We created our own gas monster

To the editor:In response to Andy Wiesner's comments on gasoline prices, I would remind Wiesner of some of the root causes of our energy problems.

1. Drilling oil wells on and offshore has been severely restricted for many years, forcing foreign dependency.

2. Restrictions on building refineries: We have about half the number needed, and the ones we have are on the low end of their life cycle. Continuing problems are a major cause in gas price spikes.

3. Reformulations and special additives contribute to increased refining costs.

Alternative fuel development is not well-accepted in many areas: Wind power is dangerous to birds, solar power creates an ugly environment, biodiesel takes food from the masses.

Anyone who has taken marketing 101 knows all businesses operate on a margin of profit. That margin stays the same regardless of wholesale prices. As wholesale prices increase, the dollars of profit increase, but not the percent of gross margin. Oil-company profits go up and down based on wholesale prices set by OPEC and the free market.

We have created this monster ourselves over the last 40 years, primarily with an out-of-control environmental and politically correct society.

I am not in any way connected with the oil industry, but I have witnessed the slow demise of our oil industry in Kern County, Calif., where 10 percent of the oil in the United States and about 1 per cent of the oil worldwide is produced.

BILL PALMER, Bakersfield, Calif.