Raves, Rants & Roses

RESPONSE: In response to Donald Baker's June 17 rant about the oil refinery issues.

Where have you, Congress and the Presidents been? It seems you only know what has been shown on CNN and the electronic media.

Well, be informed sir. As a member of the United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters Union for 39 years, here is a report of what I know for fact.

First of all the words, "No new," has been used by the President, Senate, Congress and news media, hoodwinking U.S. citizens.

Here is a quick review of my work history.

In 1992 (16 years ago, not 30), Hess Oil built a new refinery on the island of St. Croix U.S.V.I. and has expanded (built six more since then) the latest coming on line in 2006.

St. Croix is in United States Territory, not a state like Alaska or Hawaii. That's where the President and all his men are misleading the public.

In 1988 (20 years ago, not 30) Glenn Rose Texas Comanche Peak Twin Nukes were built.

In 1985 South Texas Nuclear was built.

Between 1976 and 1983 at Hanford Wa. Atomic Energy plant facilities four reactors were being built, United 1 and 2 and units 3 and 5 were in Western Washington. Unit 2 was completed and 1 and 4 were moth-balled.

In 1974 the Breeder reactor was built to supply units 1-2-3-4 and 5 with fuel with (plutonium).

The working man was getting rich so the government locked out 30,000 workers in one day at Hanford, Wa., atomic energy.

Since then nuclear power houses (not counting coal) have been build in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and California.

In 1991 Mobil Oil in Beaumont was expanded. Once again in 1996 (not 30 years ago).

In the 1980's Texas, B.P., Gulf, Chevron have all been expanded.

Conoco in Concord, Calif., was expanded in the mid 1990's (not 30 years ago).There's more but I hope everyone gets the picture.

Yes "no new" has been used a lot in recent times, but the word "expanded" has been left out.

There have been at least 19 refineries that have been closed since the '70s.

No telling how many others have been expanded. Remember this is just part of one man's work history.

St. Croix (Hess Oil Refining) is the worlds eighth largest, right here in United States Territory.

Now Mr. Baker and citizens you're more informed.

James Creamer
Lindale