Patriotism vs. profits? Please everyone, stop and observe what your windfall profits are doing to the people of this great country.

With respect to fuel, for example, don’t blame the oil companies for anything except market pricing (i.e. gouging).

The feds need to step in and abolish the practice of speculators bidding and setting these oil prices for future profits. They are driving the oil prices to approaching $150 per barrel.

Wouldn’t it tick you off if these speculators were found working directly for the oil companies?

It ain’t all OPEC. It’s our own people in this country.

Our current politicians are not interested in this country or the people because they have the power to stop it.

Instead, they choose to protect their own special interests rather than protect the American people.

Get new blood in Washington and in our state government. If they won’t do their job while in office, why listen to their promises during campaigns for re-election?

The petroleum companies and the pharmaceutical companies need to be regulated by the federal government as soon as we elect responsible officials.

It is obvious to me that someone needs to rein them in and control their profit margins and unfair market pricing.

Politicians tied to special-interest factions in this country or are involved in pork-barrel spending add-ons should go to prison.

I would call this a textbook example of a conflict-of-interest to the American people, and they’re causing the hardships that are affecting our daily lives.

It’s time to take control of our politicians.

Dave Baldschun is a

Port Orchard resident.