More Drilling Is No Miracle Cure

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

Ross Mackenzie's broadside at "extreme greens" for opposing new offshore drilling repeats the foolish notion that this country will eliminate its dependence on foreign oil by tapping "domestic" reserves.

Oil is a fungible commodity traded in a global marketplace. There is no "U.S. oil." It is simply oil, subject to the same market forces as any oil from any field in the world. Production from existing offshore leases is not at maximum. Companies selectively increase production from these leases when prices, determined in the futures market, make it profitable to do so.

Giving unfettered access to new areas is simply another giant giveaway. Nobody knows with certainty how much oil is available within U.S. borders. Locating and extraction from any new fields is so far into the future as to have zero effect on the price we pay for gasoline.

Eliminating dependence on foreign oil is a hugely complex task. With concerted effort it can be achieved. Depending on huge oil companies to punch new holes looking for ever diminishing crude supplies is head-in-the-sand idiocy.

Jeremy Seftor. Richmond.

Sustaining Anger Squanders Happiness

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

Convicted murderer William Morva's rant and tirade following his sentencing in court certainly belies his words about being innocent.

He clearly harbors extreme and treacherous anger, seemingly not toward a few, but toward our civilization: "They're going to sweep over your civilization," he says, "and wipe these smiles off your faces." It is conceivable that this young man has been angry for a long time throughout his life.

Quote me on this: Never has so much energy been squandered than when it has been spent on sustaining anger. Instead, it should be saved like currency; over time one can become rich and from time to time spend it on good things in a spirit of contentment and happiness.

Words to the wise? We would do well to teach this lesson to our children beginning at an early age.

John D. Sharp Sr. Midlothian.

African Dance Troupe Inspired Crowd

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

We still feel the spirit of the June 21 program at the Cultural Arts Center in Glen Allen. The Ezibu Muntu African Dance Company put on a memorable performance despite a sparse audience of fewer than 100.

Colorful costumes swirled across the stage on energetic bodies that defied human stamina. The vivacious dancers were supported by musicians who matched the exuberance, keeping up with the torrid pace in constant rhythm on their bongos. The movements accented by smiling faces kept an attentive and appreciative audience rocking in their seats.

The talent and enthusiasm of the artists was an inspiring experience but diminished by the poor attendance. Although I am affiliated neither with the dance group nor the cultural center, I urge all -- the next time one sees this troupe scheduled, hop to the ticket office. Entertainment is guaranteed.

Robert C. Layton. Glen Allen.

Hinkle and Brookins Draw High Praise

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

For many years I have read with great appreciation the excellent editorial columns produced by A. Barton Hinkle. A recent one, "Doctors Don't Surrender Consciences When They Put on White Coats," was so outstanding that I must write a commendation.

Hinkle's logic was superb and his morality was flawless. The crowning glory was the Gary Brookins' artwork showing the anxiety-ridden faces of twin snakes on the caduceus as they stared into the barrel of a gun whose action hammer was a courtroom gavel. Marvelous!

The Rev. W. Robert Floyd. Chester.