They’re Really Pumping Up Those Gas Prices

Re “Don’t Expect Gasoline Prices to Return to Friendlier Levels,” March 1: We just got back from vacationing in the mountains of Colorado. We paid $1.499 per gallon last Thursday morning at a roadside gas station in the mountains, and $2.299 per gallon back in Los Angeles on Thursday night. Why the difference?

With differing gas taxes, I can understand some difference, but not more than 50%. Something is totally out of whack. Where is all of that money going? I’m not a conspiracy theorist ... but, huh?

Ken Pace

Laguna Beach

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Last March, I (who at the time was very much all for the war against Iraq) told my mother, “Do you realize how much oil they have? After we take over Iraq, we’re going to see 50-cent-a-gallon gas at the pumps.” She said, “I’ll bet you 20 bucks you’ll never see that.” Luckily I didn’t actually take her up on her offer.

And my mother hasn’t let me forget that brilliant projection, either!

Tom Ogren

San Luis Obispo

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If raising taxes on the wealthiest Californians is so bad for the state’s economy, why are the same free-market pundits silent on the rapid rise in gasoline prices?

A price increase of 50 to 60 cents a gallon since December will do more harm to small and medium-sized businesses, consumers and state coffers than any marginal tax increase in the highest income bracket.

Stephen Tulley

Pasadena