On May 9, local news reported that the price of a barrel of oil had reached $126. Earlier in the day, I had purchased some gas at a local station for $3.64 a gallon. The next day, the price was $3.74 a gallon.

Now, is it just me wondering, or how did the oil that was $126 a barrel get delivered, refined and put into the tank at my local gas station in less than 24 hours?

Oh, how foolish of me to think that the increase would only be felt when the $126-per-barrel-oil arrived at the pump. We all know when the price per barrel drops, the price at the pumps doesn’t get corrected that quick.

This is not about Republicans or Democrats; this is about access to the people we put in office, or lack of it.

Where are they when we need them?

How many people have had to make tough choices this winter because of gas and heating oil prices? Had to make a choice about being cold, hungry or not buying medicine(s) that might be needed?

Our elite representatives in Washington prove each and every day what money can buy: Them!

Shame on them!

Paul Parquette, Lewiston