The voice on the tape is unnerving. Afraid, calm and doomed.

American Airlines flight attendant Betty Ann Ong was on board Flight 11, one of the two planes that crashed into the World Trade Center. Moments before the crash, Ong was able to call the airline and describe what was going on.

Although the content of the conversation has been made public previously, Tuesday, at a hearing of the independent commission investigating the attacks of Sept. 11, was the first time the tape has been played publicly.

It was absolutely chilling to hear Ong talk about how the plane was hijacked and the violence that ensued. It was also chilling to hear testimony of the immigration and security failures that allowed terrorists into the country in the first place. But hearing it is necessary.

At the same meeting, members of the bipartisan commission announced that they were seeking an extension to complete their work. That extension should be granted.

As it stands, Congress has imposed a deadline of May 27 for the commission. The work is undone and the commission needs more time.

But the White House and Republican congressional leaders oppose any date change, hoping to avoid the release of information during a heated election season. They are wrong not to allow for more time.

No doubt, Democrats would try to use the commission’s findings during the campaign. So would Republicans. All things are vulnerable to spin during a tight, contested election.

But finding out the truth behind Sept. 11 shouldn’t be derailed over political considerations. The commission’s work is important. They should be allowed to continue it. Voters can sort out fact from spin.


Oil prices


Oil prices are through the roof this winter, and the simplest explanation is that demand is outpacing supply.

The Department of Energy could ease the shortage by not buying oil during this peak time for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Sen. Susan Collins, along with Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan, has called on the DOE to postpone its planned purchase of oil until later this year.

The move makes great sense. Low supplies of crude make heating oil more expensive. The average barrel of oil is about $34. Last year’s average was $31, the highest annual average in 20 years.

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is an important safeguard for the country. But estimates from Collins’ office say it is driving oil prices up 20 percent.

That premium is being paid by consumers, especially in the Northeast, who face the double whammy of high heating oil and gasoline prices.

Collins should keep the pressure on.


Good and bad


The Maine Revenue Service says tax forms should be available this week, and we should start getting them in the mail by next week.

Uncertainty over tax law on the federal level delayed the printing of the books until after Congress adjourned around Thanksgiving, so they’re being delivered later than normal. Now the books on their way.

It’s like finally getting an appointment for a root canal after waiting weeks and weeks. It’s good news, but it’s hard to get excited about it.
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