Getting to the Source of Rising Gas Prices

Re “Why Gas Prices Suddenly Shot Up,” Aug. 19: Lies, lies, lies. Our soldiers in Iraq are putting their lives on the line and dying for the big oil companies. Meanwhile, at home, those same oil companies, in a two-week period, have raised gas prices from $1.55 to $1.93 -- 38 cents -- effectively taking food out of the mouths of their families.

Our politicians in Sacramento are playing politics and not doing the job they were elected to do. It’s time for a full investigation of the gas rip-off now.

Robert Profaca

Long Beach

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When gas prices soared in March and April we were told it was due to the war. Then, a couple of months later, we heard that Exxon Mobil Corp. had made more profit in the first quarter of 2003 than during the whole of the previous year, proof that the price increase had nothing to do with increased cost. When energy companies robbed California of $9 billion, one of the ruses they used was to keep plants closed to create a phony “shortage” of power to justify a rate increase.

The given reasons might be legitimate this time around, but I doubt it. After all, what motivation do these companies have to behave ethically? The people don’t seem capable of connecting the corporate crimes they read about to the prices they pay, and we all know the Bush administration is not going to ask any embarrassing questions.

Brian Crites

Culver City

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Gas prices suddenly shot up and it is due to refinery problems and a pipeline failure. Therefore, since I have been sick and can work only four days a week, my wage will go up 20%. Right?

Albert Jakobsen

Arcadia

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Forget about refinery problems and pipeline failures. The real reason gas prices went up is because I’m going on vacation. Happens every time.

David Hilts

La Palma