Shame on Scott Garrett

To the Editor: To Scott Garrett, our representative in Congress: I am appalled by your recent “yes” vote to open the Arctic refuge to oil drilling. But then, perhaps I should have known you would vote in favor of the H.R. 5429 bill. Your record in the past has usually been against environmental preservation. Hats off to 30 Republicans and the handful of Democrats who voted for Arctic drilling in the past, but who did vote to save the Arctic. Bottom line: Even in the face of rising gas prices, more members of Congress are tiring of the same old drilling scheme that benefits only the oil companies and does nothing to lower gas prices or solve our long-term energy problems. Make no mistake: House leaders know full well that this bill is highly unlikely to pass the Senate, where members from both parties have blocked Arctic drilling in the past. The only reason they rushed the bill to a vote was to give the appearance of doing something about rising gas prices. But the American people are no longer fooled by empty political stunts -- and neither are a growing number of representatives. When will you wake up and realize that oil is not the answer to our dilemma? We need to come to terms with our wastefulness and reduce driving gas-guzzling vehicles. I am ashamed that you represent New Jeresey, since I am sure the majority of your constituents are not in favor of drilling in the Alaska wilderness. Solutions lie in conservation efforts and finding alternative energy sources. Shame on you for not listening to our voices! M Mester Highland Lakes