Craig;

The media helps to “fuel” any subject such as the price of power and gasoline. We were told the biggest increase to electricity cost came from Canada (179% increase) and the Pacific North West. Another “news report” stated a 900% increase since January from Texas power companies selling power to California. The cost of power from Texas is played down – I would like to know why?

There are Federal Laws about “excessive charges for energy”, but I think we first have to overcome those advocates of the “Free Market” to realize what is going on. Here is a fact I stated in January – 25% of the Exports of the United States come from Silicon Valley, the place where many of us work including myself. 25 % of the agriculture grown in the United States comes from California. California is asking for a fair deal to continue its existence. I realize we did not vote for George W. and I guess we have to pay the price until there is an oil well on everyone’s front lawn.

If you think the problems in California will not affect you just be prepared.

There are advocates who think going on extended daylight savings time will solve the power problems. For those of us who were around in 1973-1974 – do you remember what we refereed to as “Nixon Savings time”? We had extended daylight savings time and children were going to school in the dark at 8 AM. After a few months of this it was determined that we actually used 5% more energy. Then there were Economic Phases 1, 2, 3, 4 and 4 ½. The Federal Government figured out we had to have 6% unemployment and did not allow any increases in salaries except for union negotiated contracts in effect before the law was signed. Prices were not allowed to increase and all this was done to “prevent inflation”. The reality was companies were “patriotic” when it came to not increasing salaried workers wages but increased prices anyway and the government did nothing.

Power and greed go well together! Sorry if I have offended anyone but my reality is my own.

Tom