Solving our energy problems

Re “Oil inflames U.S.-Saudi ties,” June 8

Contrary to popular belief, Saudi Arabia and OPEC are not responsible for America’s energy crisis. The vast increase in oil demand from China and India notwithstanding, far-left environmentalists, judicial activists and Democrat-dominated government are the obstructionists.

Indeed, if it were not for the self-righteous delusionists and nature’s la-la-landers preventing the development of domestic energy resources from protected areas (which few can even visit) for decades, we would not be in this mess. Renewable energy resources simply cannot produce the energy to sustain us in the foreseeable future. Corn ethanol is an unsustainable and costly failure. We must tap our own coal and oil resources and build refineries and nuclear power plants without delay. Stepping up oil production from Iraq would certainly help rebuild and secure Iraq and answer our immediate needs.

Daniel B. Jeffs

Apple Valley

So “ordinary Saudis like the idea of their nation’s added wealth” and won’t increase oil production. But they still expect a $1.4-billion arms deal? Why don’t we raise our price to $1.4 trillion and explain that it’s a simple case of supply and demand?

They have oil, we have guns. Welcome to the marketplace.

Gerald Wright

Los Angeles

Re “No letup for oil, no relief for drivers,” June 7

The profile of the price of oil says it all. The law of supply and demand is in action. The $140 barrel of oil and the $4.50 gallon of gasoline are just the beginning. The oil reserves of our planet are fixed and nonrenewable and are being depleted at a rapid rate. Geological statistics predict they will be depleted in about 30 years. We had better embark on in-depth research to develop post-petroleum fuels for transportation before the price of oil hits the stratosphere.

Reno S. Zack

San Dimas

Are we reliving the economic problems of 1970s, reconfigured for a new age?

I remember having to line up at the gas pump at 6 a.m. on alternate days to get enough gas to see me through until the next week -- if I drove carefully. I also remember visiting the grocery store and being appalled at seeing price sticker upon price sticker announcing huge increases on basic items.

Other than the soaring interest rates, I seem to be having deja vu.

Gail McClain

Laguna Beach