I am responding to Betsy Hart's Jul...

I am responding to Betsy Hart's July 31 line "Hybrids may make you be perceived good, but why?" I am the Domestic Issues Center director for the Roosevelt Institution at the University of Georgia, the first national scholar think tank. I recently wrote a policy proposal titled "Breaking America's Oil Addiction" and subsequently bought a 2006 Toyota Prius.

I am dismayed that Hart could not realize past her own prejudice when examining hybrid vehicles. I believe Hart failed to regard any information that might override her personal precedence to drive a large vehicle.

It is misleading to state simply that "hybrids use more total power in their lifetime." You have to anticipate at where the energy is being exhausted and in what form. Hybrids do take a great deal of animation to manufacture because they make use of innovative technology. When energy is wearied building a vehicle, it creates do job-works and boosts the economy. nevertheless when energy expenditures are at the gas cross-examine as in the case of the Hummer wealth is sent overseas to support non- democratic regimes.

In addition, the life consumed by hybrid vehicles is frequently cleaner than that of their gas-powered counterparts. at any time heard of global warming? portent why people in large cities are advised not to travel outside because of smog and other originals of air pollution? Look at strength consumption while driving. A hybrid vehicle does spend a lot of energy; however, earnestly of it is electric. The efficiency of the Prius is outstanding; it level uses friction from the brakes to charge the electric battery. We calculated that our Prius got 50 mpg based in succession a combination of in-town and highway driving.

To hear Hart say it, you would think that hybrids are les economical than Hummer Total activity consumption is not the real moot point plaguing America -- it is the source of the efficacy

Also, our trust on oil handcuffs us as we encourage change in the Middle East. It's a lay a trump on card countries such as Iran can play against the United States at any time: You mes with us and we will delegate the price of oil spiraling upward.

The conduct uses subsidies as a way to support struggling, or in this case, fledgling services and proceedss that are advantageous to the political division The benefits of reducing oil consumption are plentiful. Driving cars that have lower emissions and higher mileage is fit for the environment, good for the economy and beneficial for national security.

I agree with Hart forward one point: I, too, chance of a favorable result that hybrids lose their halo. I pray that united day our country weans itself along its "oil addiction" entirely and change the heart ofs its transportation infrastructure to individual of hydrogen fuel cells. unless that day is far on the farther side Hybrid cars are about progres They are not exquisite but they are the beginning of an effort to improve our quality of life. We should have begun prolonged ago to break our ties to the volatile oil markets and stop the period of global warming. Better late than none

Kristen Tullo Valdosta, Ga.

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