[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 143 (Wednesday, September 10, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8268-S8270]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IDAHOANS SPEAK OUT ON HIGH ENERGY PRICES

  Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, in mid-June, I asked Idahoans to share with 
me how high energy prices are affecting their lives, and they responded 
by the hundreds. The stories, numbering over 1,000, are heartbreaking 
and touching. To respect their efforts, I am submitting every e-mail 
sent to me through [email protected]
.gov to the Congressional Record. This is not an issue that will be 
easily resolved, but it is one that deserves immediate and serious 
attention, and Idahoans deserve to be heard. Their stories not only 
detail their struggles to meet everyday expenses, but also have 
suggestions and recommendations as to what Congress can do now to 
tackle this problem and find solutions that last beyond today. I ask 
unanimous consent to have today's letters printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

       The gas prices have hit us so hard that my family cannot 
     afford to fill up the tank but rather $50 at a time. To fill 
     up my diesel tank, it now costs $160. We cannot afford 
     vacations nor can we afford day trips to the mountains. If 
     this is what the speculators wanted, well, they got it. We 
     basically go to work to pay for fuel. I wanted to see my 
     father this year in Bakersfield, California but

[[Page S8269]]

     that is impossible now. That would be easily close to $1,000 
     in fuel.
       What is more frustrating is there is not a thing I can do 
     about it. Groceries have gone up 20%, Idaho Power is planning 
     on raising their rates, [the state of Idaho] wants to 
     increase the car registration to $150. I give up! When my 
     taxes increase (sales, fees, ssn, state, fed ) are more than 
     50%, I am planning on leaving the workforce and staying home 
     to get all of the benefits of the poor and unemployed.
       I am absolutely for a free market economy, but with all of 
     the taxes and fuel charges and surcharges on items that 
     require transit, it is going to break this family.
       I am a [conservative, but have been disappointed with the 
     partisan actions on many issues, including immigration, 2nd 
     Amendment rights, national security. It sometimes feels like 
     those we have elected to lead us have forgotten their 
     responsibilities.]
           Sincerely,
     Sam, Boise.
                                  ____

       I think we are technically smart enough to drill for oil 
     without endangering the environment. I mean every place that 
     oil can be found. If we listen to the extreme 
     environmentalists, we will all starve to death in the dark!!!
     Stephen.
                                  ____

       The lobbyist for the oil companies are too rich and have 
     too many politicians in their pockets. The Solar lobby 
     consists of one man begging for tax brakes. Do the math. The 
     federal government really does not [care] about what we, the 
     American people think so, the best thing we (Idaho) can do is 
     to declare sovereignty from the NeoCon/Zionist regime and 
     just live our lives in peace and harmony. Stop killing for 
     oil. Politicians are not intelligent enough to run my life. 
     They are not intelligent enough to resolve the problems of 
     the world today. You will never get anywhere with this. It is 
     all a big joke. But, in the end, the joke will be on the 
     politicians. You see, the Federal Reserve's dollar really is 
     of no real value anyway. The fed has put America in debt that 
     can never be repaid. The private bankers will repo the U.S. 
     to be paid in full, soon. You have nothing to worry about 
     since they already own you and your buddies in Washington. 
     Stop wasting your time and grow a garden. Get right with God.
     Doug.
                                  ____

       Energy prices are terribly high and that is uncalled for 
     when we have resources in our own country available if we 
     could lesson some of the ridiculous environmental laws that 
     make it next to impossible to drill and refine our own oil. 
     If we could use our own resources the price of crude oil 
     should come down.
       I am retired and live alone, so my fuel needs are not 
     great. I have children and grandchildren whose energy needs 
     are great and the rising prices of food, health care, etc. 
     make life difficult for them. They work hard and some have 
     their own businesses and they have a hard time making ends 
     meet.
       We need to make use of the nuclear resources that we 
     already have in place in some areas of our state. Our 
     population is growing and that brings a need for more energy 
     for just living. We need a congress that will encourage not 
     discourage the use of what we have while other sources of 
     energy are being developed.
           Sincerely,
     Fern, Rigby.
                                  ____

       I believe every Congressman should be tried for treason to 
     this country who has not supported our energy independence!! 
     They have taken an oath to support the constitution and 
     defend the USA from all enemies foreign and domestic!!! We 
     have lost our sovereignty to the foreign oil countries and 
     the problem lies at the feet of Congress!!! In such a court 
     for treason there would be some found not guilty but there 
     would be many who would be found guilty and should be dealt 
     with accordingly!! Yes we need to protect our environment but 
     if we go down as a sovereign nation, who in this world will 
     take over our leadership on the issue of environment??? We 
     have to get our oil and energy independence back so that we 
     can lead the world in saving our environment!!! It is not 
     just about money!!! It is about saving this sovereign 
     nation!!!! Not only does our nation depend on it but all the 
     nations of the free world depend on our survival.
     Lee.
                                  ____

