Proof that gas prices are gouging consumers

Several months back, crude was approximately $12/barrel and regular unleaded gasoline was near $1/gallon. This establishes a benchmark. Industry spokespersons have stated that for every $1/barrel increase in crude, there is a 2-1/2 to 3 cent increase per gallon in cost.

Benchmark crude is now at $41.50/barrel. This being the case, retail should be (per formula) $41.50 - $12 = $29.50 x .03 = $0.885 above the $1/gallon mark or $1.885 for unleaded regular. #2 fuel is $0.36/gallon lower which should put its retail price at $1.52/gallon.

The New York spot market price as of May 19 was: unleaded regular $1.4128, premium $1.5878 and #2 diesel $1.0508. Retail prices at Winners Corner, 5th and Saliman, Carson City as of that date: unleaded regular $2.259, premium $2.459 and #2 diesel $2.279. These prices have all the built-in taxes and profits that were in place before current increases.

So where is the additional $0.38/gallon for unleaded gas and $0.76/gallon for #2 diesel going? Sen. Reid may be correct in saying big oil companies and refiners are getting rich. You may be able to add distributors to that list.

If the problem is known, why can't it be fixed? Maybe forced reductions in price to pay back the consumers for over-charges? Also, some of the ideas in the Nevada Appeal "Your Two Cents" column are valid. Oil shale, coal and low-yield oil fields are other domestic sources of energy that are under-utilized due to environmental pressures.

RALPH M. BUSCHER

Carson City

Guess who Democrats will send to convention

The author of the letter (Nevada Appeal, May 14) is correct in one statement. The Republicans do have a platform. Of course same is "out of touch with the state" because it is the Republicans Party's platform. What's new?

The querulous nature of the Democratic Party creates an insatiable appetite for controversy. Each point in your letter could be addressed; let's stick to one: The Middle East problem. Terrorists struck this country. President Bush struck back abroad not allowing another attack at home, so far, thank God! Democrats revere John F. Kennedy. He started the Vietnam conflict (1962). Vietnam never attacked us. Johnson turned Vietnam into a disaster. Over 58,000 lives were lost.

The latest news! The TV personality, the man who makes a very profitable living by hosting unfortunates, nudity, lovers, drug addicts, prostitutes - usually accompanied with obscenities, lewd and offensive behavior. This guy was elected as a delegate (from Ohio) to attend the Democratic Convention in Boston. Jerry Springer. No further comment!

WILLIAM LEPORE SR.

Minden

Discharging firearm in neighborhood bad idea

Regarding Trooper DelSoldato's judgment in shooting his Shar-Pei, Nevada Appeal May 19, I would like to believe that our peace officers have some measure of compassion and restraint instead of a conquer and destroy mentality. But I do not, knowing that cowboy cops will shoot wildlife such as the recent cougar and bear killings, and now their own domestic animals, without taking steps to avoid such drastic and traumatic scenes.

Why did he not call Animal Control instead of discharging his firearm in his east Carson City neighborhood? Quoting Gary Oldman in Bram Strokers' Dracula: "There is much to be learned from beasts."

VALERIE KLEIN

Carson City

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