Wisconsin Dems forget representative government Re: “In Wisconsin, the gap widens between GOP and Dems,” Feb. 22
As a former resident of the great state of Wisconsin, I am deeply ashamed of what has been happening to the state government. Democratic legislators have forgotten what it means to be a part of a representative republican government. In the last election a majority of the people of Wisconsin voted for the idea that their state government was spending too much money and the budget needed to be cut.
To have the rightful will of the majority thwarted by a minority of legislators sets a dangerously bad precedent for countries like Egypt and Libya, who should be looking to America as an example of the rule of law. It is time for not only the people of Wisconsin, but all citizens of America and lovers of republican government everywhere to demand that the missing Democratic legislators return to fulfill the duty for which they were elected.
Christina Ojala
Fort Belvoir
Seed monopolies prevent innovation
Re: “Ethanol industry buys a top seed and three key politicians,” Feb. 15
Your recent article “Ethanol industry buys a top seed and three key politicians” misses one key obstacle that is hindering supply. New yield-boosting technologies are being kept from coming to market.
Thanks to Monsanto Company’s abuse of seed patents and licensing agreements, they now control 98 percent of the soybean and 79 percent of the corn trait markets. The market is gripped by a single supplier that is acting as a bottleneck to competition and choice.
In essence, Monsanto is able to stand in the way of innovative technology and artificially drive up prices. As the population continues to grow at a rapid pace, farmers are finding it more difficult to keep up with demand because of tight profit margins. It’s too bad Monsanto is more concerned with using anti-competitive tactics to extend its monopoly than with making food more affordable.
Stephen DeMaura
Alexandria
Stop freezing domestic oil production
Re: “Oil, gold soar as Mideast tensions mount,” Feb. 22
The price of oil went up more than $5 today surpassing $91 per barrel because of revolution in the Middle East, which means it is likely that our recession will deepen with inflation. Obviously, when the price of gas is headed for $4 or even $5 per gallon, the price of nearly everything goes up.
Oil companies and speculators are not to blame for raising prices when imported oil is at risk. Blame environmental zealots and government for freezing and reducing domestic oil exploration and production. That’s why our dependence on imported oil is so high, and our national security is more at risk.
The push for costly and unreliable green energy only exacerbates the forthcoming energy crisis, which could have been ameliorated by increasing coal energy and opening up our substantial oil resources 10 years ago. Indeed, it takes five or 10 years to bring new on- and off-shore wells and more refineries into full production. Failure to start now will be tantamount to economic suicide.
Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley, Calif.
