Dear Editor,

This situation of not testifying under oath is another

perfect example that the Bush Administration/Republi-

can Party are still working solely on their own behalf.

They clearly are not working on behalf of the American

People. These people have zero patriotism for our

country and our citizens.

What will it take for members of Congress to find creative ways to get media attention so that they can make a really big deal out of an issue like this? The fact that the Republican Chair of the committee (Stevens of AK) chose not to put these witnesses under oath should have prompted the Democrats to demand it -- call a television reporter and make this another example of "the culture of corruption and cronyism"??? I cannot understand what they have to lose by standing up to the Republicans and facing them down. Bullies usually back down when confronted by their victims with strength and conviction.

What David Taylor said. Furthermore, the way

to encourage oil conservation is to punish oil

consumption. Punitive prices are a good way to

do that. The main effect of punishing oil use

is worth the side effect of greater oil company

profits.

Liberals, which is what Salon's readership is

supposed to be, need to start reconfiguring their

lifestyles to reduce their energy use. Perhaps

gas needs to reach $10.00 a gallon to make that

point.

I would hope that at least one executive would have had the self respect and respect for the system that made him wealthy to say something like --

"We operated completely legally under all applicable laws of the United States. If consumers do not wish to contribute to these profits, they should live closer to work and drive a Prius."

Every American needs to be reminded that we live in a capitalistic system, to check in with themselves once again whether they are happy with that arrangement.