Here we go again. Politicians see a sputtering economy -- after five years of strong growth and low unemployment -- and the media, good at bad-mouthing the administration, cry that the middle class is suffering and can't afford the high prices. Government must do something!

In this election year, our politicians will oblige quicker than a mousetrap closes. Congress and the administration are offering $600 to each irresponsibly spending consumer to ease the pain. Whose money? Never mind -- our grandchildren will figure that out.

We have known for more than 20 years that energy costs will soar since we have shut down virtually all increases in energy development and production of our own resources -- and we are now 70 percent dependent on foreign oil dictators. Our stampede into ethanol production, mostly from corn, has increased the price of feed and food more than 30 percent. Most people have no clue about economics, and the basics about supply and demand are not taught in our government schools.

Speaking of education, did you know that more than 50 percent of Ph.D students in physics and engineering at U.S. universities are foreigners?

The ignorant voting blocs that liberals depend on will continue to vote for their irresponsible programs. I hope we don't elect a king or queen of entitlements for president.

S.G. von Schweinitz, Appling