       I often wonder whatever has become of Senators and 
     Congressmen that love America beyond their own political 
     gain? For years and years the Senate and the Congress have 
     closed their eyes to passing bills that would have protected 
     we Americans from the horrific gas prices we now face. This 
     situation should never have happened! There is nothing that 
     justifies this crisis!!! As the greatest nation on earth, we 
     should not be dependent upon foreign oil We should never be 
     dependent upon countries that despise America. We have enough 
     oil in this nation to care for our own people!
       How shameful what you Senators and Congressmen have done to 
     us, the American people!!! Everyone is financially hurting. 
     In our opinions, it is treason on your part! This situation 
     is not going to get better until we drill here, drill now and 
     pay less
       We are disappointed and ashamed of our Senators and 
     Congressmen who sat by, and continue to sit by and allow this 
     nation to suffer financially. Do your job or resign!
     La Var and Marlena.
                                  ____

       My husband has his own business and it is a small 2 man 
     business but they are a valuable resource to our cities. They 
     have a carpet/disaster and restoration company. They are 
     always busy but because of the high price of everything 
     especially gas it really makes it hard on them. They cannot 
     raise their prices for fear of losing business but then again 
     they have to pay the high price of gas to keep customers and 
     keep them happy. It's a no win for them.
     Pam.
                                  ____

       As a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Idaho, 
     I appreciate your call for suggestions. I have two children, 
     8 and 12 yrs of age--a boy and a girl. Some of the things 
     that are affected are medical checkups that now go without 
     being done, even with the ridiculous insurance coverage, and 
     then entertainment. So with one big swoop, our lives have 
     just changed in two dramatic ways, one essential at times, 
     the other stress relief. Sad thing is I work in the oil and 
     gas fields. I know that animal rights activists are full of 
     crap for the most part. I see life in the fields far better 
     off than whatever they seem to see. (Or do not see). It is 
     safer for wild animals than it ever has been, and I just do 
     not see why we do not drill more. I am not a huge fan of oil 
     products being wasted, burned, and otherwise used, but let us 
     be real. We have been addicted to this, and now rely on it. 
     Drill, it is renewable. It regenerates, albeit at a slower 
     rate than grass and weeds. Let us look at affordable solar 
     harvest as well.
     Richard, Firth.
                                  ____

       As a small business owner (insurance agency), I have come 
     to realize that this dependence on the present energy sources 
     is not just an incapacitation to private concerns, but will 
     ultimately translate into higher ins. premiums due to 
     increased repair costs arising from parts manufacture costs, 
     repair shop employee costs etc.. This crisis will reach into 
     every avenue of our lives. At 56, I am trying to plan for 
     retirement. I am a licensed securities advisor, and as such 
     probably have better information than most to help to arrive 
     at a reasonable retirement income. However, my present plan, 
     due to energy prices has become doubtful. If my situation is 
     such, what of the common laborer? Will the gov't find 
     themselves caring for the aged in an even bigger way than at 
     present? Where will they get the funds with the increase of 
     baby boomers and reduction of upcoming generations? The 
     energy crisis will be a tremendous cost to our American way 
     of life. I personally believe that all americans should be 
     appraised of those in their voting district that do not 
     support a more aggressive move into the future of energy 
     independance. Perhaps those in elected offices will find 
     themselves more interested in acting upon the will of the 
     masses and less interested in the special interest groups, 
     their money, and in particular the environmentalists. While 
     the invironment must be preserved, it also must be utilized 
     and not be allowed to go unmanaged. I appreciate your 
     concerns, and would like to see someone provide the voting 
     public, the ``real time'' voting records of those in office. 
     It is always after the fact that the information is recieved, 
     if at all. Only when one's livelyhood is at risk, will a 
     person act decisively. Perhaps that would apply to those in 
     office as a result of instant notification of a negative 
     vote.
           Sincerely,
     Jerry.
                                  ____

       Sixteen years ago we moved 12 miles west of Blackfoot on a 
     small acreage to raise our two daughters along with our dogs, 
     cats, horses, and birds. Our oldest daughter has some 
     learning disabilities and is now an active Special Olympics 
     athlete. It was a long road to where she is today and that 
     was an amazing journey. Not long after moving, through our 
     church's children's ministry, we became aware of a great need 
     for safe and nurturing homes for damaged children. We 
     eventually adopted two boys and it was a good thing we lived 
     in the country because they liked to make noise. Some years 
     later we started to take in foster children and have now had 
     about 30 needy kids in our home (at different times I assure 
     you). Early in that venture we developed a relationship with 
     the Shoshone-Bannock people at Fort Hall and they have great 
     needs for homes to take care of their damaged children. Many 
     of our foster kids have been native children and we now have 
     three for which the tribe has allowed us guardianship. These 
     children are very needy and spend time daily with various 
     therapists and the oldest went to a developmental preschool 
     this year. Because of their needs, and our oldest daughter's 
     job at Wal-Mart, our vehicles do not even cool off most days. 
     My wife makes several trips to Blackfoot and to various 
     therapists every day. We travel 500 miles a week or more and 
     the gas prices are painful. However, we just do what it 
     takes. Relief from gas prices would be a wonderful blessing 
     but it does cause a dilemma for us because we are very 
     conservative and do not believe the government should solve 
     all of our problems. However, there are appropriate issues 
     for the government to take responsibility for and this may be 
     one.
       We have entrusted you with representing our interests to 
     the federal government so please evaluate this issue very 
     carefully and

