Congressman,

While I agree with you that we need broad energy policy changes we cannot pretend to be dealing with the ever increasing cost of energy if we don't talk about the value of the dollar. I am not accusing you of this, but the common political spin is to solely blame OPEC, refinery shortages, hurricanes, and consumption as the reason for increased energy cost.

As I read what commodity traders are saying I don't hear them giving the same excuses as most politicians do. Just this week oil hit prices never seen before, and the reasoning was, and I quote "Prices scaled historic heights on Monday as they were energized by the weak dollar."

I know you know this, but if we really want to deal with the cost of energy we have to get government spending under control. We cannot continue the deficit spending and expect OPEC countries to want to invest in the American dollar. As we continue to undermine the value of the dollar through our deficit spending we should come to expect $4 a gallon at the pump.

Congressmen, due to your constituent's faithful support you are in a very unique position to really tackle one of the biggest issues of our time. While our support for you is strong, and the weight of your constituents is propping you up, stand up and tackle this albatross around our necks. With our support and the seniority you now enjoy you can boldly lead us into the 21st century.

This is my challenge to you, stand up and propose a federal balanced budget amendment. There is no greater legacy you could leave then that of a balanced budget amendment. Without this amendment future Americans will scorn our names and we will be viewed with the utmost contempt by them. We cannot continue to enslave our children and grandchildren for generations to come. Congressman, Carpe Diem.

David Gidcumb
j.d.gidcumb@gmail.com

* * *

Congressmen Wamp will do whatever the TVA tells him to do. Last week nuclear was too expensive, too risky, too vulnerable. This week nuclear is our savior. Sorry but I am not buying it. I thought we were going to get the Iraqi to pay for their liberation. Whatever happened to the second largest known reserve in the world?

Maybe we should invade Canada next. We get more oil from Canada than any other single country, Yes Canada. Check the latest DOE figures.

Congressman Wamp can't really speak to any of the ills we face at the pump. Congressman Wamp and the Republicans have buried the country in debt. Financing a war for oil with money they do not have.

Congressman Wamp consistently votes for spending billions on the hope for Iraqi oil. All the more reason to wonder what the congressman would say on the house floor? There isn't a Republican in the congress or many Democrats, that wouldn't get belly laughed right off the podium for proposing a balanced anything.

Never mind "seize the day," more like "falsidicus politcian."

Glen Harris
Chattanooga