Another plan that's not well thought out

I drive a SUV and I fully support our troops and their mission.

If I read Mr. Toras' letter ("Real patriots cut back on gas use," July 21 Fence Posr) correctly, I am a hypocrite and a traitor and the only way to redeem myself is to get rid of my truck, enlist in the Marines and attempt to get shipped over to Iraq as soon as I possibly can.

Perhaps if we try the same successful surge plan in Afghanistan as worked in Iraq, it can be comprised of all middle aged men with a few formally Lexus RX-driving soccer moms thrown in.

Not knowing the writer, I have to speculate that he is a firm believer in the we-went-to-war-for-oil theory as well as an environmentalist.

When one writes a response letter like this, many feel he must be pro-pollution.

Let's be real. No one is of the mind-set that what the world needs is more pollution. I wish we could run our vehicles and industries on salt water, but that realistically just isn't the case.

I would, however, have to ask Mr. Toras where the oil we went to war for is because if ever we could use some extra oil, right now would be that time.

As far as your plan regarding what SUV drivers need to do, I would say it seems as well thought out as many of the other plans I hear coming from environmental groups.

If there was another way to power the world's needs that was efficient and cost effective, then we would already be using it.

Solar, wind, ethanol all seemed to have potential but what it costs to produce energy from these sources far outweigh their benefits and until that ratio changes, fossil fuels will be the answer.

I see where Mr. Obama has proposed a $150 billion research plan to find alternative sources of energy.

I'm sure this plan is endorsed by his enlightened colleagues in the senate.

These would be the same best and brightest who while grilling oil executives in Senate hearings ask them "Why don't you spend billions of your profits looking for alternative sources of energy?"

Just once I wish one of these executives would answer "Because I'm in the oil business, you moron."

Marc Thomsen

Elk Grove Village