To the editor:

I read the article in the Great Bend Tribune: “Kansas weekly gas prices rise more than 5 cents” (March 10 issue, posted online March 9). As a car driver, I hate to see any increase in the price of gasoline. While I realize that price increases in gasoline, may help oilmen, I still think it is detrimental. When gasoline prices were low, more people could afford to ‘top-off’ their car’s fuel tank. Although I realize the new presidential administration is pushing so-called “green-energy” (and to a degree I support ‘green’ as a portion of our overall national portfolio of conventional oil, clean coal, nuclear - with added safeguards) as well as wind and solar. As we have all seen from reading the national news, the recent freak snow and ice storm literally froze-down wind turbines (which I call wind-chargers) and froze natural gas lines, not to mention bursting water lines both inside homes and underneath streets. Our nation must think smart, think long-term, and think about the unforeseen. I really think it is wiser for gasoline prices to remain modest and affordable, since food, supplies and even infrastructure materials are transported in some way usually by gasoline or by diesel fuel. If we keep things low, everyone benefits. I am a great believer in the quote often said by the late President John F. Kennedy: “A rising tide lifts all boats.” He meant giving even the tiniest vessel (or person) a chance to stay afloat and not be priced-out of not only discretionary purchases, but also the purchases of the necessities of life. Lower gasoline prices would help “The FED” have incentive to keep interest rates low and keep the economy on an even keel. If any one sector gets too greedy we all suffer.

James A. Marples

Esbon