[[Page S8270]]

     if you can find a sound moral and ethical way to help us 
     continue our contribution to our community and our neighbors 
     please strive for that.
       Thanks for your service.
     Dennis, Blackfoot.
                                  ____

       First it is nice to hear that the Senate is at least 
     thinking about it but I have to say that if the Senate needs 
     families to write a few paragraphs to explain what impact 
     these conditions are placing on the American family then I am 
     not sure the Senate is in touch with reality as they should 
     be.
       I have worked hard all my life and have provided well for 
     my family. I am very thankful for the opportunities given me. 
     I know that with hard work, kindness for our fellow man we 
     will continue to do well. However, these impacts will be 
     negative in the long run. They are putting undue stress on my 
     family, on my life and every discussion everyday is about 
     these prices and the affects it has on every aspect of the 
     economy. There will be less productivity, less education, 
     more broken families due to the financial stress and probably 
     most important less faith in our system.
       The American public has a government in place that has 
     become so out of touch with who it represents that I am not 
     sure anything will or can be done. There is too much greed 
     and dishonesty in our government system and those that lead 
     this country are in it for their own prosperity and not the 
     prosperity and best interests of the people. I feel the 
     liberals only want power and control. And I am not sure what 
     the Republicans represent anymore.
       These energy prices impact every aspect of our lives, 
     security and well being. If our government will not do the 
     right thing immediately then there will be ramifications 
     beyond belief and for generations to come. I am sure you know 
     this but I hope you do . . . Our forefathers would have never 
     have let this happen. We would be totally independent of all 
     foreign control. They would have known the liberty and safety 
     of this country would be at jeopardy.
           Best Regards,
     David.
                                  ____

       Today, I was in a grocery store where the fellow in line in 
     front of me bought a small bag of tomatoes for $7.00. 
     Tomatoes are not in season here, and have to be shipped from 
     California. The clerk said we will no longer be able to buy 
     Cyrus O'Leary pies, as the company is located in Spokane, 
     almost 100 miles away, and they are no longer willing to 
     deliver further than 30 miles. We are going to have to change 
     our ways of living, buying more locally produced goods. There 
     is great opportunity here for new local businesses. People 
     are going to have to once again learn how to eat the food 
     that is in season. Maybe local butcher shops will once again 
     thrive, and be able to compete with the giant slaughter 
     houses. None of this local economic development will happen 
     if we once again are able to buy cheap gas.
       I do not favor anything that will bring the price of gas 
     down. Our own natural reserves of oil in the ground should be 
     saved for future generations to be used in manufacturing and 
     other basic industries, instead of being burned up in 
     internal combustion machines. I agree with you wholeheartedly 
     that we need to turn to nuclear (providing there is adequate 
     resources of uranium) and other non oil energy sources, and 
     end our dependence on oil. Without the pain involved in high 
     oil prices, there will not be the will to make this difficult 
     transition. Please stop trying to extract the last drop of 
     oil from the ground so we can have cheap gas, and start 
     thinking about the future.
     Janet.
                                  ____

       This hits the nail on the head, Senator. Until we cut down 
     on the long-range use of fuels in this country for private 
     transportation, the costs will--most likely--continue to 
     accumulate and even accelerate.
       We see it on the highway as semi after semi tools along 
     burning more fuel that an equivalent freight train to handle 
     the same load. Somehow we have to come to grips with this or 
     we are going to find ourselves either walking, or starving, 
     or both.
       We see it on the highways and bi-ways of this country as 4-
     wheelers burn up fuel for recreation that could be put to 
     better use. And, if you so much as suggest this might be a 
     waste of precious resources, your political career would be 
     in jeopardy!
       I appreciate the positive steps that you have taken in 
     regard to legislation. The solutions are going to be hard--
     drill for oil, conserve what we have, eliminate unnecessary 
     trips and combine errands to save gas. And quit using 
     gasoline for recreational uses. These are some of the first 
     steps.
       But, ultimately, we are going to have to look deeply at the 
     problem of public transportation in this country. People are 
     too selfish and too intent on achieving their own ends to 
     cooperate until the situation becomes dire.
       But I am sure you will agree that this attitude of ``you 
     will have to pry my dead hands off the steering wheel (or 
     handlebars) to get me to stop my wasteful practices'' will 
     actually only cease when we run out of oil or can no longer 
     afford it. And that will be too late to do anyone any good.
       Limited public transportation options mean that many of us 
     do not have any choice but to keep driving and paying those 
     ever-increasing prices for fuel
     Ray.

                          ____________________