Well, here we go again. Since the election in November oil prices have climbed to $69.00 a barrel, why? We are again paying almost $3 per gallon for gas. It appears the new Congress and the president have turned their heads to the fact that high gas prices are what caused this major problem with our economic system in the first place. When the election was at hand the politicians made sure the price of gas was down, they wanted the American people to think they were trying to solve the problems caused by the high gas prices. They tried to make us think that they were trying to bring some sort of order to the economy.
We have now given billions to AIG, General Motors, Chrysler and several big financial institutions. All this money has just been flushed down the toilet or into the pockets of the executives of these companies. Where have the billions gone? GM is now filing bankruptcy; AIG took the money and ran. How much of this government misuse of our tax money are we going to put up with? The banks are still making it impossible for the average person to refinance their homes or get a loan. Most financial institutions base their lending policies on credit scores. I am a retired banker and what ever happened to basing a loan decision on a person”s credit, capacity, collateral and character. Credit scores do not pay back loans. A credit score never replaces character in lending.
The president, congressmen and senators need to review their thoughts on change ? are we going from bad to worse? The solution is simple ? quit giving away our tax money to big business and help the average family that pays their taxes. The present stimulus package provides us $250. What are we supposed to do with it ? buy gas for our cars so we can make the oil companies richer?
Mr. governor you keep asking state workers to cut their salaries again. What about cutting state officials” pay and all their per diems, state cars and gas cards. How about this idea ? no pay to anybody until the budget is balanced. This must be done now. You guys are the ones who put us in the shape we are in now, not the taxpayers. Why should we have to pay higher taxes, more DMV fees and increased sales tax to fix a problem you state government elected officials and employees created.
Voters really need to look at who is elected in the next election. We have the power to get these people out of office. Pay attention to who runs and what their platforms are. Let”s try to fix this mess.
Fred Belka
Lakeport
