Time for a Sea Change

In regards to your recent article on the Marine Life Protection Act, [“Policing the Seas, August 11-17] I am writing to remedy a false impression that may have been given by the story.

I regret that this story (about an important effort underway to restore and manage ocean life) led off with what appeared to be a glib statement on my part that ancient Polynesians treated poaching as a death penalty offense.

I take very seriously the importance of working with and seeking a common ground with all ocean users—including commercial and recreational fishermen—to improve ocean management. The reference to traditional Maori fisheries management resulted from a discussion about a year that I spent in New Zealand studying fishery policy in that region. I apologize to anyone who was offended.

The Marine Life Protection Act requires creation of an improved network of marine protected areas—including fully protected marine reserves, but also state marine parks—open to recreational fishing, and state marine conservation areas where some forms of commercial or recreational fishing may be allowed. The MLPA process requires that all ocean stakeholders work together to seek the best solutions that help our oceans and the people who depend upon them.­—Kaitilin Gaffney | The Ocean Conservancy

Things Stay the Same

I thought the 1970s were long gone. But I’m not so sure.

I remember back then we were bogged down in an unwinnable war in a country that posed no threat to us. The government told us to be patient, we would eventually win, and we couldn’t just “cut and run.” I recall we kept that war going for years, at the cost of thousands of lives, until we eventually retreated by helicopter.

I also remember a scandal that began slowly, but kept growing. It was fed by lies and cover-ups, moving up through the White House chain of command, until it finally brought down the president.

Remember that quote, “Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.” Seems the president and his cronies slept or were in a stupor through the 1970s. They sure didn’t learn anything.—Arlen Grossman | Del Rey Oaks

Fueling Up is Out of Sight

These rising gas prices are ridiculous! Yet the oil companies continue to make record profits. How long will it continue? The oil and gas industry is driven by the OPEC cartel and the big oil companies. It’s an “oilopoly.”

I’m fed up with politicians who talk about lowering energy costs but do nothing to achieve it. I call for posting of all government finances to the Internet, so the public can see how Congress spends our money. See www.postthefinances.com.

Too many unnecessary taxpayer-funded projects go to the districts that have powerful Congressmen to lobby for them. I also call on President Bush to use his executive power and impose a price freeze on gas. Let’s take the heat off the American people.

At nearly $3 a gallon in many places, many people are working just to earn money for gas, which they need in order to get to work. It’s becoming a vicious circle. Winter is just around the corner, and for seniors and families who depend on oil for home heating, it’s going to be disastrous.

We must keep up the pressure on President Bush to put the interests of the American people before those of the oil companies.—Steve Mozena | Carson, CA