No peace with Biden

Dear Editor,

An eastside business has a large electronic message sign. Recently, the message sarcastically thanked President Joe Biden for a “world at war.” Of course, it’s justified. Consider the timeline.

Once inaugurated, Biden went to war on the abundant fossil fuels that provided energy independence during the Trump years. His shutdowns of pipelines and restrictions on drilling, along with huge federal spending, created the highest inflation in over four decades.

Having surrendered our energy independence, we are a net importer of crude oil, even though we have our own ample reserves. So we export fewer products.

This gives Russia the opportunity to sell more. Russia’s profits no doubt help it fund its despicable attack on Ukraine. Vladimir Putin observed our humiliating withdrawal from Afghanistan and was also emboldened by the foolish sacrifice of our energy independence. And one wonders how much of our abandoned military equipment, in Afghanistan, is now confiscated by terrorists Hamas was also likely emboldened, perhaps thinking “America is so occupied with supporting Ukraine. This is a good time to attack Israel.”

Pro-Hamas protestors amazingly accuse Israel of genocide.Hamas started this by launching over 7,000 missles into Israel without warning.Hamas murdered, and even mutilated,Israeli civilians of all ages. They took hostages.

As Israel justifiably counter-attacked some Palestinian civilians were caught in the cross-fire. That was totally the fault of Hamas who started it. Hamas has no qualms about using human shields,even in hospitals. And Israel dropped thousands of leaflets from planes,urging civilians to flee to safety before the counterattack. It’s worth remembering that the Palestinians elected a Hamas legislature in 2006,There have been no elections since. Buyer’s remorse, anyone?

Israel has also been falsely accused of apartheid. But Arabs make up 20% of Israel’s population,living there with more personal freedom than in other middle eastern nations.

So the “THX JOE” for ‘WORLD at WAR” has merit. Ronald Reagan advocated “Peace through Strength.” Today looks like “Chaos through Weakness’.

And wasn’t it sweet the government cleaned up San Francisco streets for Chinese President Xi’s visit? Xi must be pleased with his energy talks with Biden. It would assure him that we would buy solar energy products from China while continuing our current masochistic energy policies. In spite of China’s “‘promises,” it will do whatever it pleases as it leads the world in rapid construction of coal fired generating plants.

‘THX,’ Mr. President.

Terry D. Hallock,

Warren

Losing energy control

Dear Editor,

With the holidays coming up many Pennsylvanians are trying to budget for everything from seasonal decorations to elaborate dinners to gasoline for long car trips.

With smart energy policies we can help ensure that fuel prices don’t put a damper on this holiday season or those to come, as discussed in “Gas price flat in Warren County” (Nov. 15).

With growing global uncertainty, it is important that America prioritizes energy security and reliability, especially going into winter. U.S. energy producers can help secure our energy future, but it requires supportive energy policies.

Just this year the administration has raised fees for oil and natural gas development, canceled planned lease sales and released an offshore leasing proposal with the fewest lease sales in the federal program’s 43-year history. Taken together, these efforts – and unfortunately, many more – could result in increased reliance on foreign energy.

It is important to enact policies that ensure long-term energy security and resilience. This includes allowing new oil and natural gas leases on federal lands and passing permitting reform to help kickstart new infrastructure projects. What happens in Washington can impact consumers here in Pennsylvania.

Hopefully, the administration will recognize this soon and choose a course that includes all forms of American energy.

Stephanie Catarino Wissman,

Executive Director,

American Petroleum Institute Pennsylvania,

Harrisburg