to this crisis. May he and the other leaders hang their heads in shame. This will long be remembered at the next elections.

TOD AND DIANNE ROVIE

Snellville

ECONOMIC BAILOUT

Don’t burden taxpayers

I do not believe taxpayers should be left holding the bill for risky, unwise, illegal-or-otherwise decisions made by corporate executives. Let the payback come first from their paychecks —- let’s add accountability to the equation, please.

Then, if rescue is necessary, give creditors a proportional share of the companies’ stock instead of dumping the burden on the taxpayers and their children who will be paying for this for years to come.

ED NICHOLSON

Tucker

Politicians play around while our savings evaporate

What everyone does not seem to realize is that the purpose of the emergency “loan” for banks is to save our savings and jobs. In Monday’s stock market drop of more than 700 points, everyone with 401ks or stocks should have noticed their savings plummet.

With the sale of Wachovia many jobs will be lost. Every day our politicians play around, more of our savings evaporate.

SHIRLEY CORRIHER

Atlanta