OPEC squeeze.

Skyrocketing gasoline prices cited in the March 8 story, "No Relief in Sight--Supply Cited in Gas Cost, but Dilemma Is Demand," are primarily due to the success of the OPEC oil cartel in squeezing off production.

Tens of billions of dollars are leaving the American economy and ending up in the hands of dubious Persian Gulf regimes and others.

Incredible as it sounds, the U.S. government is actively supporting the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Iraq is a member of OPEC. The Bush administration should immediately take Iraq out of OPEC. After all, cartels and monopolies are illegal under American law and violate all principles of free enterprise.

Carl Olson

Chairman

State Department Watch, Woodland Hills

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