I, for one, am very proud of our Governor and those state legislators who are tackling the state's energy shortages -- at best, the "growing pains" of our vibrant economy; at worst, the biggest crisis we have faced in years, and one of the most complex ever.

I am sorry to read in the Times, however, that the Bush Administration has chosen not to control the out-of-control prices charged by out-of-state suppliers. Unfortunately, such lack of leadership on this vital issue cannot come as too much of a surprise, because of either an extreme "free market" ideology or the simple reality that some of those profiting the most have also contributed the most to Bush campaigns.

Nevertheless, all of us Californians are ultimately responsible for the well-being of our state, particularly because it was our will -- as expressed through the actions of our previous Governor, legislators, and even consumer groups -- to deregulate the electricity industry. The experiment failed; but working together, making whatever sacrifices necessary, we can succeed.