The corruption of utility companies

To the people of the United States of America:

Do you now have a sense that things are spiraling out of control, that we as a middle class no longer have the wherewithal to manage our own future, and you say, "How could this happen?" Well, in a nutshell, I will tell you: Gas and utility companies.

The gas and utilities, which are subsidized by the government, have without conscience broken the backs of the seniors and the middle class. How, you say? By raising gas and utility prices to levels that are no longer credible.

The gas companies, by gouging the working person, have also, through their actions, broken the U.S. auto makers by raising gas prices so quickly and without justification that the auto makers were unable to change the production of their car lines in time to keep from going bankrupt.

Next, the power companies used the guise that because of gas rates they needed deregulation. Yes, well, look at that white elephant. Deregulation was not done so utilities could compete. It was done so they could rob the less fortunate among us.

And sorry to say, there has not been a turn down in a utility request for a rate increase in years. Now add that to water companies and telephone companies, which increase all because of the excuse to raise gas and utility prices.

Well, those of you who have a vested interest in the gas and utilities companies may say that I don't know what I'm talking about. Well, I will give you an example of the amount of greed and corruption of gas and utilities companies. Better yet. I will give you two examples.

(1) The average family of four that lives in a 1,500- square-foot home pays, on average, $574 per month on electricity, $231 per month on gas costs and $66 per month on water usage for a total of $871 per month. And guess what? All of the above gas and utility companies are subsidized. Great, isn't it?

(2) The five largest gas companies last year made an amazing 424 BILLION dollars. Now, you vested people may want to say that you have a right to a profit, but this is rediculous. Now, most of us can't comprehend how much $424 billion is, but according to the Washington Post, you can lay $100 bills end on end and go from Houston, Texas, to our own nation's capitol two times around. And guess what else? When you completed the journey you would still have over $11 billion left.

Oh yes, on the example of subsidized utility costs that I mentioned above, the average senior's income on Social Security is $911 per month. Do you reckon any oil executive could live on a net of $40 a day? I think not.

Now, if you say my figures are wrong, I ask that you contact the public utility commission and ask for a Mr. Donnovan. Let him explain the money.

In the meantime, call your congressman and two senators and demand utility justice for all.

`Nuff said. Ray Smith Murchison, Tx.