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Published: July 16, 2008 04:22 pm
Readers' Forum: July 17, 2008
Ellsworth misses boat on drilling
As I sometimes do, I recently sent a polite e-mail to our Congressional representative, Brad Ellsworth, requesting he consider supporting legislation that would allow more domestic drilling and refining of oil. I received back a polite form letter indicating that I should go pound sand (shut up and go away).
According to the letter and other publications I have received in the mail, Mr. Ellsworth believes that heavily taxing publicly traded oil companies is the answer to high gas pump prices and that the law of supply and demand doesn’t seem to apply here. Mr. Ellsworth also indicated that he is a firm believer in the religion known as “man-made global warming.” Is there no middle ground compromise? Do you honestly believe that the people within the greatest nation in the history of this planet do not possess the skills to get oil out of the ocean or ground in an environmentally safe manner? How many very good paying American jobs are you causing to be lost that would be gained in drilling, production and refining of new oil resources?
A radical environmentalist crosses their arms and states, “Absolutely no new drilling, regardless of the consequences.” A conservationist states, “OK. Let’s get the oil out of the ground and to market in a way that is environmentally sound.”
I’m sorry, Mr. Ellsworth, but the government can’t fix gas prices through a new tax or bloated government program. Your rhetoric would probably sound very appealing if this state was California, but it is not. The people of your district and this state are hard-working people that don’t want promises or half-baked plans; they want action and results that work.
You promised to be different than the typical self-indulged politicians in Washington, but I’m just not seeing it. Congress currently has a 9 percent approval rating (first time in history it has ever been in single digits), which means that 91 percent of the American people believe that the Democratically controlled congress is doing a horrible job.
One last question: Isn’t this an election year for you?
— Scott Farris
West Terre Haute
Another successful Special Olympics
On behalf of the community, Duke Energy and the Terre Haute Convention & Visitor’s Bureau we would all like to express out gratitude to Mike Furnish, president/CEO of Special Olympics, and his staff for hosting yet another successful summer games. Also, thanks to those volunteers, coaches, and parents who give their time and resources to ensure that all participants have a great experience.
The reception, opening ceremonies and games seem to all go very well. Thanks to Indiana State University for hosting a wonderful event, and WTWO for fine coverage throughout the weekend. A great appreciation is conveyed to the hundreds of sponsors who supported the Special Olympics. Through support from these businesses and volunteers it allows a great organization to continue holding an event that reaches many individuals.
Terre Haute looks forward to hosting the Special Olympics in June of 2009, as they will be celebrating their 40th anniversary. We urge our community to further embrace this event and “Be A Fan” of Special Olympics.
For more detailed information about next years games go to www.terrehaute.com or visit www.soindiana.org.
— Staff and board of directors
The Terre Haute Convention & Visitors Bureau
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