Ideas on How to Cut Oil Dependency Range From Pedal Power to the Power of the Ballot

S. J. Diamond asked: “Why is there no movement--enlisting, one would think, both war supporters and war critics--to finally cut the oil consumption that got us into this?”

There is such a movement. A Thursday boycott of gasoline has already been called for by the Los Angeles Coalition Against U.S. Intervention in the Middle East.

The peace movement urges all Americans to stop buying gasoline on Thursdays and to lobby Congress, bought off by automobile industry political action committees, into passing laws that force General Motors, et al ., into implementing already perfected, fuel-efficient systems that get 75 miles per gallon. Congress must be persuaded, through sophisticated public participation in our democracy, into once again implementing alternative energy programs started during President Jimmy Carter’s Administration and gutted during the Reagan-Bush era.

The lack of moral conscience on the part of Congress transcends the issue of pro- or anti-war sentiments and unites all Americans.

The public must insist on the revamping of a U.S. political system that is based on personal greed and profit. This system, under which only the rich can afford to run for office, must be changed into a participatory democracy that emphasizes human rights.

TERRY YAMADA, San Pedro