John Stossel, 'give me a break'

I feel compelled to comment on John Stossel's column of May 3rd.

Your view on taxing the big oil companies' windfall profits really amazed me. You stated, why punish them for making a profit?

The truth is, taxing profits is not a punishment. It's a way of life in our country for all working people and companies. The more you make the more taxes you pay. I do believe the oil companies have price-gouged the public, and has abused subsidies to get their record profits. The government hasn't tried to rectify the situation because too many in this administration were bought by big oil.

You also stated that if they are taxed, the cost will be passed down to ordinary people. Let me tell you what's affecting ordinary people -- the absurd prices at the gas pump people have to pay to get to work, and rising food prices because of high fuel costs. Then the airlines canceling their lower fares, or going bankrupt; merging, costing thousands of jobs. That's why we're in a recession, and the value of the dollar is so low.

Finally, you stated that the top oil executives aren't even making that much profit. I guess you can fool some of the people some of the time, but do you honestly believe that the majority of people will believe that? Puh-leeze! Give me a break!

Kay Heidenreich

Lake Zurich