In May a daily paper in Florida published information regarding exports from the United States. I write this now because of the current speedy rise in gasoline prices.

I quote from the front page article: “In the first ten months of 2011, the nation exported 848 million barrels (worth $73.4 million) and imported 750 (million) barrels.”

If we now have that much to export, why do we not keep it for U.S. use? Also, why were the Republicans in Congress so adamant that the pipeline from Alberta to the refineries in Texas be an “attachment” to the bill to extend the payroll tax deduction and the unemployment insurance extension? I do not have the answers to these questions, but it might be something that you should ask your congressional representatives and senators.

The argument for the pipeline was additional jobs. Why not build a refinery near Alberta, which would certainly be additional jobs but the crude oil or refined oil would not be near a port convenient for loading on tankers for shipment wherever?

Is it that the oil corporations make more money exporting crude and refined fuels even after taking into consideration the cost of transportation? Is it that the corporations (which can now contribute any amount to political parties) are making sure that their contributions bring the best return on their investment?

Auto makers have been given a timeline on manufacturing more fuel efficient vehicles and therefore consumers are purchasing less fuel because of it. Besides that, the economic situation had contributed to less gasoline being purchased.

I suppose it is a stupid question from an uninformed person, but why should the recently large increase in the price of gasoline occurred because of a refinery fire? I have fire insurance on my dwelling. Don’t they have fire insurance on their business property to cover losses?

I would like an explanation from the “powers that be.” Wouldn’t you?

Joyce Thesier

Harrisville

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