Natural gas act

While campaigning, Barrack Obama promised that he would get us off OPEC oil within 10 years. Two years are gone, and we still don’t have a plan. In fact, there is some evidence that we’re going in the wrong direction.

In July 2010, we imported 388 million barrels of oil. That’s the single largest import month since Obama was inaugurated.

The Natural Gas Act — which lawmakers could address when they reconvene next week — could create jobs, clean up the environment and improve our national security. Tax incentives would be given to organizations that use domestic natural gas.

Election Day will soon be here. Those who are running for office need to take a look at this legislation. They should make promises to reduce our need for OPEC oil.

Jim Broome

Marlin

Personal onus

Barbara Collier’s Aug. 22 letter [“Help the poor, needy”] makes the common leftist assertion that it is the government’s responsibility to meet every human need and desire. That was not the intention of our Founding Fathers, nor is it delineated in the Constitution.

These men were intelligent enough to understand the broad ramifications of a nanny state. It is every citizen’s responsibility to do what is possible to mitigate human suffering. It is in no way the responsibility of the government to do so other than by providing for the common defense, establishing (legal, not social) justice, promoting (not providing for) the general welfare and securing the (available, not promised) blessings of liberty for current and future generations.

The government is to sustain an environment where we are all free to participate in the pursuit of happiness, not the assurance of plenty.

Kyle Cox

Woodway

Tax-free shopping

The back-to-school tax-free holiday has come and gone for another year. And as we look to the likely resurgence of the Republican Party in November, the tax-free holiday provides an example of Republican legislation we should avoid in the future.

The sales tax holiday was passed under Republican leadership, and party leaders wrongly take pride in their “achievement” each year. Is it really a significant benefit to offer a break from high taxation for just a few days?

This is like having a stranglehold on someone and then expecting appreciation for letting up for a few seconds.

John Pisciotta

Waco

Edwards and the vets

U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards worked tirelessly to help my brother, a disabled World War II veteran, receive the benefits he was entitled to after having fought for our country.

Edwards was there for my family, as he has been continuously for other veterans, during his tenure as our representative. He truly fights for those in this district. He will always have my vote.

Willie Fulton

Waco

Keep the peace

I own land on the Brazos River in Falls County and am upset at the number of disrespectful drivers who blast their music, destroying our peaceful serenity here.

Please turn it down!

David Schimschat

Robinson