In response to Joseph Cimino (letter, March 17), the quote from Grover Norquist was from a speech Norquist gave to the Conservative Political Action Conference on Feb. 23.

Republicans also say, “Let’s compromise; just do it our way.” Many Republicans will not compromise under any circumstances.

When President Barack Obama was elected, Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell stated his goal was to make Obama a one-term president. Most Republicans have worked against anything the president tried to do, making it nearly impossible for Congress to agree on reasonable solutions to the nation’s problems.

Gas and oil prices are controlled by the global economy and speculators, not by a president. Economists have indicated that even if oil companies drill all the wells they have planned, it might decrease the price of gasoline by only 3-4 cents per gallon. It would be many years before the oil is available.

Even some conservative economists have conceded that if the measures used to help banks had not been put into effect, there would likely have been a complete collapse of the nation’s financial system. They have also conceded that if help had not been given to auto companies, more than 1 million jobs could have been lost because the banks did not have the money to loan.

Unless the rhetoric and vitriolic speech on both sides is toned down, it is we, the people, who will suffer the consequences for the lack of reasonable solutions.

Stan Tetenman, Poland

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