Letter: Gas prices mean bigger problems

Editor, The Banner:

The high cost of fuel at the pump ranks on top of your readers worries. What flows from nozzle to tank is only going to soar. I'm sad as anyone, especially for hurting our working class and our families. Short term, prices will vary. Long term, as a percent of cost of living, energy costs will exceed historic highs as adjusted for inflation. Not there yet. It's inevitable.

Don't blame the messenger for the message. Lower cost energy or energy independence. That's America's dilemma. Can't have both. Politically impossible. Economically undoable.

What if I predict gas costing $6 to $7 per gallon? It's unavoidable for several reasons. Our free democracy must study, investigate, argue and legislate while dictators and autocrats who despise us have their hands at our guzzling throats. The time to act has long passed.

Energy independence will come at a cost. Ethanol, hydrogen cells, solar, wind, and hybrid battery vehicles are all in their early stages. Most will never result in lower fuel costs, let's face it. We pay or we don't play.

At home. In the world.

Pinching pennies pump to pump might feel good, but we'd better drive safer and smarter. Six bucks folks.

Get ready.

— John Orlandini / North Naples