The cost of energy has gotten out of hand. I talk to people all the time who complain about their energy bills -- imagine trying to run a center that has 100 people going in and out. It's all I can do to pay the electric bill.

As an advocate for Augusta's families, I can attest to the hardships many of them are facing. Through my work at Friendship Community Center, I do all I can to help alleviate these stresses, but I can't do it alone. Someone higher up has to take responsibility.

Case in point: Congress is sitting on energy legislation that could help us with the high costs. Instead of thinking about those who really need the help, it seems our legislators are worried about how it will affect the oil companies.

It's time to get away from this kind of thinking. We need energy security, and we're only going to get that through increased domestic energy production!

The longer we leave our energy demands in the hands of foreign countries, the longer we'll be subject to paying whatever they ask for it.

Phylis Holliday, Augusta

(The writer is executive director of Friendship Community Center, 1720 Central Ave.)