Editor, The News:

If ever there was an industry that cries out for federal regulation, it is the petroleum industry.

I thought monopolies and trusts were supposed to be illegal, yet here we go with several different oil companies, all under different names, charging the same price for gas.

A big shot from the oil companies was testifying before a Senate committee hearing, which I think is put on only to make the people back home think they are getting some government for their money.

The senator asked the question, “We understand that big oil made a profit of $10 billion last quarter (last quarter of 2007).” With a straight face and without batting an eye, the executive replied that yes, they had a good quarter the last quarter of 2007, but that they had plunked the majority of the money back into the business for research into ways to find new oil, drilling techniques, etc.

This from the same yokel that when he retired six months later, he was given perks, cash and stock options worth $300 million. That is obscene.

With lobbyists, political action committees and the general climate of corruption that is to be found in government today, maybe it would be better to wait until Barack Obama gets in to shake things up.

Oh, don’t forget that Martha Stewart lied to the grand jury and wound up doing jail time over it. Scooter Libby lied to a grand jury and got a fine and no jail time at all.

Two border patrol agents drew lengthy sentences for shooting a drug dealer. I wonder, in view of how the border patrol treated two of its own, how recruiting is going in that worthy organization.

This country is screwed up royally. I just hope Obama can save it.

Jack Mansell

Ellwood City